1979 — The World Discovers Ironman
All yearsThe World Discovers Ironman
Sports Illustrated sparks global interest; TV follows.
- 4events
- 1types
- 0library
Curiosity explodes after national media spotlight the Hawaii event. Television’s imminent arrival will catapult triathlon into living rooms worldwide.
Highlights
- Triathlons spread on the U.S. mainland
Local organizers in California and beyond staged early swim-bike-run races, signaling wider adoption of the new sport.
- Ironman briefly considers relay format
To boost participation, organizers floated a team-relay concept, but surging solo interest after SI’s article kept Ironman an individual test.
- Sports Illustrated puts Ironman on the map
Barry McDermott’s 10-page feature ignited global curiosity; inquiries poured in and interest in entering exploded.
- Second Ironman Triathlon—first female finisher
San Diego’s Tom Warren won in 11:15, while Boston’s Lyn Lemaire became the first woman to start and finish, placing 6th overall in 12:55 and earning the moniker “Ironwoman”.
Notable events
January
- moment
Second Ironman Triathlon—first female finisher
San Diego’s Tom Warren won in 11:15, while Boston’s Lyn Lemaire became the first woman to start and finish, placing 6th overall in 12:55 and earning the moniker “Ironwoman”.
May
- moment
Sports Illustrated puts Ironman on the map
Barry McDermott’s 10-page feature ignited global curiosity; inquiries poured in and interest in entering exploded.
July
- moment
Ironman briefly considers relay format
To boost participation, organizers floated a team-relay concept, but surging solo interest after SI’s article kept Ironman an individual test.
August
- moment
Triathlons spread on the U.S. mainland
Local organizers in California and beyond staged early swim-bike-run races, signaling wider adoption of the new sport.