The Golden Age of Endurance: 1971–1979

The first modern triathlon emerged from a decade of rapid change in endurance sports. Road racing expanded, masters athletes redefined lifelong competition, women and young athletes gained greater visibility, and volunteer-led events brought new participants to starting lines throughout San Diego.

Drawing from monthly newsletters, race results, photographs, interviews, and documented events, this series traces the people, ideas, and experiments that shaped the decade. Begin with The Golden Age of Endurance for the complete overview, followed by 1971: Before the Boom, the first installment in the year-by-year documentary series.

Production note: The year-by-year documentaries covering 1972 through 1979 are currently in production and will be added to this page as they are completed.