This year Diana Nyad finally made it through the jellyfvish gauntlet from Cuba to Key West, Meredith Novack's Maui Channel swim support crew had a close encounter with a tiger shark, Jodie Swallow had a 46:09 swim at Ironman Frankfurt and competitors young and old on five continents braved the waters of triathlon's first leg.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

A pro launches into Mission Bay on the second lap of the swim at the $20,000 Super Sprint Triathlon in San Diego.

Age group men take off at Wildflower Long Course.

The Wildflower swim start chute can get mighty crowded.

XTERRA Beaver Creek age group swim start.

Test dive at San Diego World Triathlon Series.

Pro women start at San Diego WTS.

Cavalry charge swim start at San Diego WTS .

Pro men charge to the swim finish at San Diego WTS.

Age grouper braves cold water at Pacific Grove.

Age group woman smiles while struggling out of her wetsuit at Pacific Grove.

Pro men start San Diego Super Sprint Triathlon.

Sarah Groff exits the swim on her way to victory at the Mission Bay Super Sprint Triathlon.

Triathlete start just before dawn at the Israman Triathlon in Eilat.

Swimmers run along the beach during the lap one turnaround at Israman.

Few equipment restrictions for the youngest competitors at the Kona Splash and Dash for kids.

Kids charge while watchful parents keep an eye on family.

Kids charge to the beach at the Kona Splash and Dash.

Pro women start Boulder 5150.

Age groupers charge into the surf at XTERRA World Championship in Maui.

Steam rises from RallySport heated pool on 19 degree day in Boulder.