Triathletes to watch at the Rio Games

TRIATHLETES TO WATCH AT THE RIO OLYMPICS

AUSTRALIAN

AARON ROYLE: The first selection for the Australian triathlon team, thanks to his sixth last August at the Rio test event. Also finished third in June at a World Series race in Leeds against a strong field.

ERIN DENSHAM: Has struggled for form and health since her stirring bronze medal at the London Games. But selectors took a punt on her with a discretionary pick, mindful that if Densham can regain top form she remains a dangerous competitor.

INTERNATIONAL

ALISTAIR AND JONNY BROWNLEE (Great Britain): They went first (Alistair) and third (Jonny) at their home Olympics and remain a potent double act, as shown by their quinella in the Leeds race.

JAVIER GOMEZ (Spain): Split the Brownlees with his silver at the London Olympics and still one of triathlon's biggest stars, with five world championships over the Olympic distance and also a world long-course crown. One of very few men who can match the Brownlees on the run.

GWEN JORGENSEN (United States): The former tax accountant has risen rapidly in the last four years to be the woman to beat in triathlon at the Rio Games. Boasted an astonishing 13-race winning streak in World Series races from 2014 that was broken on the Gold Coast in April.