It was a grand idea by an early multisport impressario, Dave Horning: a point-to-point triathlon from the lower end of Manhattan, with a view of the Satue of Liberty, with a finish at the Liberty Bell in downtown Philadelphia. Easier said than done, but somehow most of the 140 starters made it to the finish line in Philly. Since this was 1984, the Hudson River was a bit of a question when it came to cleanliness.  But viewing the start, an observer was tempted to paraphrase Butch Cassidy: "Pollution? The fall will probably kill you." 
 

“Most photographers seem to operate with a pane of glass between themselves and their subjects. They just can’t get inside and know the subject.” – W. Eugene Smith

The transition area is what sets triathlon apart from other sports. Nowhere else does the scene shift so quickly, so completely, with such frantic intensity. In 2014, transition areas are still chaotic, even at the elite level, where seconds and even small portions of a second, can mean the difference between a paycheck and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.