Anyone can be a triathlete. Any one who can swim, bike and run can participate in a triathlon. When you look at websites and magazines you may see pictures of a super fit muscle man or woman with a great tan but in reality triathletes come in all shapes and sizes, don't train full time and don't have sponsors. Triathletes tend to be very healthy individuals, they are very organized in daily life and are very fit. The average triathlete is a 30+ professional who balances a job, three sports and possibly a family.