Counting the Elite- How Many Individuals Have Achieved the Impressive Calendar Year Triple Crown Milestone-

How many people have completed a calendar year triple crown?

The concept of a calendar year triple crown is a rare and prestigious achievement in the world of sports. It refers to an athlete’s accomplishment of winning three major events within the same calendar year. This feat is so rare that only a select few have ever achieved it. In this article, we will explore the history of the calendar year triple crown and discuss the number of individuals who have successfully completed this remarkable feat.

The calendar year triple crown has been achieved in various sports, including horse racing, cycling, and even swimming. Each sport has its own set of prestigious events that are considered to be part of the triple crown. For example, in horse racing, the Triple Crown consists of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. In cycling, the Grand Tours, which include the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España, are the events that make up the cycling triple crown. In swimming, the triple crown is achieved by winning the Olympic Games, World Championships, and World Cup.

As of now, the number of people who have completed a calendar year triple crown in horse racing is three. The first was Sir Barton in 1919, followed by Affirmed in 1978, and then Secretariat in 1973. In cycling, the triple crown has been achieved by five riders: Eddy Merckx in 1972, Bernard Hinault in 1983, and Alberto Contador in 2012, along with the American riders Lance Armstrong and Greg LeMond, who both achieved the feat in 1989 and 1986, respectively.

In swimming, the triple crown has been completed by only one athlete, Ian Thorpe, who won the Olympic gold, World Championship gold, and World Cup gold in the 200-metre freestyle event in 2001.

These achievements are a testament to the dedication, skill, and determination of these athletes. The calendar year triple crown is not only a reflection of their athletic prowess but also a symbol of their ability to overcome adversity and push the boundaries of human performance. As the number of athletes striving for this rare feat continues to grow, the calendar year triple crown remains a cherished milestone in the world of sports.