Laura Bennett, a 1997 graduate of Southern Methodist University, will compete in women's triathlon Saturday at Hyde Park during the 2012 London Olympics.
The race gets under way at 9 a.m. in London, which is 3 a.m. Central Time.
The race starts with a 1,500-meter open-water swim in The Serpentine lake, followed by a 43-kilometer bike ride through London that will cruise by Buckingham Palace and other notable landmarks, it ends with a 10-kilometer run around Hyde Park.
If you're not familiar with triathlon, here's the 411: During the swim competitors can use any stroke they need to in order to make it across the water. The transition from swim to bike usually takes between 20 to 30 seconds. During the bike leg, drafting is allowed but blocking is not. The competitors then shed their biking gear for running shoes. They are allowed to walk but cannot crawl toward the finish line.
Bennett is one of three women competing for Team USA. Each country is allowed a maximum of three athletes in triathlon.
This is Bennett's second trip to the Olympics. She finished fourth at the Beijing Games
Bennett took up triathlon full-time after college. Bennett has been named USA Triathlete of the Year in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2010.
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She is married to Greg Bennett, a triathlete who finished fourth in Athens competing for Australia.
The race will be aired on NBC Sports Network beginning at 4 a.m. and will also stream online (CLICK HERE).
