Athletes are constantly trying to take things further and push themselves to the extreme. Here are 10 of the toughest sporting events in the world.

It was a stunning day for New Zealand at the ITU Word Triathlon Series Grand Final today as Andrea Hewitt won silver and Nicky Samuels claimed bronze in Edmonton.

Andrew Alderson writes: Triathlon New Zealand's chance for redemption begins at the World Series grand final in Edmonton this morning.

Judo's case for increased financial assistance was crystallised in the span of six hours yesterday.

New Zealand's hopes of taking home a triathlon medal from Glasgow now rest with Ryan Sissons.

New Zealand's efforts at the Glasgow Games began in agonising fashion overnight (NZT), with Andrea Hewitt unable to manage a medal in the women's triathlon

NZ triathletes Tom Davison and Tony Dodds are in peak form and ready to tough out the gruelling triathlon in Glasgow. The triathlete team is head by Commonwealth bronze medallist Andrea Hewitt. New Zealand triathlon team for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Women: Andrea Hewitt, Kate McIlroy. Men: Tom Davison, Tony Dodds, Ryan Sissons Reserve (mixed Team relay): Nicky Samuels

A New Zealander is in line to win the first medal of the Commonwealth Games.

Nicky Samuels isn't heading for Glasgow, just yet. The Wanaka triathlete has been nominated to the New Zealand Olympic Committee after a review process to overturn her initial naming as a reserve only for the Commonwealth Games team later this year.

A test event at Strathclyde Loch this weekend is expected to give a green light to improved water quality ahead of the Commonwealth Games triathlon in July.

New Zealand-based French triathlete Laurent Vidal says it's a miracle he didn't suffer neurological or physical damage when he had a heart attack during training last month.

Five of the country's leading six triathletes will line up in the third round of the eight-leg world series in Yokohama today.

Triathlete Laurent Vidal has emerged from an induced coma and is showing signs of making a positive recovery from a heart attack suffered in training at the weekend.

Triathlete Nicky Samuels' chances of representing NZ at the Commonwealth Games remain in limbo as a decision on her appeal is still pending, 10 days after the team was named.

Top New Zealand triathlete Andrea Hewitt is dashing to France to be with fiance Laurent Vidal after he suffered a heart attack overnight.

French triathlete Laurent Vidal, fiance of Kiwi competitor Andrea Hewitt, is in hospital after suffering a heart attack during training.

Unwanted triathlete Nicky Samuels has appealed against the decision to omit her from New Zealand's Commonwealth Games team for Glasgow.