What three sports are included in the triathlon?

The correct answer, which includes cycling, running, and swimming, accurately represents the three disciplines that make up a triathlon. A triathlon is a multi-sport event that consists of these three events performed in sequence. Participants first complete the swimming portion, which tests their endurance and technique in water. This is followed by the cycling segment, where athletes must demonstrate speed and stamina on a bike. Finally, the event concludes with a running segment that challenges the competitors' endurance after completing the first two physically demanding activities.

The other options listed describe combinations of sports that do not match the structure of a triathlon. For instance, running, swimming, and fencing involve only two of the triathlon disciplines and introduce a sport that is not a typical part of this specific multi-sport event. Similarly, swimming, shooting, and equestrian, as well as running, cycling, and archery, incorporate sports from different contexts but fail to represent the foundational elements of a triathlon.