Part of that can be attributed to the fact that ITU is attempting to grow the sport globally. Their focus is on advancement of the sport. WTC is focused on the advancement of the bottom line and the $$$ that can be made off of it. Dan opined on this a good number of years ago by asking "are you a steward of the sport, leaving it better when you exit, or are you here to simply take advantage of it".

BDoughtie wrote:

So I need some background from you. What sports are broadcast live on TV there in Norway (I'm assuming Norway). Here in the US, we have NFL, NBA and MLB getting the most play on TV. There is hockey that's gotten a semi regular channel (it's not on the basic cable packages I don't think, atleast not in my area). Either way, your looking at 4 main sports that drive the bus in the sports broadcasting business.

Oh and then throw in golf that is broadcast 6-7 hours every weekend for like 35 weekends a year. So that's the difficulty in anything.

What I would love to see happen is an ITU setup that is similar to the NBC coverage of this skateboard competition. It's like 4 cities throughout the summer, I think broadcast last 2 hours, and about every 3rd weekend over the summer. That I think would be how you market it, atleast here in the US.

And let's not even think about getting IM on tv here in the US. That's just not going to happen, the best bet would be the ITU setup, and *if* the ncaa every gains traction, we could maybe get more ITU exposure. I'm sorta afraid on that front though, so it'll be an interesting next 10 years or see to really see how ITU develops here in the US.

Is the ITU feed the same one that's online with Barrie Shepley as commentator?

I swayed in and out of actually taking the time to write a detailed response. I was saddened by the extremely narrow minded perspective and opinion, by some, of professional triathletes carrying no value. The view makes for very sad reading but thankfully I, along with others, working so hard to earn our way in this sport, can look beyond this.

GMAN19030 "Your garbageman, grocery store manager, and auto mechanic actually provide a service. You (the professional triathlete) do not."

I wanted to just speak openly and present known instances where a professional triathlete, or any sporting person can/is providing service and bringing value to triathlon/sport. The following services reflect many, not all, but a number of professional athletes.

1. Education - A large part of corporate sponsorship involves education. To some professional athletes growth, development and promotion of health is important. There is a reason why corporate companies worldwide invest in a professional sportsperson as a representative for their company. Again not something immediately obvious, and on the surface it may seem as though it is a case of they swim, bike and run fast, look pretty, so lets have them wearing our logo. In actual fact there are cases that contradict the very quote above that "The professional triathlete do not provide a service." What about those 100 employees of company x, whom as a company are putting x amount of dollars towards race x, to encourage health lifestyle and encouragement into new sports? Is the professional athlete that is providing training education, nutritional services, sharing of knowledge, motivation, seminars etc. not providing a service?

2. Product Development - Hours upon hours are spent in communication and dialogue with equipment manufacturers. The majority of which acting as sponsors to an athlete for the very reason the company feel they can help them develop and become better. Product development personnel thrive on real-time feedback on wheels, shoes, apparel, nutrition, the list goes on and on. A professional triathlete, I admit not all, but many, provide service, unseen by the consumer, yet more than likely felt by the consumer.

3. Sport Development - We all aspire to be somewhere. We all look up to someone and turn to someone for advice. The youth of today need inspiration, need role models and people to look up to. Just as much as the person that has never trained before. Professional athletes provide, or at least should and can provide, input services to clubs, federations, youth organisations when/if requested etc.

These points reflect my opinion, from my own experience and the experience of others, professional triathletes DO and ARE providing a service. Not all but some. I do on times wish there were more opportunities where professional athletes could provide further service. A view that professional triathletes hold no value is a very sad outlook on this sport. I'm very thankful that the view of the ST forum is not often the view of the majority or the sense felt when in a training/racing environment with amateurs present.

In terms of reducing the number of professional Ironman events globally. I support this model 100%. I believe depth of competition only increases the standard and appeal of the sport.