Writerguy wrote:
Thanks Dan - and you're spot on, I married out of my class! A few things, I won't for a moment suggest that the rudeness has been symmetrical.
I took issue with the suggestion that it was only on one side when that clearly was not the case.
And of course there are levels of vulgarity that should not be tolerated by either side.
The comments about Kathryn Bertine were rightfully removed.
You mention the Baltimore looters but I was thinking of an old newspaper column I read that was written after Rosa Parks took her famous ride.
The writer supported her cause but thought her methods most distasteful. She broke the law!!
I'm with you, the looters have gone too far but I wonder if history will support us in this?
I also agree with you that the TriEqual board should come out against unnecessary rudeness. People have a right to be angry but not ugly.
And I personally - not speaking for Sara, would happily engage all and sundry on the issues of the Age Group race. It's a dynamic issue for sure.
My gut feeling is that an equal number of spots would be challenge but would sort itself out with time. I believe more women would race Ironman but it wouldn't happen over night. I also don't think it would hurt the numbers in any significant way, as it has been my anecdotal experience that while there are more men racing IM, a greater percentage of the women racing are shooting for spots. Now it may just be that women are more likely hire a coach so that just may be my perception. I think it's a big conversation and an important one.
I freely admit, I'm no better than the next guy when it comes to changing my position.
I personally don't believe I could ever be moved. The WTC wants the pro women to rise up and fill positions that do not exist.
The opportunity must be there first. It's the right thing to do.
When they come, we'll build it doesn't work.
I'll let Sara address your other points.
The Title IX query is valid I think, but she knows a lot more about that than me - but it may be that she doesn't know enough yet (hope she doesn't read this).
On a selfish personal note, while I 100% support Sara's efforts and probably was in a small way partially responsible for unleashing the beast, (equality is a "thing" with me as well) I'm hoping that she will step back from this, at least in some measure for the next six months. She's got some racing to do.
The WTC is clearly not going to move on the issue, so it'll be there in the winter.
Thanks for the opportunity to speak on the matter.
Clint
I'd be fine if WTC caved and said "Okay. You win. 50 women pros to Kona". I understand their point of view as well. But I don't believe even for the fraction of a second that having 50 or even 500 women pros in Kona will have any bearing whatsoever on the participation of Women (or men) in Ironman or Triathlon. Participation in triathlon (and ultimately Ironman) starts at a local, grass-roots level. When I started in triathlon, all I knew was it sounded hard. Swim, Bike, and Run. I had no idea there were people that made a living doing triathlon (or trying to make a living). I couldn't have cared less. I wanted to give it a shot myself and it was intimidating. It wasn't until I tried it and liked it that I learned more about the only Triathlon most people have ever heard of (Kona). It was an eye-opener that Ironman events typically sold out and you had to work really hard just to get in to ONE of them. Of course, that was after I learned there was actually more than one of them. Later, I learned, read, and watched the history of the sport.
I say this because I think the vast majority of new participants are EXACTLY like that. The idea of a 10 mile sprint triathlon is terrifying. The vague notion that there are 15 more women pros in a race they'll probably never have to worry about has no bearing whatsoever on their participation.
I think a lot of energy and emotion about 50/50 could have been better spent encouraging women (and men) to come out and try the sport. Again though, just add the 15 and move on. I think there would be future cans of worms to deal with as a result (see Dan's question about age-group equality) but it probably is no longer worth the fight.
Pete Githens
Reading, PA
Last edited by:
Mr. October: Apr 30, 15 10:03