This is neither a troll post, nor an attempt at flaming patriotism or USA.
But, what is the US Marines doing sponsoring the 70.3 World Champs? And what is the WTC doing endorsing this companionship?
From an international view itīs both strange, out of place and quite frankly, disturbing to have a national military force being the title sponsor for an event supposedly marketing itself as an international championship.
In the "real" sporting world, outside of such self-proclaiming world championships seen in boxing, triathlon etc, it would be totally unacceptable to have such a political and polarizing sponsor hosting the event.
If WTC were hosting just an ordinary event it wouldnīt be a big deal. But if they are seriously intending to host international championships there will hopefully be many participants from all corners of the world. Iīm sure a lot of them donīt feel comfortable with the force fed patriotism and military prescence.
Sure, these events take place in the US but the actions by the WTC (this and much more) goes to show that they couldnīt care less about hosting championship that cater more to the athletes then to their own wallets. And that these events arenīt international events as much as American events organized in America with American values and patriotism at the forefront.
Iīm not saying that this patriotism is bad. You may be as patriotic and pro-Marine as you wish. I donīt judge or value this. But are the "world champs" the right place for it?
I know from experience that itīs almost futile and pointless to have a rational discussion about these topics. A lot of hot headed people rather let their red, white and blue cloud their ability to actually look at the point being made, than to offer an argumentative answer to the questions Iīve raised.
When I look at this situation Iīm VERY happy to have an organisation as the ITU in the world of triathlon!
But, what is the US Marines doing sponsoring the 70.3 World Champs? And what is the WTC doing endorsing this companionship?
From an international view itīs both strange, out of place and quite frankly, disturbing to have a national military force being the title sponsor for an event supposedly marketing itself as an international championship.
In the "real" sporting world, outside of such self-proclaiming world championships seen in boxing, triathlon etc, it would be totally unacceptable to have such a political and polarizing sponsor hosting the event.
If WTC were hosting just an ordinary event it wouldnīt be a big deal. But if they are seriously intending to host international championships there will hopefully be many participants from all corners of the world. Iīm sure a lot of them donīt feel comfortable with the force fed patriotism and military prescence.
Sure, these events take place in the US but the actions by the WTC (this and much more) goes to show that they couldnīt care less about hosting championship that cater more to the athletes then to their own wallets. And that these events arenīt international events as much as American events organized in America with American values and patriotism at the forefront.
Iīm not saying that this patriotism is bad. You may be as patriotic and pro-Marine as you wish. I donīt judge or value this. But are the "world champs" the right place for it?
I know from experience that itīs almost futile and pointless to have a rational discussion about these topics. A lot of hot headed people rather let their red, white and blue cloud their ability to actually look at the point being made, than to offer an argumentative answer to the questions Iīve raised.
When I look at this situation Iīm VERY happy to have an organisation as the ITU in the world of triathlon!
