Agreed, if you only look at her record. Look at her writing and position on both the original WTC pro rankings, IMH Qualifying and the recent BBC Sports personalty debacle, and ask, did she write or take these positions because she had a great record, or would she have had them any way and used them, her record/results just added gravitas? I think the latter. But hey hoy, we'll never know now... the same is true of the Wongstar, could she have swum under an hour? :)

 Wong bragged about herself more than any triathlete out there, it got really obnoxious. I don't see how that's good for the sport.

"If you have a dream, pursue it as hard as you can. The world needs more of that."

Thanks for this Jordan. I, um, liberated it for use because it eloquently encapsulates so much.

Bob

It might just be me but I have always felt that Sportspeople, and likely many others prominent in their field, don't have that much affect on the things outside of their sport. And by that I mean whatever good intent they may have, their voice is really only relevant to topics about their particular sport. It's nice that they do put in the effort but the benefit is likely not that great. There are a few exceptions, Lance Armstrong has raised a lot of money for example, but when it comes to raising awareness I have always wondered exactly what we are supposed to be aware of. We likely all know of Livestrong but what affect has it had on us other than the purchase of a yellow plastic bracelet (which I don't own) or an awareness of the Livestrong logo. How many know what Livestrong actually does. How many of us, in Chrissie's case, have delved into ALS because of her promotion of it. Some, but likely not many.

I am not trying to be negative about their efforts at all. It is undoubtedly beneficial. But in reality is a 'sponsorship' of ALS by Chrissie providing her with a genuine meaningful and fulfilling career? Or is it something that she ultimately thinks falls a little flat because it simply feels slightly detached? Maybe the lady in question feels that a career in medicine would be more fulfilling than splashing around, going for a ride and running around a bit and then earnestly mentioning a charity. It probably took a little soul searching to make the leap too. Maybe having the voice on the subject is not enough, and actually getting your hands dirty on the subject is.

Me, I would love the opportunity to be a pro triathlete, but I can understand the point of view that other roles may be more fulfilling. I have seen people do charity runs for Hospices, earnestly getting sponsorship money, and I have seen my wife visit the bedside of those in a Hospice in their final days. I guarantee the latter has a profound effect that is unlikely matched by having a voice. However heartfelt and inspirational that voice may be.

---

https://www.pbandjcoaching.com
https://www.thisbigroadtrip.com

I have followed her for a while. Sassy, irreverent, fun, super hard working, super positive. I don't compare her to anyone else or judge her by the standards of others. She is Jocelyn, unique in her own way. She had something to say that we enjoyed and wanted to hear. She has done well in what she has pursued to date and will continue to do so in whatever else she chooses to pursue.

I like these kinds of people.

---

Cervelo R3 and Cannondale Synapse, Argon18 Electron Track Bike

There's this thing called "humor" that you should try out sometime.

I liked her blog, it was good fun, but I thought she was always going to be a 2nd or 3rd tier pro (and there's nothing wrong with that), her move (back) into the medical field will be much more fulfilling. Good luck Wongstar!

Having known Jocelyn from the very beginning when she was a member of my Tri club, she's still the same fun loving, take things as they come, delightful girl. She'll be a success and have fun in whatever her next step is.

Good luck Wongstar!

---

clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

I first "found" Jocelyn through her blog on the TBB website several years ago, and have been following her blog and career ever since. I love her writing, her sense of humour, her attitude and work ethic, and her ability to not take herself too seriously (because if there's one thing us triathletes are good at.....). I wish her luck wherever her career (athletic or otherwise) takes her next!

Jesse

Really? I guess I could sorta see it, but she did it in a cheesy sarcastic way so I think you're taking it more seriously than she did, as she's quick to make fun herself as well.

I was Jocelyn's first Asian chick fan!!! (I think) First something fan having to do with Asia, although not first Asian fan. Maybe. In any case ... :)

It'd be a long list what I admire her for, but I also think her writings would make an excellent--and publishable--book. Her tenacity in tackling swimming as an adult and as a pro in a sport that includes swimming ... pretty gutsy.

Congratulations, Wongstar, and all the best in what's to come. You will make it that way anyway.

---

Yanti Ardie of Y Tri Multisport & Majick Juice for lasting critter defense & skin soothing
~ World Open Water Swimming Association Coach & Official
~ IRONMAN Certified Coach (Founding Member)
~ Triathlon Australia Professional Development Coach
~ 3 by the Sea: my Journey from death to ...

x2

doctors save lives
government workers create public policies
pro athletes play games for money

-mike

---

____________________________________
https://lshtm.academia.edu/MikeCallaghan

http://howtobeswiss.blogspot.ch/

I admire people who follow their dreams. If it takes a bit of self promotion to follow ones dreams then so be it. Good on her and I do remember enjoying reading her comments.

---

http://www.TriathlonShots.com
Full event coverage of triathlon/ironman in photos.

Government workers? I would have gone with plumbers (they fix the shitter) before government workers.

I miss wongstar already.

Was her career/ability worthy of a retirement announcement? I don't know a lot about her - what was her best win?

Worthy is in the eye of the beholder. To many, their times and wins are worthy. To many others, the person, the way they comport themselves, the way they communicate makes them special. Admire Chrissy Wellington,mand also Jocelyn Wong. Different reasons.

---

Cervelo R3 and Cannondale Synapse, Argon18 Electron Track Bike

She had a quote about rumors of her retirement being false but rumors of her awesomeness being true. Or something like that. She's pretty clever, that's for sure.

Anyone can create mystery and hide behind the veil of "retirement" to come back better than ever.

It has been done before with great effect.

---

**All of these words finding themselves together were greatly astonished and delighted for assuredly, they had never met before**

Questions like that make me want to retire, too! Wingstar had some solid races. But it's more about her blog and twitter feed: she was one of the more clever triathletes. And let's face it, this sport needs more personality.

'The list' also includes people not competing in Ironman in North America...

If you want to get your knickers in a twist about somebody bragging go read Jodie Swallows blog...

----------

If Jodie really does Swallow then she has every right to brag...;-)


------

I'll happily tell all professional triathletes that that it is not a Profession, however long the list is and whatever continent they are on. Not in the classic sense anyway. There is not a defined and specific education for a start. In fact I think it could be argued that in the classic sense no triathlete is a professional triathlete as Triathlon is not a profession.

Getting paid for something does not make the role a Profession.

Whatever it is, it beats most peoples jobs!

---

https://www.pbandjcoaching.com
https://www.thisbigroadtrip.com

I this day and age with people feeling the need to blog about the sandwich they had for lunch or utterly ordinary shit like their kids diaper-usage stats, I'd give Wong the benefit of the doubt as being a standout in her sport even if she didn't win any major titles; at least she gave people a little more whimiscal and engaging window on the life of a pro triathlete. Obviously wins are premium currency for any pro athlete, but the ability to create a connection with fans and value to sponsors is also part of the gig....i.e., personality counts, too.

But being a pedant is? ;)