online communities such as this one have their good and bad sides. north american sports conducted its ironman florida event, and became aware of a person conducting the swim leg with fins. but, they were unable to identify the individual. a large contingent of this community competed or spectated in that race, and because of eyewitnesses and pictures taken evidence was generated that aided NAS in identifying the person in the photos with the fins. that's the "good" that can come from online communities.

as i noted in my post from last night, NAS has completed its process, DQ'd the individual, and will not let him race for a year in its events. USAT has chosen not to institute a ban as i understand it. the individual has the right to an appeal under USAT rules, though it is my guess this right refers to his DQ at the race, not to the ban. but i don't want to speak out of turn, perhaps jim riccitello and/or USAT will amplify on this.

we've all said all we need to say about the incident. from here forward, what we typically see is the bad side of internet forum boards manifesting themselves. i don't see that a purpose is served. accordingly, let's just move on.

i just spoke to jim riccitello, and i think he may post something here to round out our knowledge. i'm going to wait for his post, then lock this thread down.

---

Dan Empfield
aka Slowman