Preface the discussion with historical fact that swimming was not always the first event in a triathlon. From the perception of safety, it has been the first event. However, swimming in mass has led to several deaths and some general panic during the swim and I don't think we've ever really thought about the change in our behavior if swimming was the last event. People might quit before or during the swim (some do now though it's the first event) when they feel it is too much for them just like they quit during the bike or run.
If swimming were last, would we really care about the best swimmer if that swimmer was twenty to forty minutes off of the podium?
I think the reality is that the announcers and the audience would only be following the top three to five triathletes and the emphasis on swimming would not be what it is today. The focus on having an excellent swim stroke and drafting while swimming would probably be replaced with the skill to swim "good enough" to finish well when tired.
And swimmers, please don't give me your typical death, destruction and you are undermining the swim and don't understand swimming hype. Many triathletes do cool down swims to feel better after their bricks and not worse.
Agree, disagree or do you see another angle on how the order of events might change your behavior.
PS It does seem clever that the current order highlights the best swimmers, best cyclists and best runners. Changing the order might very well hide who the best athletes are in the individual events.
Indoor Triathlete - I thought I was right, until I realized I was wrong.
If swimming were last, would we really care about the best swimmer if that swimmer was twenty to forty minutes off of the podium?
I think the reality is that the announcers and the audience would only be following the top three to five triathletes and the emphasis on swimming would not be what it is today. The focus on having an excellent swim stroke and drafting while swimming would probably be replaced with the skill to swim "good enough" to finish well when tired.
And swimmers, please don't give me your typical death, destruction and you are undermining the swim and don't understand swimming hype. Many triathletes do cool down swims to feel better after their bricks and not worse.
Agree, disagree or do you see another angle on how the order of events might change your behavior.
PS It does seem clever that the current order highlights the best swimmers, best cyclists and best runners. Changing the order might very well hide who the best athletes are in the individual events.
Indoor Triathlete - I thought I was right, until I realized I was wrong.