World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead

May 8, 23 11:14

Post #1 of 62 (2397 views)

At the world triathlon multisport championship in Ibiza last week there was no finisher t-shirt, no medals but there was an NFT "race capsule" (Basically a video animation with your result sent to you via email the day after the race).

I've searched this forum for comments about NFT medals and I had the impression the majority thought it would be a dumb idea.

So what's everyone's thinking of that decision? Both about not having a physical finisher gift and the choice of having NFT medals.
It seemed the organisers wanted to make triathlon greener. I get it that a certain number of finisher t-shirts and medals probably go to waste but I feel like of all possible solutions this wasn't a good one. Maybe an opt out system could have been implemented? (If you don't want the medal or the t-shirt you opt out and they donate to a charity?).

Personally, I didn't like this at all. I like to have a memory of the race linked to the fact that I finished it. I always end up using finisher t-shirts in training unless I really don't like them (in which case they get donated). I do keep most medals and they go in a big glass vase of medals that is getting heavier and heavier.

About NFT, I think it's just a ridiculous idea. Maybe NFT has its use cases (to be demonstrated), this is definitely not the one. This decision - to me - seems one born out of groupthink and losing touch with your users. An animation can look cool but I think people appreciate free race photos of themselves more.

Last edited by: marcoviappiani: May 8, 23 11:20

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [marcoviappiani] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 11:15

Post #2 of 62 (2390 views)

Great idea. One less piece of crap my kids will have to throw out when I die.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [marcoviappiani] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 11:23

Post #3 of 62 (2358 views)

Give athletes an option when they register. Problem solved.

Let food be thy medicine...

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [marcoviappiani] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 11:25

Post #4 of 62 (2347 views)

I like the race capsule idea, with free media of yourself. I understand the appeal of "physical" mementos. But you could queue up all your finishes on non-stop loop as the default background on your home TV to subject your entire household to that kind of abuse. It'd be sort of like Doug Flutie putting the Hail Mary on endless loop (which I'd absolutely do if I were Doug).

The NFT aspect is a bit silly. Because finisher media is going to have no resale value or intellectual property value for anyone but the finisher.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [M~] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 12:20

Post #5 of 62 (2277 views)

M~ wrote:

Great idea. One less piece of crap my kids will have to throw out when I die.

^^^THIS^^^
We have to stop the BS of giving a trophy to everyone who finishes.

STRAVA INSTAGRAM

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [Dr. Triax] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 12:35

Post #6 of 62 (2245 views)

Dr. Triax wrote:

M~ wrote:

Great idea. One less piece of crap my kids will have to throw out when I die.

^^^THIS^^^
We have to stop the BS of giving a trophy to everyone who finishes.

Disagree, if there’s no trophy or medal I don’t sign up for the race. It’s a major accomplishment to finish any race IMO and there should be a reward.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [marcoviappiani] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 12:49

Post #7 of 62 (2219 views)

Agreed NFT for this purpose is silly and they could just have an option at registration. For a world championships and a race most people are traveling for and treating as a big deal, a small memento like a medal or even pair of socks seems reasonable.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [Dr. Triax] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 13:04

Post #8 of 62 (2175 views)

Agreed. I took the medal at my first race and it went in the trash the moment I got home. I’ve never accepted one again.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [Lagoon] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 13:08

Post #9 of 62 (2164 views)

Different strokes for different folks...options should be available for a physical memento for those who want it...

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [Tribike53] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 13:16

Post #10 of 62 (2153 views)

Tribike53 wrote:

[
Disagree, if there’s no trophy or medal I don’t sign up for the race.

You're missing out on some spectacular events.

Tribike53 wrote:

[
It’s a major accomplishment to finish any race IMO and there should be a reward.

Completing an arbitrary distance of a physical activity because it has a start and finish line is NOT a major accomplishment.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [marcoviappiani] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 13:23

Post #11 of 62 (2137 views)

What tech was used to implement this NFT? And is it on a public or private blockchain? From your post it sounds like you didn't get an actual NFT but more so a video highlight.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [NordicSkier] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 13:28

Post #12 of 62 (2132 views)

NordicSkier wrote:

Tribike53 wrote:

[
Disagree, if there’s no trophy or medal I don’t sign up for the race.

You're missing out on some spectacular events.

Tribike53 wrote:

[
It’s a major accomplishment to finish any race IMO and there should be a reward.

Completing an arbitrary distance of a physical activity because it has a start and finish line is NOT a major accomplishment.

The finisher medal is essentially a participation certificate that is economical to make due to modern productivity enhancements.

Might I suggest it's no more of a "waste" than the cost to produce it, which is what...1-2 bucks? That's what price is after all. A measure of the economic inputs necessary to extract minerals, use energy, labor, shipping, accounting, taxes, etc to make the thing. I'm quite certain we waste many orders of magnitude more in other things.

On course bottles, gel wrappers, etc. are far more wasteful. I make my own nutrition from bulk, reuse my own gel and water bottles, and don't use any on course nutrition other than a cup of water a few times. There's far more waste there than in medals if you ask me. Even think of all those race banners, tape, volunteer shirts etc. Thats some serious waste. I'd be happy if courses everywhere required you to be self sufficient. Just have some 5 gallon jugs of water for me to stop and refill if needed.

There's real low hanging fruit out there thats truly wasteful. Getting rid of the tangible marketing asset would be a net loss for the sport. The entire concept of triathlon is a giant waste if one obsessed about pollution or waste. I think the medals end up serving a valuable marketing reinforcement message that increases participation in the long run which is good for the sport.

If you only value what's good for the planet or for your kids sorting you possessions after you die? Outlaw triathlon.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [habbywall] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 13:37

Post #13 of 62 (2116 views)

habbywall wrote:

What tech was used to implement this NFT? And is it on a public or private blockchain? From your post it sounds like you didn't get an actual NFT but more so a video highlight.

You get an individual link. The link takes you to a page where you can either download the video or "claim your NFT".
I didn't try to claim my NFT but clicking the button takes you to a signup page. The video is actually kinda nice, a bit futuristic maybe and it might get old quickly.
Screenshot of the page https://share.getcloudapp.com/Z4unXP1B

The company providing the service is called Podium https://podium-labs.io/ I didn't see any specifics of the technology used on their website.

Last edited by: marcoviappiani: May 8, 23 13:40

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [habbywall] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 13:40

Post #14 of 62 (2110 views)

habbywall wrote:

What tech was used to implement this NFT? And is it on a public or private blockchain? From your post it sounds like you didn't get an actual NFT but more so a video highlight.

The company doing it is light on tech details, but they claim it's NFT. I would guess it's a private blockchain. The value-added of the NFT part is (sit down, big shock coming) fuzzy at best.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [Tribike53] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 13:43

Post #15 of 62 (2088 views)

Tribike53 wrote:

Dr. Triax wrote:

M~ wrote:

Great idea. One less piece of crap my kids will have to throw out when I die.

^^^THIS^^^
We have to stop the BS of giving a trophy to everyone who finishes.

Disagree, if there’s no trophy or medal I don’t sign up for the race. It’s a major accomplishment to finish any race IMO and there should be a reward.

can make your own medal...

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [Nick2413] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 13:45

Post #16 of 62 (2084 views)

Nick2413 wrote:

Agreed NFT for this purpose is silly and they could just have an option at registration. For a world championships and a race most people are traveling for and treating as a big deal, a small memento like a medal or even pair of socks seems reasonable.

Yes, exactly. I don't expect, want or need the average parkrun or small event to have it - but a major race like this one yes I do expect it and want it - at least give me the choice.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [marcoviappiani] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 14:06

Post #17 of 62 (2062 views)

Agree. My girlfriend did the standard duathlon, first world champs, not likely to do them that often etc and we found out in the race pack queue on the Thursday about this, I was raging 🤣

The issue is that they take all your money for the kit, race entry etc plus you then have to travel, stay multiple days due to the staggering of the event and then you find out things like this last minute

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [marcoviappiani] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 14:20

Post #18 of 62 (2044 views)

marcoviappiani wrote:

It seemed the organisers wanted to make triathlon greener.

adding injury to insult, NFT's are in no way shape or fashion green..

Quote:

The authenticity factor, which is said to be one of the biggest benefits of NFTs, is causing incessant harm to the environment due to the continuous verification and mining process.

NFT instead of medals is a really stupid idea, just like NFTs themselves.
I was very bummed to find the ITU Age Group Championships didn't have medals or t-shirts - honestly would have liked to have a medal from there.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [marcoviappiani] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 14:40

Post #19 of 62 (2007 views)

I'm a shirt guy. I am ok without a medal, so long as there is a price decrease when I register.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [Tribike53] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 14:40

Post #20 of 62 (2007 views)

Tribike53 wrote:

Dr. Triax wrote:

M~ wrote:

Great idea. One less piece of crap my kids will have to throw out when I die.

^^^THIS^^^
We have to stop the BS of giving a trophy to everyone who finishes.

Disagree, if there’s no trophy or medal I don’t sign up for the race. It’s a major accomplishment to finish any race IMO and there should be a reward.

Why do you need a medal or trophy just for finishing? Surely you know and remember which races you did? I'm not really sure what the medal itself is accomplishing. It doesn't tell you your time, performance, or offer any specific memory of the race itself.

At least a "time capsule" could have some basic info (splits, overall position, maybe a few photos) to look back on. But I can't say I'd be excited about a time capsule or nft.

I quite like a t-shirt, because it has a practical purpose and actually gets used (I can never have enough t-shirts, even ones I don't particularly like can be used for training in). Although, I'm sure even a lot of them just sit in a drawer never to be worn.

Maybe offer things at extra cost during sign up, which includes a carbon offset. No waste as the organisers would only have to order as many as required. Can still claim it's a green race, and those that don't want more junk don't get it.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [doug in co] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 15:09

Post #21 of 62 (1963 views)

doug in co wrote:

adding injury to insult, NFT's are in no way shape or fashion green..

We're going off-topic, but that article is referring to NFTs that are purchased using bitcoin or Ethereum (most common), and therefore use the blockchain methodology from those cryptocurrencies. And those cryptocurrencies are energy intensive. These NFTs seem unlikely to be integrated with those systems, and would use a private blockchain with very, very light computational overhead. Therefore they could, in theory, be "green," e.g. use less energy to develop and distribute than the physical medals that are produced and shipped from somewhere.

I'm making a narrow point. I'm anti-NFT in general, at least for most pop-culture purposes.

But I could be wrong, and if these NFTs are on the Ethereum blockchain then you're right.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [marcoviappiani] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 15:20

Post #22 of 62 (1956 views)

marcoviappiani wrote:

At the world triathlon multisport championship in Ibiza last week there was no finisher t-shirt, no medals but there was an NFT "race capsule" (Basically a video animation with your result sent to you via email the day after the race).

I've searched this forum for comments about NFT medals and I had the impression the majority thought it would be a dumb idea.

So what's everyone's thinking of that decision? Both about not having a physical finisher gift and the choice of having NFT medals.
It seemed the organisers wanted to make triathlon greener. I get it that a certain number of finisher t-shirts and medals probably go to waste but I feel like of all possible solutions this wasn't a good one. Maybe an opt out system could have been implemented? (If you don't want the medal or the t-shirt you opt out and they donate to a charity?).

Personally, I didn't like this at all. I like to have a memory of the race linked to the fact that I finished it. I always end up using finisher t-shirts in training unless I really don't like them (in which case they get donated). I do keep most medals and they go in a big glass vase of medals that is getting heavier and heavier.

About NFT, I think it's just a ridiculous idea. Maybe NFT has its use cases (to be demonstrated), this is definitely not the one. This decision - to me - seems one born out of groupthink and losing touch with your users. An animation can look cool but I think people appreciate free race photos of themselves more.

Call me a cynic but by not giving a finisher t-shirt I imagine they sold a lot more event t-shirts from their merch tent at the expo thereby increasing their profit.

Let food be thy medicine...

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [JackStraw13] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 16:05

Post #23 of 62 (1919 views)

As a du and bike person, whatever. I feel like the finisher medal makes sense if the DNF rate approaches reasonable double digit percentages. Not 5% to 20% dnf. More like…..half or more don’t even finish.

Then it makes sense.

Half IM, not medal. Full? Make one with a 50% dnf rate.

Year I did AOMM they give out finish patches. No medal. More of a “I was there” thing. That year about 35% dnf rate.

I feel sometimes the finishing medals follow philanthropic races with donating folks.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [marcoviappiani] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 16:42

Post #24 of 62 (1892 views)

this is like the "virtual" finisher badge they started to roll out a few years ago. i guess they figured they would tap into society's narcissism and love of social media in order to save a few more bucks. It is just another example of things in Tri going in the wrong direction. prices going up up up and getting less in return.

Re: World triathlon champs had NFT medals instead [marcoviappiani] [ In reply to ]

May 8, 23 17:10

Post #25 of 62 (1865 views)

Less junk.

___________________________________________
http://en.wikipedia.org/...eoesophageal_fistula
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_palsy
2020 National Masters Champion - M40-44 - 400m IM
Canadian Record Holder 35-39M & 40-44M - 200 m Butterfly (LCM)

Our Partners

transition-DOT-area-AT-slowtwitch-DOT-com

Advertise with us

©1999-2024 Slowtwitch, Inc., and Slowtwitch.com
Reproduction of material from any Slowtwitch.com page
without written permission is strictly prohibited.