A few years ago there was a big push for 50 women to Kona, with the number not as important as the equal number of slots given to males/females. Fair enough.
So this year Messick gives equal slots for females at 70.3 worlds and the last spot is taken at…94 by Angela Naeth with one qualifying race. I know it has been a big year of pregnancies for many females that may contribute to some passing on slots. But if they really want to earn an equal share of slots in Kona, then when given equal slots at 70.3 worlds, why do so many pass?
Yes, many males passed as well. And yes 70.3 is not Kona. I get all that, but why when fighting so had for equal slots and getting it in a WC race, why not make the most of it?
This really isn’t helping the 50 women to Kona push. I agree there should be equal slots, but for equal participation. I don’t have all the numbers off hand, but I can almost guarantee there are a considerable larger amount of pro men at the WTC qualifying races than pro women. Not WTC, but at Escape from Philly this year there was probably 3x more men in the pro field than women. Rev3 races last year would have 5-10 pro women and then ~20 pro men. I realize this is short vs. long course racing, but showing up to races goes a long ways…
Example:
Rev3 Maine (2016): 6 pro women
Rev3 Poconos (2016): 19 pro men
Rev3 Williamsburg (2016): 9 pro women
Rev3 Quassy (2016): 19 pro men
Apples and oranges. Seems to me if someone was looking to go to Kona and do their best, they might skip the 70.3 WC which is only a month before. The best opportunities for athlete and sponsor exposure and recognition don’t happen at the 70.3 WC, they happen at Kona.