Was there just a change by Ironman for AWA to scrap the 70.3 and Ironman categories and consolidate down to a single category (Overall.) There were 3 categories in the past, and now there seems to be no mention of the 70.3 and 140.6 categories on Ironman.com, just overall category. Did anyone see anything written up about this? I can find the 70.3 category table under a “historical†link, and if I look myself up, I am Bronze AWA, but I don’t get AWA in the Overall table, and haven’t received an AWA email. Very confusing!
I received an email from Ironman this past Thursday regarding AWA. Here is what it said in response to your question…
What’s new for 2022
In 2022 the All World Athlete program has changed to recognize the combined performances of IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 racing through a single Overall category, only. This decision was made to simplify the program, its understanding, and the targets for achievement.
To compensate for this reduction to a singular category, status tiers have extended to recognize the percentage of racing athletes as follows:
GoldTop 2%SilverNext 5%BronzeNext 10%Total All World Athletes****17%
This new calculation applies to all racing activity from January 2022, onwards.
In addition, effective immediately, we have refreshed the benefit tiers to provide distinction based on status earning level. These benefits can be reviewed on our website and you will receive a further email in the coming weeks with more information about how to access your off-site benefits.
As we continue to emerge from the pandemic-impacted racing environment we look forward to delivering your earned benefits and thank you for your patience in the infrequent situations where this still may not yet be possible.
AWA Platinum members get even more special perks.
E
I kind of like the new setup but I’m sure there are dissenting opinions
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I kind of like the new setup but I’m sure there are dissenting opinions
Platinum members do not allow opinions.
E
I received an email from Ironman this past Thursday regarding AWA. Here is what it said in response to your question…
What’s new for 2022
In 2022 the All World Athlete program has changed to recognize the combined performances of IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 racing through a single Overall category, only. This decision was made to simplify the program, its understanding, and the targets for achievement.
To compensate for this reduction to a singular category, status tiers have extended to recognize the percentage of racing athletes as follows:
GoldTop 2%SilverNext 5%BronzeNext 10%Total All World Athletes****17%
This new calculation applies to all racing activity from January 2022, onwards.
In addition, effective immediately, we have refreshed the benefit tiers to provide distinction based on status earning level. These benefits can be reviewed on our website and you will receive a further email in the coming weeks with more information about how to access your off-site benefits.
As we continue to emerge from the pandemic-impacted racing environment we look forward to delivering your earned benefits and thank you for your patience in the infrequent situations where this still may not yet be possible.
Thanks! This is what I was looking for. I get probably 3 emails a week from Ironman but didn’t get this one.
To make things more confusing my email says congrats on getting silver but when I look myself up on the website it lists me as bronze…
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Could be worse, I also received the email saying I’ve been awarded silver status, but my name produces no results on the website.
for AWA Gold benefits they list
By being a Gold All World Athlete, you can enjoy the following benefits:
World championship function invitation
what does it mean?
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A free breakfast in Kona
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Ha ha. But they always schedule those AWA receptions when they know most people won’t already be in town. Absolutely useless reward.
The practical benefits of AWA Gold in the past were (1) early registration access (although their system often doesn’t work and races don’t sell out quickly anymore), (2) preferred bike rack placement closer to bike exit (I’m not sure if this will come back, but last year they didn’t have t); (3) special line at registration (again not available in 2021).
Without those three things, it’s utterly meaningless, other than the use of the swim caps is a good signaling device for douche baggery.
Matt, you need to switch the year to 2021. You are bronze overall and silver in 70.3… unless there is another Matt Pocknell who achieved those results.
Could be worse, I also received the email saying I’ve been awarded silver status, but my name produces no results on the website.
I kind of like the new setup but I’m sure there are dissenting opinions
Platinum members do not allow opinions.
E
Platinum members can be a little rigid
My takeaway from the program is there are a ton of good triathletes that don’t race often.
Without those three things, it’s utterly meaningless, other than the use of the swim caps is a good signaling device for douche baggery.
Part of a matching ensemble of the IM-branded bag, the finisher hat, and the jacket, to impress everyone down at the Y.
Without those three things, it’s utterly meaningless, other than the use of the swim caps is a good signaling device for douche baggery.
Part of a matching ensemble of the IM-branded bag, the finisher hat, and the jacket, to impress everyone down at the Y.
There’s nothing wrong with AWA, unless people are bragging about it. Personally I like to look at results of the guys above me and realize how far I have to go and that I’m no where near FOP. If I’d done three races I’d have places 6th in my AG, but the Top 2 who are Gold are on another level. I have to give them a lot of credit and it motivates me.
Totally – you can’t get gold on 2 70.3 races. You have to do at least 1 140.6 & 1 70.3. It adds up quickly. Plus there are other long distance races out there. It’s a decent enough system but it would only be a true world rankings list if everybody did enough IM races to max out. There’s some element of pay to play worked in. If you usually AG podium & do 2 70.3’s you should hit silver. But you could win those races outright & still be silver.
I call it the Ironman rewards points program (for majority of people), except that the rewards are useless and mostly used for show and tell.
Totally – you can’t get gold on 2 70.3 races. You have to do at least 1 140.6 & 1 70.3. It adds up quickly. Plus there are other long distance races out there. It’s a decent enough system but it would only be a true world rankings list if everybody did enough IM races to max out. There’s some element of pay to play worked in. If you usually AG podium & do 2 70.3’s you should hit silver. But you could win those races outright & still be silver.
I agree. The system is imperfect as you have some folks doing 2 races and some doing 3. Mixing and matching 140.6 and 70.3 convoluted the rankings even more so. I like AWA, I just wish they would refine it more.
No one outside of triathlons knows that AWA is a money-grab by IM brand. I applaud IM for it, however, bc they know how to make a buck.