The ITU has a development grogram for athletes. Details here:
http://www.triathlon.org/development/athlete/athlete_scholarship/
Does the WTC have anything similar for the development of athletes in long course triathlon?
It’s called AGE GROUPER. Actually, WTC is a privately owned organization, where the ITU is an international body of the sport’s national federations for the Olympic movement. Not sure why WTC would do something like that since they are in the business of making money & get a feeder system from the ITU world (Alexander, Macca, etc.) WTC seems to get all the development of athletes they need at the pro level from the ITU system. They may have something I’m not sure, but this certainly seems like a waste of time/money for WTC. I don’t see much need for it. They have the popularity, and interest from pros, AG, ITU & long course athletes alike–no need to spend money on it when athletes will come to them regardless.
Yes, it’s the ITU.
Does the NFL has a development program?
Fred.
When Graham and Sue Fraser owned North American Sports (ie. the company that ran the North American IMs), NAS had grants available to promising talent as part of the Community Development Fund. I don’t know the full list, but recipients included Colin Jenkins, Kyle Jones, Paul Tichelaar and Sam McGlone…three of those athletes went to the Olympics, and Jones has a good shot at 2012. After 2006, Sam moved to long course, and Tich has done a few 70.3 races. But I don’t think they were trying to develop future long course talent, that was just one of the (many) ways they gave back to the sport. I’m not sure if a similar program still exists.
Does the NFL has a development program?
Fred.
Yes. NCAA.
Does the NFL has a development program?
Fred.
What on earth does this statement have to do with the original question?
yes the NFL does have a development program - it’s called NCAA.
Good explanation. I suppose if it aint broke…
I find it interesting that the ITU pays $150K in prize money for each of the 7 races in the WCS series and pays it out 10 deep. Other than Hawaii, the WTC pays no more than $50K per IM distance race, correct?
When it comes to ‘making a living’ from the race purse, I don’t know why anyone would want to be a pro long course triathlete racing WTC events. Seems like a false economy to me.
WTC=NFL= business
& as far as I know the NFL does not have (i.e. as part of the NFL organization) a development program, But that is another thread.
they used to have one… NFL europe was funded by NFL for 16 years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_Europe
The NFL actually still sponsors an NFL Youth program and NFL High School development programs
The ITU has a development grogram for athletes. Details here:
http://www.triathlon.org/...athlete_scholarship/
Does the WTC have anything similar for the development of athletes in long course triathlon?
no
It’s called AGE GROUPER. Actually, WTC is a privately owned organization, where the ITU is an international body of the sport’s national federations for the Olympic movement. Not sure why WTC would do something like that since they are in the business of making money & get a feeder system from the ITU world (Alexander, Macca, etc.) WTC seems to get all the development of athletes they need at the pro level from the ITU system. They may have something I’m not sure, but this certainly seems like a waste of time/money for WTC. I don’t see much need for it. They have the popularity, and interest from pros, AG, ITU & long course athletes alike–no need to spend money on it when athletes will come to them regardless.
Barbara Riveros Diaz was part of the ITU athlete development program ( I believe she is no longer supported by it).
Why wouldn’t it be a great thing for the WTC to persue? Imagine nurturing the next Chrissie, Julie, or Crowie. All WTC entrants feeling a sense of ‘partnership’ in the program as a small portion of their entries would go toward it. That is exactly the kinda initiative that I’d like to see that could turn the tide which seems to be building on WTC.
I have to say though, and as much as I’ve bagged them over the Pro Licence crap, I do feel they’re coppin a lot of flack at the mo, and ultimately YOU athletes choose to race their events, as does my wife, it really is a free market. If you don’t like it - go elsewehere.
But what’s the alternative… exactly.
Atleast they’re promoting events.
Don’t expect a reply to your rant until the AM - I’m off to bed.
Does the WTC have an Athlete Development Program?
Yes, it is called pay $ 750, and in return we do not give you any prize money to support your development unless you are already world class.