There was a feature this morning (might have originally aired last night) on Todd Crandell and Racing for Recovery on ESPN. The story in itself is exceptionally noteworthy, but I’m just amazed that ESPN has finally mentioned triathlon. This has just not happened to my knowledge. At least not since my involvement in the sport (since 2005). I’m continually appalled that they never even mention (nevermind a big feature) on the world championships… or even running, or cycling for that matter.
They don’t cover sports that their viewers might actually be able to participate in.
Something about not wanting to make them feel bad for sitting around watching TV all the time and still claiming to be “athletic”.
“Exceptionally noteworthy?” Because he is using swimming, biking, and running to overcome a lifetime of addiction to alcohol, cocaine, crack & heroin? I saw the feature as well, and I think it’s great that he’s in the process of getting his life back together. However, many of us have friends and/or family members who have battled addiction and have been successful in overcoming their demon(s). To suggest that Crandell’s story is more “exceptional” than another because he is an IM is a little bit over the top, and in my opinion, somewhat of a slap in the face to others who have conquered their problems by more conventional methods. If I’m not mistaken, Crandell also said that because he has focused so much time on his organization he has had to deal with repos, foreclosures & almost losing his family. Not a real solid tradeoff from where I stand.
A little more reality. Last time I checked, ESPN stood for “Entertainment and Sports Programming Network,” not random coverage of sports/events that only a very small percentage of the active and/or viewing public may be interested in. The fact that some may be “continually appalled” by ESPN’s lack of coverage of tri, cycling or running, for example, is a little perplexing, as that’s not what the network is there to do. Truth be told, a far larger percentage of people are more interested in poker, the Little League World Series, and even strong man contests. But, as Hugh suggested, what can you expect from people who are happy just to sit on the couch with the remote in one hand & a bag of cheese puffs in the other.
T.J. Cesarz
I thought the story was well done. I can’t possibly see how it was a slap in anyones face.
I worry about the people he convinces to follow him into just a different addiction to replace an unhealthier one. What happens when they get tired of triathlon, or injured? What have they learned that they can fall back on then? You can’t simply replace on addiction with another without also changing the person - addiction is just a symptom of a much larger problem. (trust me)
I’m glad he’s found relief from active addiction to drugs and alcohol, but I wonder what his approach’s long term results are like? How many 20 year clean/sober people have followed his path? 30? 40? 50?
I saw the story as well, and thought it was nice. Sure, there are a lot of people that have gone through similar situations, but it seems to me that he has taken his recovery further, branching out to form groups of recovery racers around the country. Good on him.
Say what you will about the guy (personally, I got tired of his “Addict to IM” posts on forums around the web), but any time you get triathlon on ESPN, you’ve done well by me.
The sport continues to grow. Five years ago, who knew that you’d be able to turn on the tv and find five channels* of people playing poker? I doubt you’re going to see tri get that big, but it was a hit at the Olympics, the NBC Kona show always does well, the new Xterra championship special was great, etc. etc. We’re going in the right direction.
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*Not an exaggeration: ESPN, ESPN2, FSN, OLN/VS, local access channel (local casino tourney coverage)
I’ll tell you how it was a slap in someones face! It’s slowtwitch and you will get hammered for anything. People don’t like to see others bragged on. Save a kids life and then post it here see what happens : )
Two years ago ESPN dedicated an entire hour to the story of Terry Fox and the impact he had on running in the US and more importantly Canada. So, to make a braod sweeping over-generalization like you do is misleading.
Okay, so anyway… ESPN mentioned triathlon. Which I thought was pretty cool. We don’t get to see much triathlon on TV around here.
I’ll tell you how it was a slap in someones face! It’s slowtwitch and you will get hammered for anything. People don’t like to see others bragged on. Save a kids life and then post it here see what happens : )
Personally, I think Todd Crandell has helped save many kids lives. I think he is a real inspiration to others who are trying to overcome addiction and has given them a much healthier alternative - physical fitness. He never says you have to do Ironmans; he just says to get out and get active.
Judging by the popularity of his talks, his book, and his events, he’s having an impact with people.
I know Todd Crandell, and he’s a great guy who cares a lot about people and is using the best forum he has available to reach people who need to hear his message.
Exactly - which was the intent of your post. I thought it was pretty
cool to see triathlon on ESPN as well. I saw the word Ironman on the
list on the right and was curious as to what they would talk about
(some weight lifting contest or something). I did think it was funny
that Stuart Scott referred to triathlon and ironman as essentially the
same thing, as if there’s no other distance to race. But not as funny
as the guy above who thinks the only people who watch ESPN are fat
slobs.
I saw the story and liked it.
I don’t know Todd personally,But Iam a ex junkie and have been clean for almost 21 years. I have battled Hepatitis c and came back from treatment to to do I.M.
I think what he is doing is a great thing. If he saves one persons life than that’s what it is all about.
I have worked as a lifeguard in Hawaii, for almost 20 years saving lives and doing I.M. trying to give back to my community and I believe that is what Todd is trying to do.
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