Welcome to the forum, sir. We’re glad to have you.
1.) From a journalistic standpoint, you probably reported around the way you should have on Imogen. I think, in part, some of the issue is that most provisional suspensions run silently, and everyone being ahead of the ITA on this one, broke a lot of people’s brains. (See how we have a thread with a suggested read time of over 90 minutes on the topic).
2.) Keep working your ass off. Particularly on the T100 gig. You’ve improved. Sometimes you just need reps to get better. I think you (and the rest of the team) would benefit from a stronger director and/or more clear definition of roles. Like, right now, you’re in the trap of hosting / play by play / some commentary / give space to “experts” like Jan. That’s hard. It’s asking you to do what Lovato does with IM broadcasts. And when you talk for 3+ hours…well, welcome to the hatred club.
3.) I agree there’s probably some AUS / USA culture clash in terms of personalities at times. One of my very good golfing friends is ex-AUS (been in the states for 30 years). And even then it still comes out.
Oh, I think I agree with your point here, just comparing Jack’s commentary to Lovato’s rubs me the wrong way… they’re pretty much on the opposite sides of the quality spectrum… and Michael is not the one on top
It’s about the job of being asked to effectively host, play-by-play, and offer commentary at once. When, well, that’s what the point of having experts is for. Successful sports broadcast products have clearly defined roles for their teams.
If triathlon racing will ever break out into mainstream coverage, that’s where that polish is needed. The gold standard remains the Daytona event from 2020, in part because you had the NBC/NASCAR broadcast team putting it on.
I think that would be unfortunate. If you hadn’t presented the story, it would have remained buried, Imo would not be showing up at races, speculation would be rampant and very frustrating for fans of the sport. I believe you did nothing wrong and I am glad you brought this to the light.
Wearing your heart on your sleeve is risky - whatever I or others think of your show, it’s no reflection on your true nature, we’re merely an audience!
My opinion of the way Jacks show has gone is he likely never intended to become a media member, only interested in talking to sporting legends (not just triathlon legends). I think one of the better episodes was early on talking to an MMA guy and I remember him trying to cut weight in a hot tub and being unable to do it right before a fight.
The platform grew, likely unexpectedly, due to the quality of the guests and the casual but quality interaction.
Jack found himself in a position to grow a platform that was likely never intended to be a media platform to the point where he’s flying around the world calling PTO races.
Any flub ups and missteps called out by negative people repeatedly (and there are a few flub ups) are due to what appears to me as genuine excitement to be in the position but also being in a position he’s not exactly ready for (Messick podcast was pretty damn bad, but I see nothing wrong with the work done surrounding Simmonds). I have no issues with that and have enjoyed listening and will continue to listen.
I want to second these comments. Above Jack said that he regrets the Imo situation but I actually think he handled it well, he gave her the opportunity to comment, and even gave her the chance to break the news herself. Pretty solid move by Jack. PTN wouldn’t have done the same for an athlete they don’t like.
It’s good to see Jack here, I was surprised he wasn’t here before (maybe he was lurking?), and I will say that he did get better on the second year of the T100, and hopefully he continues to progress. And I agree with that was stated before: you guys need a better director, and your roles clearly defined.
Kudos for taking it like a champ, and best of luck.
PS. It wouldn’t hurt if you tone down the hyperbole.
Jack: I started the thread. I make mistakes too (I am not suggesting you made a mistake). I am a hypocrite. I said I would not listen to your show anymore. I listened today. Thank you.
My initial comments were around “how you defended yourself and the reasoning/excuses and what I felt were inflammatory comments” and how you were not pressuring Imogen. Backdrop: I was appalled by your interview with AM (you kept pressuring him to say what you wanted him to say) and then your recent interview with Taylor Knibss (total pressure) for her to release her numbers.
In your defense of yourself with other publisher, you used in your defense comments “in a million years” (who lives to be a million) and I would never ever…and your rational of "you even received training advice from one of your critics, and many more examples when in fact, I don’t know think many care. In fact you said you do not like to talk about other publishers but then you spent most of your episode talking about the other publisher.
I think it was ridicilous you responded but then how you responded to the other publisher in defense of yourself was even more unnecessary. My reaction had nothing to do with you releasing the information on Imogen it was built upon two other pressure and needling of your other guests that I mentioned that got my reaction fron your unnaccountable justification.
I sense you mean well and have good intentions and love the sport, AND, I hope this thread may have given others exposure to your podcast and then your approach will help decide if they continue listening. I am rooting for you. Good luck.
Personally I love the anecdotes, stories behind the athletes. Sometimes watching triathlon is boring so hearing background stories makes it more interesting.
Seems to me this type of journalism happens in every major sport. Triathletes want the sport to grow, want more exposure, money, etc. but don’t want any of the scrutiny that may come along with it? Not sure what everyone is bent out of shape about.
If this is all it takes for you to be ‘appalled’ you must have a very difficult life… FFS his interview with Messick was a nothing burger, some of you guys make out like he was interviewing Mother Theresa and strong arming her asking where all the food donations went…
Is pedantic enough to point out the obvious that no one lives to a million years but not pedantic enough to spell Taylor Knibb’s name correctly…legit troll game…
What I find has been overlooked, in this Imo discussion, is the impact of the information coming out with regards to her competitors. Rumours would have been swirling around, and for the truth to come out helps to clear the air for her competitors. I bet they are glad it is out there. Confirmed case or not, knowing that the system is picking up athletes with adverse findings is something they would be supporting, IMO.
I’ll admit I’ve never really understood the criticism you generate. My impression has always been what you wrote above—you’re triathlon’s biggest fan and you’ve found a way to turn that into a career. Good for you, good for us.
It is, and it certainly isn’t spelt ‘knibss’, but when talking about someone’s name it’s Knibb’s. Like if I were to talk about Jan Frodeno you would say Jan Frodeno’s name is spelt etc…
Anyways all besides the point because we aren’t going to live a million years
Great to see you here, Jack. Maybe you can start with the athletes you’re coaching and your own coaching philosophy. From listening last year, I recall that you’re coaching Ari Klau and Penny Slater. Saw in a thread here that you’re also coaching Jimmy Whelan. You’ve also done tons of interviews with Plews, Bu, Lorang etc. What’s your own approach to coaching? Anything you’ve implemented from these guys?
