and i’ll bet you wonder how in the wide wide world of sports that happened.
Of course i got it right, but will not ruin it for everyone just yet. So guys and gals, why was Arthur Ashe, the most renowned black tennis player of his time, picked to be the cycling expert for the very first ironman in kona? And a hint, there was an actual reason, just not his celebrity.
monty, i will let you tell the story. but first, if there’s any interest in anyone posting prior to the actual story told, i’ll sit back and see what anybody else wants to write.
Dan, wondering why it was a poll question. Pique interest? Test people’s trivia knowledge? Their Google fu?
Dan, wondering why it was a poll question. Pique interest? Test people’s trivia knowledge? Their Google fu?
Hell, i couldn’t even find the answer using Google:)
Yes I remember that. I’m fairly sure that’s how the term “WTF” got started. At least in my mind. Nothing against
Arthur Ashe but seriously, WTF?
“wondering why it was a poll question”
no particular reason. i think i’m going to throw in a few of those from time to time.
I wouldn’t have answered correctly without a Google search that brought me right back to an article on this site and a photo from '81 that I saw recently in another thread.
I guess I’m a cycling expert too but I really try to avoid what made Mr. Ashe a cycling expert.
Actually remembered it was Ashe, yet I do not have a clue as to the “why” that happened.
I took a wild guess and picked Ashe just because he seemed the least likely and wondered why they would put him as a choice unless it was really him.
He did some sports commentary I believe. God rest his soul.
Knew it was Ashe and knew the why.
Knew it was Ashe and knew the why.
Well…tell us why?
Was there and have the wide world of sports video.
SO a few guesses that it was Ashe, but no pondering as to why it was him? Now those of you that have been to my house and seen the 81 race on my DVD, along with my color commentary, well just sit back and lets see what everyone else can come up with as to why he was selected. Another hint, it has nothing to do with tennis in general.
SO a few guesses that it was Ashe, but no pondering as to why it was him?
Lots of pondering, but it seems that no one really wants to share the info.
Why was it him?
why was it him?
Ryan Seacrest was busy?
Lost a bet with Ivan Lendl?
He was dating Lynn Lemaire? 
His agent knew someone’s agent on the broadcast?
He trained with John Howard?
He was well-known, very personable and well-spoken?
-Robert
Didn’t AA do other commentary back in that day? I could swear i remember that.
this question is very unfair because those of us old enough to have been cognizant then are lacking the mental gymnastics to dredge those old memories out of hiding. 
monty, i will let you tell the story. but first, if there’s any interest in anyone posting prior to the actual story told, i’ll sit back and see what anybody else wants to write.
for those that can’t wait - it’s already on this website (on a story written 7 years ago) – damn, that’s funny
Google-ing Arthur Ashe and bicycle brought me to this picture taken in 1977
