Herbert/Dan - A little history lesson - The Star-Spangled Banner was NOT sung before the Ironman World Championship until 2001. After the 9-11 bombings, the RD (Sharon Ackles) decided to have the song performed before the race. I had the honor of singing it before the race in 2001. It has been done before the race since that year. Z
Wow I never knew that. Were you worried about forgetting the words? 
Why not play it before to honor the host country, America, and then play the winner’s national anthems on the podium?
edit: poor grammar
An Primus Ironman theme could be commissioned that would work anyplace, anytime.
The survey needs a choice of:
“Whatever song is played, I take a moment to pee in my wetsuit.”
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Why not play it before to honor the host country, America, and then play the winner’s national anthems on the podium?
edit: poor grammar
We get this in the Olympics every four years (or two if counting the winter games) because those athletes are representing their countries. Racing an IM, the athletes are representing themselves or sponsors, not countries therefore no real need to any anthems. I can settle for the host country anthems but anything more than that is overkill.
You have to start low or the high notes are too high, right?
If he sings like me, the whole thing is spoken word. Patriotic poetry slam style.
“Oh, say, can you MF-ers see…”
Tom, you do a fantastic job too! I’m a singer as well and have had the pleasure of hearing you belt out the Star Spangled Banner as several IM events. I’ll be doing IMAZ next weekend hoping to hear you there too. I’ll be secretly wishing I was up there singing with ya!
If he sings like me, the whole thing is spoken word. Patriotic poetry slam style.
“Oh, say, can you MF-ers see…”
Why not just rap it? Equally offensive, IMO. 
I’m torn. Since it’s such a multi-national event, I’d say either do away with the anthem, or play it before the race, then play the winning athlete’s national anthem during the award ceremony.
Not specifically to the OP, but general question for non-Americans: Is the your national anthem played prior to sporting events (either local amateur, or pro) in your country? Or is that a uniquely American thing?
The Canadian anthem was played prior to both IMMTs that I participated in. This was followed by a fly-over by the entire Canadian air force (one F18).
Not specifically to the OP, but general question for non-Americans: Is the your national anthem played prior to sporting events (either local amateur, or pro) in your country? Or is that a uniquely American thing?
No the national anthem is not played prior to sporting events, some international events has it as a requirement. I think it is required on Diamond league track meets.
Different countries, different culture.
UK based and it doesn’t happen here. I’ve raced in a few places around Europe as well and don’t recall hearing it anywhere else either bar my one race in the US.
The only times anthems are played are generally before team internationals when both anthems are played, usually accompanied by vigorous booing of the opposing anthem certainly for the football (soccer!). It can have a nasty edge but more often than not it’s fairly unthinking pantomime stuff.
To my mind it’s an American thing although I’m sure there are some other places it might happen.
If it’s on U.S. soil. Play it. I love hearing it and don’t care what the event is.
Why not play it before to honor the host country, America, and then play the winner’s national anthems on the podium?
edit: poor grammar
We get this in the Olympics every four years (or two if counting the winter games) because those athletes are representing their countries. ** Racing an IM, the athletes are representing themselves or sponsors,** not countries therefore no real need to any anthems. I can settle for the host country anthems but anything more than that is overkill.
I use this same logic for Kona finishers wrapping themselves up in the flag of their country. They are racing for themselves…
Why not play it before to honor the host country, America, and then play the winner’s national anthems on the podium?
That’s what they do at the HyVee Championships. At the beginning, they play the U.S. anthem followed by a bunch of fireworks…it’s pretty cool and seems to get everyone pretty psyched. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend the post race awards for the past two years where three of the four male and female winners have been from outside the U.S…Javier Gomez, Helle Frederickson, and Emma Moffatt. Based on their reactions while standing on the podium, along with this year’s winner, Hunter Kemper, they all really seem to appreciate the playing of their country’s anthem.
Thanks! I will be at IMAZ next week! Not sure if I will sing - I’m the “Back-up” in case the real singer does not show.
The first year of IMAZ, we were waiting for the person to show up and sin.g Paul Huddle, the RD, could not find her, so I sang before the race. About 10 min. after the gun went off, I looked down to see Paul talking to a young girl who was in tears - she had got lost and was late to sing. A few years later this young girl won “American Idol” - Jordan Sparks! True Story!
Z
Yes, start low! I’ve made the mistake of starting to high before - Not easy to get out the high notes at the end!
Wow! That’s a really cool story Tom! See you in AZ! Rest those pipes!