Triathlon coverage on NBC - Sunday

[rasb]

NBC will be showing the $ 1, 000, 000. triathlon held in Des Moines last week. Coverage should start at noon - Pacific time. If you get a chance to see the finish of the Men's run, it is very exciting !!! Even more so because that Canuck lad, Whitfield, pulled out the victory and pocketed $ 200,000. for his efforts...

[rasb]

I hope some of you were able to see that. The commentary was fine, and even though I already knew the final results, it was a very exciting presentation of a 1 hour and 49 minute event - much better than I have seen lately on track & field coverage... My sense is that "we" are definitely losing some battles to Triathlon - for athletes, spectators, media, sponsors, etc.

[jazzcyclist]

My sense is that "we" are definitely losing some battles to Triathlon - for athletes, spectators, media, sponsors, etc.

I'll debate you on spectators, media and sponsors, but athletes? Do you really believe that there are some Galen Rupp and Jenny Barringer types who have chosen triathlon over track and field? Come on! The best athletes go where the money is. Are there any triathletes who can touch the money of the Bekeles, Dibabas, Radcliffes and Gebrselassies?

[rasb]

My sense is that "we" are definitely losing some battles to Triathlon - for athletes, spectators, media, sponsors, etc.

I'll debate you on spectators, media and sponsors, but athletes? Do you really believe that there are some Galen Rupp and Jenny Barringer types who have chosen triathlon over track and field? Come on! The best athletes go where the money is. Are there any triathletes who can touch the money of the Bekeles, Dibabas, Radcliffes and Gebrselassies?

Hey JC,

There are many very good endurance athletes in Canada who are being "seduced" towards Triathlon. We will never know how good they might have been as distance runners. I can tell you (from personal observation) that Simon Whitfield could have been an awesome distance runner. Even training full-time for the Triathlon, I have seen him lay down a sub 2:30 for 1K. at the end of a track workout. His contract with Nike, after winning the Olympic Gold in 2000, is at least in the high 6 figures. He won $ 200,000. for his win in Iowa, and he has 12 World Cup wins. Multi-millionaire --- for sure...
And a great guy, as well --- Go Simon !

[mojo]

Dang I wish I had known that triathlon was on.

Simon is one of my favourite athletes of all time-right up there with all my track stars.

He is the perfect combination of grace, grit, and guts!
A few of track kids have met him. HE came up to them on a flight and was so keen to hear all about their events etc. Nary a word about himself. They were starstruck as I would be. ops:

When I slog along Dallas Road (a beautiful waterfront walkaway and a place I know Simon likes to train ) I keep an eye out for him.

Simon is a true role model both on and off the field.

[guru]

My sense is that "we" are definitely losing some battles to Triathlon - for athletes, spectators, media, sponsors, etc.

I'll debate you on spectators, media and sponsors, but athletes? Do you really believe that there are some Galen Rupp and Jenny Barringer types who have chosen triathlon over track and field?

Lukas Verzbicas.