As a sometime triathlete I try to keep an open mind about triathletes and swimming. But sometimes their approach is indefensible. From Vineman 70.3 this was seen
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Well, it is within the rules. There is even a case where 1 person walked an ironman swim.
When it get's down to setting up a swim course with the goal of making it so safe for the inexperienced that they could walk the course, the sport of triathlon becomes just a money making machine for the promoters. If people are not ready to complete the swim leg they should enter duathlons, runs or bike races. But promoters see that there is gold in the fast growing sport of triathlons. Triathlons have more cache to them than the others so people are willing to pay higher entrance fees, travel further and race more often. It is like what has happened to climbing in the Himalayas. If you are going to spend the money, climb Everest. Forget that you have to wait in line in so many places on the route including the summit and the dangerous Hilary Step. There are so many other climbs in the Himalayas that would be more challenging, as beautiful and with just as much risk as Everest. But instead of standing and waiting for the weather to move in and risking your life standing in line, you challenge yourself, your experience, your resolve, the mountain, the elements working together with your team to pursue excellence and success. Nevermind, bragging about Everest (or a triathlon) sounds more fun. :-)
Well, it is within the rules. There is even a case where 1 person walked an ironman swim.
When it get's down to setting up a swim course with the goal of making it so safe for the inexperienced that they could walk the course, the sport of triathlon becomes just a money making machine for the promoters. If people are not ready to complete the swim leg they should enter duathlons, runs or bike races. But promoters see that there is gold in the fast growing sport of triathlons. Triathlons have more cache to them than the others so people are willing to pay higher entrance fees, travel further and race more often. It is like what has happened to climbing in the Himalayas. If you are going to spend the money, climb Everest. Forget that you have to wait in line in so many places on the route including the summit and the dangerous Hilary Step. There are so many other climbs in the Himalayas that would be more challenging, as beautiful and with just as much risk as Everest. But instead of standing and waiting for the weather to move in and risking your life standing in line, you challenge yourself, your experience, your resolve, the mountain, the elements working together with your team to pursue excellence and success. Nevermind, bragging about Everest (or a triathlon) sounds more fun. :-)
