Ironman Access (01.11.2010)

by Faris Al-Sultan

I'm an Ironman. An Ironman fan, someone who loves the Hawaiian race and I was always ready to state the importance and significance of this race anywhere, anytime. In doing so I supported the idea of qualifying for it as a dream worth pursuing. My admittedly little glimpse behind the scenes has shown me that not all of what's happening in the sport should go that way but nowhere everything has changed my view but hasn't taken away my love for it.

To develop the sport change is unavoidable and I don' oppose moneymaking. Race organisers, companies and their employees and of course we professionals live, directly or indirectly, of the fans and the age groupers, who buy the fancy Storck and the Aquasphere goggles to get it on at the everyman race first till they work themselves to an Ironman race. Generally it's very easy to advertise for our sport, it's healthy, offers a lot of variety, has great races considering the location, the atmosphere or the organisation, and is done by interesting people. I am grateful for what triathlon in general and especially Ironman has made me achieve, in no other sport I could have come close to the success I had, but sometimes you supposed allies make it tough. Some products are junk or useless, some races ridiculous, some federation chaotic, some athletes a disgrace.

When I got the mail about "ironman access" I was angry but before I could write any comment the triathlon community has solved the problem. I might be a little more concerned about the age-groupers opinion as I was one myself, not raised through national team belonging, even if that's a while ago. I'm very proud of my fellow triathletes this is proof that your opinion counts and I'd like to encourage everyone to have a look on what's happening at the federations too because they could use a little more public attention indeed.