Ouch, dissed by Ironman

I just got off the phone with Steve from Ironman. He was very polite, but advised me that it's Ironmans stance that "to insure the integrity of professional athletics we can't lower the standards of Kona or Clearwater by creating another division for genetically disadvantaged athletes." He said the other races like the Tri One O One are grass roots races. They are good for feeling more competitive at the longer distance races, but the quality competitors aren't at those races. The best want to race with the worlds best.

He was polite, but I have to say I was not happy with the response. I think with enough requests there will be changes made. Contact them and request new divisions for the, as they say: genetically disadvantaged athlete. Until then I'll be completely content to do "grass roots" races like the Tri One O One and avoid Iron sponsored races.

Response from Ironman corporation.

Wow, that was quick. I have already recieved 2 responses from Ironman. I guess they do read the emails. So more emails requesting a Clyd and Athena div will be read and will sway thier opinion eventually! Help the big athletes out in a big way, email Ironman and ask for Clyd & Athena div at the world championships!!!! I'll let you know how the debates go.

Hi Cody,

I'll pass your e-mail on to the folks who run the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 series. This has been a long, ongoing debate within the organization.

Thanks for your e-mail, and good luck!

Kevin

And

Thanks for the email Cody. I'll be happy to discuss our categories with you. What's the best number to reach you at?Steve

This is a copy of my first email to Ironman

Reason: Big athletes need love too

To the Ironman corporation,
I qualified and completed the 2006 70.3 Clearwater triathlon as a 30-34 age grouper, yet I am proud to be a clydesdale. Most triathletes major goal is to complete at least one Ironman in thier life. All triathletes want to be known as an "Ironman". Even Clydes and Athanenas. There are hundreds if not thousands of Clydesdales and Athenas who compete in Ironman & 70.3 each year. Our entrance fees cost the same as an age grouper, and our money spends the same. What I am asking is that Ironman recognize Clydes and Athenas as a division. That they hand out awards to the Clydes & Athenas 3 deep just like they do age groupers. That they create a Clyd and Athena division at Kona & Clearwater & that they hand out slots to those divisions at each Ironman sponsored event just like they do for every age group.

There is a new long course triathlon company that is competing for dominance with Ironman. The Tri One O One. They are recognizing Clydes and Athenas as a division and give awards to us 5 deep, they also have the Clydes and Athenas division at their championship race. The Clydes and Athenas may not be as fast of a division, but I think you should look up the numbers of your 70.3 and Ironman and see how many of us there are. If you'd be more willing to recognize us it would be securing loyalty amongst a "large group" literally and figuratively:)

I would be honored if you would respond. Thank you for your time, Cody Hanson