The World Triathlon Corporation has recently instituted a new rule, requiring that finishers cross the line with a time within 8% of the winner's time or they don't get prize money.
In two recent half Ironman races, the winning women hung out near the finish line, delaying their win, to make it easier for the next few women to satisfy the 8% rule. (Williamson Sat at Steelhead Finish Line to Help Other Pros Julie Dibens waits for 5 minutes before crossing finish line and winning Ironman 70.3 Boulder)
I think that's fantastic. (I also think it's something male athletes would be less likely to do.) It hurts their time, and presumably could hurt their career stats and therefore their earnings/endorsement potential, but they have done it anyway, because it's the right thing to do. These are the kind of athletes I'd like to see the girls emulate.
No comments:
Post a Comment