Tripping Into Equity (Episode 56)
There has been BIG news in the world of Ironman-branded racing this month. Sika Henry — friend of the podcast and Outspoken: Women in Triathlon alumna — made history by starting (and finishing!) as the first African American female pro at Ironman 70.3 Augusta.
As much as we’re thrilled for Sika, we’re still frustrated. We have a love-hate relationship with Ironman-branded racing. After moving the traditionally held Ironman World Championship from October 2021 to February 2022 in Kona, the race has now been moved again — to May 2022 in St. George, Utah. (Insert mind-blowing, incredulous, and confused faces here!) Age-group athletes who were already registered for St. George woke up realizing they’ll now be racing amongst the greats, while Shaunna and Lisa woke up wondering if the “equitable” outcomes were an undercard to bottom-line profits in the middle of a pandemic. We suggest that Ironman has tripped into equity accidentally rather than walking (or RUNNING!) into equity intentionally.
During this week’s episode, we dissect the two notions of equitable outcomes and equitable processes in Ironman-branded racing. Were equal slots for pro women a happenstance outcome of COVID-changes? Will women get a cleaner race as an unintended outcome? Will a trip to Utah be more financially accessible than a trip to Hawaii for U.S. athletes? We are skeptical and pragmatic at best. Listen in to hear how we think COVID-19 has bullied Ironman into what Ironman CEO Andrew Messick describes as a “unique and historic” year of racing. We’ll see how this plays out next year as Utah also prepares its bid to host a second Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games, possibly as soon as 2030 with Ironman to vouch for its ability to host an internationally acclaimed event.
https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/09/23/ironman-world/
https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/07/24/salt-lake-city-hosting/