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IMH Sanctioning Pulled by USAT

Question:

Simply put the ITU is the CANCER of triathlon.  It is very disappointing to see that the USAT does not have the backbone to follow the wishes of their membership.  It appears many "fat ass bureaucratic types" are attempting to extend their free ride. Charles McClellan  

Response:

..SNIP… Oh, if IMH is not a USAT race, then why should IM qualifiers be USAT races, so why should I even bother to join USAT next year?

    I wonder if this means that USAT membership will no longer be MANDATORY to even submit a lottery application next year? Tri-On The only legal draft should come from hops and barley. WEB (Robert Webster) Great Lakes, IL http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Track/2891/index.html

Response:

 …you used the word "world" three times!  …methinks that ITU will be sending you an invoice…I guess to me as well… cheers, Bill Webber I think if you took 10 triathletes and asked them if they rather do IMH or go to the World championships of what ever distance I think 9 out of 10 would pick IMH ( I know I would).  So who really cares about the name "World"!  Does the triathlon world really care about anything or anyother triathlon as much?  The biggest race of the year deserves any name it wants. Triathlon may  be popular today thanks to Hawaii. Stop crying about the name and let’s gather together to increase the popularity of our sport. TriJay Jay’s World Web Page http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/2336/index.htm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Maybe I’m missing something, but does IMH really need USAT sanctioning? To anyone even remotely invloved (or who would like to be involved) with IMH, will it change how they feel about or view the race?  Will it discourage people from trying to qualify?  I highly doubt it. Let’s face it, the Hawaii Ironman is in a league of it’s own.  Even if absolutely every triathlon governing body said they wouldn’t sanction/recognize it, thousands of athletes would still go for the chance of running down Alii Drive. BTW, who owns the word "WORLD"?  Last I heard, anyone could use it. Some people make issues about the most pointless of things – Hey ITU, how about spending some energy on something that would BENEFIT the athletes????? Alison

Very well stated.  Indeed who really cares about USAT sanctioning?  I’m sorry USAT you lose big time on this one.  My bucks will go to unsanctioned races from now on.  Give them an inch and they’ll take a mile.  I’ll even give up the sanctioned races I’ve been doing for sentimental reasons.  See ya USAT. Larry Kuxhausen

Response:

Well, I’m not sure who started this one, but USAT is sanctioning the Ironman World Championship. Steve Locke Executive Director USAT

Response:

RESOLUTION FROM USA TRIATHLON (USAT)   Rick Margiotta, President After much discussion and negotiation with both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC – owner of the Ironman), who continues to use the title "Triathlon World Championship", which is deemed unacceptable by the ITU and which puts USAT’s `good standing’ in jeopardy, the USA Triathlon Federation has decided to withdraw sanction for the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.

—–lotsa’ snipping—- The WTC should call the race what it truely is, the World Ironman Triathlon Championships or drop completely the use of the word "World". I suggest that an event of this magnitude and significance should be able to stand on it’s own with out the use of the word, "world" in it’s title. Steve Fleck

I’ve *got* to find a new personal ISP, it’s getting too difficult to properly express myself with my company’s logo above. That said, I’d like to suggest that while IMH can stand on its own, WORLD Triathlon Corporation continue to use the term just as they always have just to piss Les off; if he doesn’t like it he can litigate ’til he goes to his grave.   And while I’m ranting, I wish that old fart would stop putting USAT in very uncomfortable positions with race organizers within it’s domain. It’s not good for the athletes, the race or the sport. Whew… Augie Calabrese IMH ‘85 Volunteer (Run Mile 24) IMH ‘90 Crew IMC ‘93 12:28 IMC ‘95 11:59 IMH ‘96 Volunteer (Swim to bike transition) IMC ‘97 13:04 (Please, no intimidation intended.)

Response:

Some great Non-sanctioned USAT races to consider next year in Northern California: ANY IN YOUR AREA? South Bay Triathlon San Jose International Triathlon Alcatraz Triathlon Sandman Triathlon Santa Cruz Sentinel Triathlon Keep you posted on others! Dr. T

Response:

Excuse my arrogance here but USAT WHO?  IMH don’t need ‘em!  Who will still be around in ten years? Tri-ing

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ..SNIP… Oh, if IMH is not a USAT race, then why should IM qualifiers be USAT races, so why should I even bother to join USAT next year?     I wonder if this means that USAT membership will no longer be MANDATORY to even submit a lottery application next year? Tri-On The only legal draft should come from hops and barley. WEB (Robert Webster) Great Lakes, IL http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Track/2891/index.html

Lots of ramifications…but we’ve (Northern Hemi’s) got the Winter to see how it plays out.  But, after ten+ years of steady membership in TriFed/USAT I never thought I’d be questioning whether I want to re-up for the next season.  It’s getting pretty sad.   Augie Calabrese

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got this forwarded by the Ontario Assoc. of Triathletes… RESOLUTION FROM USA TRIATHLON (USAT)   Rick Margiotta, President After much discussion and negotiation with both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC – owner of the Ironman), who continues to use the title "Triathlon World Championship", which is deemed unacceptable by the ITU and which puts USAT’s `good standing’ in jeopardy, the USA Triathlon Federation has decided to withdraw sanction for the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii. I got this forwarded by the Ontario Assoc. of Triathletes… RESOLUTION FROM USA TRIATHLON (USAT)   Rick Margiotta, President After much discussion and negotiation with both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC – owner of the Ironman), who continues to use the title "Triathlon World Championship", which is deemed unacceptable by the ITU and which puts USAT’s `good standing’ in jeopardy, the USA Triathlon Federation has decided to withdraw sanction for the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.

If this is true, and happens, there are several good non-sanctioned events to race in my area.  USAT won’t see my dollars next year. Like I said about the St. Anthony’s sell-out…."give an inch, take a mile"! Dr. T

Response:

RESOLUTION FROM USA TRIATHLON (USAT)   Rick Margiotta, President After much discussion and negotiation with both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC – owner of the Ironman), who continues to use the title "Triathlon World Championship", which is deemed unacceptable by the ITU and which puts USAT’s `good standing’ in jeopardy, the USA Triathlon Federation has decided to withdraw sanction for the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.

Well it seems they are bound and determined to screw the whole thing up. At this rate there will be a governing body for each individual race or series…. At this rate I may be buying one day memberships next year…I was down to 3 USAT races this year, out of 11….

Response:

Tracy or Rob…….what is WTC’s stance on this? I know you are probably monitoring the posts…will you let us know? Thanks, Mark

Response:

RESOLUTION FROM USA TRIATHLON (USAT)   Rick Margiotta, President After much discussion and negotiation with both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC – owner of the Ironman), who continues to use the title "Triathlon World Championship", which is deemed unacceptable by the ITU and which puts USAT’s `good standing’ in jeopardy, the USA Triathlon Federation has decided to withdraw sanction for the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.

If this is true, it is a total act of cowardice and butt licking by USAT.       What a way to cave into political pressure by the ITU, simply for the   hallowed Olympic participation. Is there any way the USAT membership can exert pressure on USAT to change this? After all, we pay the dues, and we are in total disagreement with the USAT position. Why did USAT find it necessary to make such a statement? Who is pressuring them? Anyone from USAT have the courage to try to explain your act of cowardice and malignancy? Oh, if IMH is not a USAT race, then why should IM qualifiers be USAT races, so why should I even bother to join USAT next year? Cathy Corning

Response:

I agree.  I did 8 triathlons this year.  Only 2 were USAT sanctioned.  Why should I continue to support an organization that does not support the majority of races that I do.   I want to increase the popularity of triathlon, but is USAT helping this cause or hurting it. Plus I would save money by not joining USAT anymore. — TriJay Jay’s World Web Page http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/2336/index.htm

Response:

Before we all jump to conclusions wouldn’t it be nice if the members of the Board who voted for this explained themselves.  Rick has posted here and I would like to hear from him.  Quite frankly Sharron Ackles, the RD for IMH is a Board member.  Although she probably had to excuse herself from the vote wouldn’t it be nice to hear from her or WTC. If USAT had any backbone they would not sanction until they get the good standing certificate and then once they have it, start sanctioning again. Andy W.

Response:

I’ll shed only a few tears.  IMH still has more clout with triathletes than USAT. — TriJay Jay’s World Web Page http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/2336/index.htm

Response:

I think if you took 10 triathletes and asked them if they rather do IMH or go to the World championships of what ever distance I think 9 out of 10 would pick IMH ( I know I would).  So who really cares about the name "World"!  Does the triathlon world really care about anything or anyother triathlon as much?  The biggest race of the year deserves any name it wants. Triathlon may  be popular today thanks to Hawaii. Stop crying about the name and let’s gather together to increase the popularity of our sport. TriJay Jay’s World Web Page http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/2336/index.htm

Response:

Maybe I’m missing something, but does IMH really need USAT sanctioning? To anyone even remotely invloved (or who would like to be involved) with IMH, will it change how they feel about or view the race?  Will it discourage people from trying to qualify?  I highly doubt it. Let’s face it, the Hawaii Ironman is in a league of it’s own.  Even if absolutely every triathlon governing body said they wouldn’t sanction/recognize it, thousands of athletes would still go for the chance of running down Alii Drive. BTW, who owns the word "WORLD"?  Last I heard, anyone could use it. Some people make issues about the most pointless of things – Hey ITU, how about spending some energy on something that would BENEFIT the athletes????? Alison

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got this forwarded by the Ontario Assoc. of Triathletes… RESOLUTION FROM USA TRIATHLON (USAT)   Rick Margiotta, President After much discussion and negotiation with both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC – owner of the Ironman), who continues to use the title "Triathlon World Championship", which is deemed unacceptable by the ITU and which puts USAT’s `good standing’ in jeopardy, the USA Triathlon Federation has decided to withdraw sanction for the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii. El Major Bleeping SELL OUT.   More EXPLETIVE EXPLETIVE EXPLETIVE. TriBaby

I’m just hoping it’s rumor. If this is true, then we’ve actually seen USAT’s true colors. Guys, we don’t need the corrupt Olympics in order to grow. To turn this into an olympic sport would only introduce the IOC’s corruption into our sport. They’ve already corrupted the ITU. Do we really need this? "Iron" Pete Priolo IMC’96 – 10:36:37    IMC’97 – 10:42:53 ‘98 Gulf Coast Tri, IMC’98

Response:

After all the admonitions I’ve posted around these parts about foul language, this had sent me over the edge. You do the math. We’ve got 80% of all the triathletes in the world paying dues here in the U.S., we should not sell out to a bunch of fat-assed UCI wannabes. It’s time for a new governing body, folks. Let USAT have the Olympics. We’ll take everything else, and we’ll see where that leaves them. And without the Ironman, where does the ITU expect to be? In Eurpoe alone, which is, I suspect, where they wanted to be all along. Away from those pesky purist Americans. Screw them! )*&)(*&**&#&*#^*&$#*&$(*)&^)*&%&*($)(&)*&)_()*(&)(*)(*&)(*^&*%*&^$&*^% I got this forwarded by the Ontario Assoc. of Triathletes… RESOLUTION FROM USA TRIATHLON (USAT)   Rick Margiotta, President After much discussion and negotiation with both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC – owner of the Ironman), who continues to use the title "Triathlon World Championship", which is deemed unacceptable by the ITU and which puts USAT’s `good standing’ in jeopardy, the USA Triathlon Federation has decided to withdraw sanction for the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.

Rick Denney Take what you want and leave the rest.

Response:

I got this forwarded by the Ontario Assoc. of Triathletes… RESOLUTION FROM USA TRIATHLON (USAT)   Rick Margiotta, President After much discussion and negotiation with both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC – owner of the Ironman), who continues to use the title "Triathlon World Championship", which is deemed unacceptable by the ITU and which puts USAT’s `good standing’ in jeopardy, the USA Triathlon Federation has decided to withdraw sanction for the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.

Response:

I got this forwarded by the Ontario Assoc. of Triathletes… RESOLUTION FROM USA TRIATHLON (USAT)   Rick Margiotta, President After much discussion and negotiation with both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC – owner of the Ironman), who continues to use the title "Triathlon World Championship", which is deemed unacceptable by the ITU and which puts USAT’s `good standing’ in jeopardy, the USA Triathlon Federation has decided to withdraw sanction for the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.

El Major Bleeping SELL OUT.   More EXPLETIVE EXPLETIVE EXPLETIVE. TriBaby :-[

– "’Be a terrific innovation if you could get your mind to stretch a little further than the next wise crack." "Y’know, I tried that once, but it didn’t snap back into place." —Katharine Hepburn & Eve Arden in "Stage Door" (1937)    

Response:

RESOLUTION FROM USA TRIATHLON (USAT)   Rick Margiotta, President After much discussion and negotiation with both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC – owner of the Ironman), who continues to use the title "Triathlon World Championship", which is deemed unacceptable by the ITU and which puts USAT’s `good standing’ in jeopardy, the USA Triathlon Federation has decided to withdraw sanction for the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.

This war over the word, "world" has been going on for some time now, Unfortunately, it shows no sign of letting up. The ITU( love ‘em or hate ‘em) is the world governing body for the sport of triathlon. The World Triathlon Corporation(WTC) is a private business enterprise, that produces and runs the Ironman events around the world. Both of these organizations have done outstanding work in advancing the sport of triathlon to where it is today. To me, this use of the word world is simply a semantic argument. The WTC, continues to call it’s event in Hawaii the Ironman Triathlon World Championships – giving the impression that it is the World Championships of Triathlon. While no one will dispute that the quality of the field in Hawaii is very high, the Ironman is a very long race compared to the International standard(1.5/40/10), and more and more we are seeing specialists dominate this event.The winners are great athletes, some of the best in the sport, but they are not the World Champions. Furthermore, the Ironman Hawaii race is perhaps the most prestigeous multi- sport race and receives the most media hype and coverage and significant sponsorship support. The WTC should call the race what it truely is, the World Ironman Triathlon Championships or drop completely the use of the word "World". I suggest that an event of this magnitude and significance should be able to stand on it’s own with out the use of the word, "world" in it’s title. There are precedents for this in other sports. In cycling the winner of the Tour de France is, in many respects, recognized as the best cyclist in the world. However, he is not necessarily the World Champion. That is to be decided at another very different one day race. Steve Fleck

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I got this forwarded by the Ontario Assoc. of Triathletes… RESOLUTION FROM USA TRIATHLON (USAT)   Rick Margiotta, President After much discussion and negotiation with both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC – owner of the Ironman), who continues to use the title "Triathlon World Championship", which is deemed unacceptable by the ITU and which puts USAT’s `good standing’ in jeopardy, the USA Triathlon Federation has decided to withdraw sanction for the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.

I guess we had all better start learning to ride a pace line.  If true this is a sad turn of events for triathlon in the USA.  A moral wrong (drafting) can’t be made right by concenses of opinion.  I wonder what recourse if any we as the membership have?  I can’t support an organization that allows my sport to be ruined.  I am biting my tounge until this ulgy rumor can be confirmed. Gary McMurtrey Inland Inferno Triathlon Club http://members.aol.com/infernotri/home.htm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – RESOLUTION FROM USA TRIATHLON (USAT)   Rick Margiotta, President After much discussion and negotiation with both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC – owner of the Ironman), who continues to use the title "Triathlon World Championship", which is deemed unacceptable by the ITU and which puts USAT’s `good standing’ in jeopardy, the USA Triathlon Federation has decided to withdraw sanction for the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii. This war over the word, "world" has been going on for some time now, Unfortunately, it shows no sign of letting up. The ITU( love ‘em or hate ‘em) is the world governing body for the sport of triathlon. The World Triathlon Corporation(WTC) is a private business enterprise, that produces and runs the Ironman events around the world. Both of these organizations have done outstanding work in advancing the sport of triathlon to where it is today. To me, this use of the word world is simply a semantic argument. The WTC, continues to call it’s event in Hawaii the Ironman Triathlon World Championships – giving the impression that it is the World Championships of Triathlon. While no one will dispute that the quality of the field in Hawaii is very high, the Ironman is a very long race compared to the International standard(1.5/40/10), and more and more we are seeing specialists dominate this event.The winners are great athletes, some of the best in the sport, but they are not the World Champions. Furthermore, the Ironman Hawaii race is perhaps the most prestigeous multi- sport race and receives the most media hype and coverage and significant sponsorship support. The WTC should call the race what it truely is, the World Ironman Triathlon Championships or drop completely the use of the word "World". I suggest that an event of this magnitude and significance should be able to stand on it’s own with out the use of the word, "world" in it’s title. There are precedents for this in other sports. In cycling the winner of the Tour de France is, in many respects, recognized as the best cyclist in the world. However, he is not necessarily the World Champion. That is to be decided at another very different one day race. Steve Fleck

I don’t disagree with Steve, really. But some points to consider: The ITU might not be a private company, but they sure as hell are acting like one. Their primary interest is in sponsors. Not the athlete’s sponsors, whose logos they have drastically curtailed, but their own sponsors, whose logos they want to make room for. They want races is a stadium format ultimately (why else allow drafting on small circuit courses?) so they can package it for television. They are not, and have never been, interested in ultra-distance events. So, why do they persist in attacking the WTC, which existing before the ITU? Because they don’t like it that television gravitates to Hawaii. They see that as competition for their product. But the attraction of the media to triathlon is that it is a test of endurance beyond that of any other sport. That’s the hook. The Olympic distance events are, to the television people, just another version of the decathlon, with the events running end-on. But the sense of awe that the average viewer has towards the Ironman competition, as well as the purity of the sport, makes the event unique in the sporting world, and therefore marketable. So, why does the ITU care about the WTC? Because they are trying to eliminate their competition. Not a lot of warm fuzzies in that conclusion. Don’t kid yourselves, folks. I’ve decided that if the ITU has benefitted the sport at all it is only accidental, because that has not been their primary purpose. They benefit the sport only to the extent that it benefits them. Just a bunch of fat-assed paid babysitters, who look to the UCI for role models. Rick Denney Take what you want and leave the rest.

Response:

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