A storm is brewing! On December 4, The New York Times reported that a group of elite triathletes are trying to wrest control of the racing scene with a new series. The argument is that “IRONMAN and other races filled with weekend-warriors have dominated triathlon.” This past weekend in Daytona Beach, Florida ushered in a new type of racing that the pros are hoping will be more lucrative - similar to what golfers and tennis players earn.
The article reports that Katie Zafares topped the 2019 income list for all triathletes, earning over $347K. Jan Frodeno, the reigning IRONMAN champion earned $158K - a sum the New York Times reported as similar payment as being a decent accountant. Professional triathletes that earned over $80K were in the top 10 earners in the profession.
The new race series will feature a shorter than half-Iron distance race. Professionals will be finished in three to 3.5 hours and they’re able to race more, thus a potential for increasing their earnings. The pro triathletes are also hoping for more television air time, which increases the likelihood of endorsements.
How do you feel about the new strategy the professional triathletes are taking?
You can read the full article here.
Maria Netherland is a Northwest Florida-based coach who is a USA Triathlon Level II Endurance and Youth & Juniors Certified Coach as well as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Performance Enhancement Specialist. Coach Maria loves working for athletes of all abilities, military athletes, and new triathletes as they pursue their goals. Maria is a veteran of the US Army and a United States Military Academy at West Point graduate. She can be reached at maria@teammpi.com.