I often hear people comment about how few minorities compete in triathlons. It's especially striking here in New York. With the diversity that this city has, the homogeneity of race entrants really stands out. The common, knee-jerk explanation you hear is an economic one, but I think that's a huge oversimplification. Sure, minorities on the whole have less disposable income, but if you wake up early enough to watch a bike race in Prospect or Central Park this summer, you'll see a far greater Black and Latino population than at a tri. And those road bikes are no cheaper than tri bikes. Admittedly there are other costs associated with triathlon that you don't encounter in cycling - pool access, wetsuits, higher race fees, etc. - but I still don't think that economics alone account for the differences. Even the whole "Black people don't like to swim" argument doesn't hold water [get it?] because it's not as if anyone's going to mistake a duathlon awards ceremony for a Howard University reunion.
Thankfully, we've seen a couple of notable examples of diversity at races this season. At the Brooklyn Biathlon, there were two (presumably Orthodox Jewish) women racing while wearing traditionally modest clothing including skirts below their knees. Not only was it great to see them out there participating, but it was equally impressive to see the reception that they got from the spectators and other racers. Most were totally unfazed. Those who noticed, cheered for the ladies and encouraged them. Sure, they didn't look quite like the rest of the racers, but no one cared. They were just two more athletes out there giving it their best and participating in a healthy hobby.
At the Lions Spring Sprint Tri in Marlborough MA we encountered a group from the Sudanese Education Fund. They grouped Sudanese refugees and staff from the SEF into relay teams for the race.
Plus there are lots of other groups - including Tri Masters, Tri Latino, Tri Unify - that are promoting minority participation. Triathlon is a great sport, and hopefully we'll continue to see more and more diversity at the races.
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Diversity in Triathlon
I often hear people comment about how few minorities compete in triathlons. It's especially striking here in New York. With the diversity that this city has, the homogeneity of race entrants really stands out. The common, knee-jerk explanation you hear is an economic one, but I think that's a huge oversimplification. Sure, minorities on the whole have less disposable income, but if you wake up early enough to watch a bike race in Prospect or Central Park this summer, you'll see a far greater Black and Latino population than at a tri. And those road bikes are no cheaper than tri bikes. Admittedly there are other costs associated with triathlon that you don't encounter in cycling - pool access, wetsuits, higher race fees, etc. - but I still don't think that economics alone account for the differences. Even the whole "Black people don't like to swim" argument doesn't hold water [get it?] because it's not as if anyone's going to mistake a duathlon awards ceremony for a Howard University reunion.
Thankfully, we've seen a couple of notable examples of diversity at races this season. At the Brooklyn Biathlon, there were two (presumably Orthodox Jewish) women racing while wearing traditionally modest clothing including skirts below their knees. Not only was it great to see them out there participating, but it was equally impressive to see the reception that they got from the spectators and other racers. Most were totally unfazed. Those who noticed, cheered for the ladies and encouraged them. Sure, they didn't look quite like the rest of the racers, but no one cared. They were just two more athletes out there giving it their best and participating in a healthy hobby.
At the Lions Spring Sprint Tri in Marlborough MA we encountered a group from the Sudanese Education Fund. They grouped Sudanese refugees and staff from the SEF into relay teams for the race.
Plus there are lots of other groups - including Tri Masters, Tri Latino, Tri Unify - that are promoting minority participation. Triathlon is a great sport, and hopefully we'll continue to see more and more diversity at the races.
Diversity in Triathlon
Thankfully, we've seen a couple of notable examples of diversity at races this season. At the Brooklyn Biathlon, there were two (presumably Orthodox Jewish) women racing while wearing traditionally modest clothing including skirts below their knees. Not only was it great to see them out there participating, but it was equally impressive to see the reception that they got from the spectators and other racers. Most were totally unfazed. Those who noticed, cheered for the ladies and encouraged them. Sure, they didn't look quite like the rest of the racers, but no one cared. They were just two more athletes out there giving it their best and participating in a healthy hobby.
At the Lions Spring Sprint Tri in Marlborough MA we encountered a group from the Sudanese Education Fund. They grouped Sudanese refugees and staff from the SEF into relay teams for the race.
Plus there are lots of other groups - including Tri Masters, Tri Latino, Tri Unify - that are promoting minority participation. Triathlon is a great sport, and hopefully we'll continue to see more and more diversity at the races.
Posted at 12:50 PM in Coach's Comments | Permalink