Why The Hell do Triathletes Stop Short Of The Finish Line And Walk Thru?

Track Fan wrote:

Because they are such tools.

DING DING DING!

Correct answer.

I wasn't trying to prove anything, just posting a triathlon finish video I liked.

Obviously not all triathletes walk across the line because it depends on the circumstances. If they have a big enough lead they might. If not, they race. Of course, someone like Usain Bolt might walk across the line if he has a big enough lead as well. It's not just triathletes who let up before the line.

Actually no I don't. I've watched the finish of a few tris and haven't seen that myself. Since I'm getting ready do to one in about a week if someone stops in front of me they'll be really bummed when I mow them down.

kjndkjndkNF wrote:

I'm usually talking about the guy that wins. He running and then look sback at his lead and then starts to walk.

So what's the problem?

Insane Bolt... wrote:

kjndkjndkNF wrote:

I'm usually talking about the guy that wins. Hes running and then looks back at his lead and then starts to walk.

So what's the problem?

He doesn't run thru the line!

Fattty R. Belt Buckle wrote:

Best ever finish at Ironman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVKqFAPdjIA

Moss was aided to her feet after having collapsed. Was she DQed? If not (and she should have been...), I'm sure there would have been a DQ if she'd managed to get to the finish line before the other woman.

Got to 4.20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIkO6so6hAw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G53QHjHnV8

Here are some examples of what the op is talking about.

The answer is they want to enjoy the moment.

Something I'm also noticing is hats. I could understand wearing one for an Ironman, but is it really necessary to wear a hat in a triathlon?

Fattty R. Belt Buckle wrote:

Best ever finish at Ironman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVKqFAPdjIA

I saw this live on TV. It was a "freakshow" then - nobody could believe that people would actually race this far. Made for great Jim McKay momennts

Ironman started as a bar bet. That's what makes it even more amazing...

Good Friend wrote:

Something I'm also noticing is hats. I could understand wearing one for an Ironman, but is it really necessary to wear a hat in a triathlon?

Also sun glasses. Could anyone imagine Bekele racing in a hat and sun glasses over a 10km?

but.......... wrote:

Good Friend wrote:

Something I'm also noticing is hats. I could understand wearing one for an Ironman, but is it really necessary to wear a hat in a triathlon?

Also sun glasses. Could anyone imagine Bekele racing in a hat and sun glasses over a 10km?

Dave Wottle used to wear a hat in the 800.

Off the Grid wrote:

Ironman started as a bar bet. That's what makes it even more amazing...

I would love to agree with you, but all of the fat, effeminate non-athletes that "compete" in the ironman have given it the same lousy image as the marathon.

Every other soccer mom with a huge ass has waddled a marathon, there is nothing tough about it.

I think both sports are cool, although I have a much harder time understanding the triathlon crowd. They always strike me as whiny prima donnas.

I run in hats all the time, it helps with the sweat. I wore a visor in a marathon once, and would probably do it again.

I also wear a hat all the time while running. I got out of triathlon because the egos were massive - it just wasn't fun. The "look at me" factor at Ironmans is ridiculous, and I don't want any part of it.

but.......... wrote:

The answer is they want to enjoy the moment.

Smart sponsored athletes (or athletes who want to get sponsorship) try to set up for a good finish line photo. You'll note that triathlon winners typically walk across the line and hold the finish line tape over their heads. Sponsors like this photo. It prominently shows the sponsor's logo on the athlete's jersey and makes it obvious they won. Many sponsors include these photos their ads to show how successful their products make their sponsored athletes.

In bike racing the tradition is to zip up your jersey and cross the finish line with both hands raised. Again, this shows the sponsor's logo and the fact that their athlete won. I'm married to a former elite cyclist who won quite a few races. Her sponsor specifically told her to do this if she could do it safely (there's a rule against doing this in USA Cycling events in close sprint finishes). There were other rules, like always wearing a team cap in to a photo shoot in case they only use a head shot.

but.......... wrote:

Good Friend wrote:

Something I'm also noticing is hats. I could understand wearing one for an Ironman, but is it really necessary to wear a hat in a triathlon?

Also sun glasses. Could anyone imagine Bekele racing in a hat and sun glasses over a 10km?

1) comfort

2) sponsors