Google analytics

Sunday 10 May 2009

Disappointed

Today in transition pre-race, I heard two athletes talking about some of the early starters who would have been finishing well down the field. There were really quite disrespectful and if I had not been trying to sort my bike out and get myself ready, I would have gone over and said something. We have all started out in triathlon from humble beginnnings and whatever level we are at, we put in the effort to test ourselves. Some people need reminding of that from time to time. If I hear such talk again I will definitely be saying something.
Everybody in the sport should be suppportive of every athlete whether at the front or the back of the field. And it matters not what clothes people wear on the bike or what shoes they run in. It's all about challenging yourself, and above all else it's about having fun!!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog with interest, not that I am ever considering doing a triathlon myself I must add.

I have the biggest respect for anyone that gets up off their backside and has a go...whether that be a triathlon, a marathon, or a in my line of work when a pupil gets up in a concert or a competiton and has a go. The result is immaterial, they have got up there and done it!

For fellow competitors to even dare comment on other people in such a derogatory manner is just vile! They obviously don't remember what it was like starting out themselves and it is very unsporting too.

Sadly the only way peole can make themselves feel better is by putting others down. I for one feel sorry for this sort of person, they really must have sad lives if they have the time or the interest in poking their noses into other people's business.

Keep up the great work.

Nikki xx

Steve Birtwistle said...

Hi Nikki!

Thanks for your message and thanks for following my blog!!
This originally started out as a record of my build up towards Half Ironman UK in 2007 and I had no idea that triathlon would take off and become such a massive part of my life. Don't know quite where I would be without it! And a bonmus that I seem to be doing pretty well!
Yes, it was one of those 'I can't believe they are saying that moments' and I had to almost wake myself up to believe that I had heard right. I'd like to think that there was no malice in the comments, but people really should stop and think before they open their mouths. Agree with you entirely, no place for that kind of behaviour in any walk of life.
On a lighter note, made me chuckle seeing that you are a flautist and singer for a living! I used to be a muso myself, pro sax/clarinet/flute. Usual gigs, tours, musicals, West End, cruise ships, endless teaching etc! Were you at Leeds college? I used to work with Steve Berry who was head of Jazz Studies. Don't know if he's still there. Lovely bloke and great double bass player.
I haven't played a note for about 3 years now, I needed a rest from it all. I may well pick things up again, but for now music has taken a back seat.
Hope you're well and enjoying life on the wrong side of the Pennines!! I'm a Lancashire lad!
All the Best
Steve

Anonymous said...

Hi Steve,

How weird you too are a muso or an ex muso at the moment. I studied at Huddersfield and then at the RNCM in Manchester.
How weird too that you are a Lancashire lad! I'm originally a Lancashire girl now living completely the wrong side of the Pennines. Although I have to say I love it in Huddersfield.

I am from Morecambe but its been 19 years since I lived there, although I still head over there to see the family, but probably not as often as I should.

I think it is fantastic you doing the triathlon, however you "stumbled" across it, it is admirable. Reading your blog has been really interesting and also inspiring. How lucky you are to find something like this that you really enjoy AND that you are good at!

I really would love to have a good go at something like this but have no idea where to start I would be starting from way behind first base and would need to seriously get my fitness level up.

You never know reading this might just motivate me. There again I may just read about your achievements whilst sat on my backside drinking vodka offering you a toast of good luck and best wishes!

Nikki xx

Powered By Blogger