Filipino Elites downgrading to Age Group for the Ironman 70.3 Camsur
The Kona fever has definitely rocked the Filipino elite multisport fraternity. With the sudden emergence of 30 slots for the Ford Ironman World Championship, word has it that some of our Filipino Elites are moving down to the age group ranks in order to get a shot at the slot. Prize money be damned. We can’t blame them, as this is a once in a lifetime chance for Kona glory. Others had to do it the hard way and earn the slot via winning at the full iron distance race (see: Ani de Leon and Laarni Paredes). Let me make this clear though, SBR.ph absolutely finds nothing wrong our Filipino Elites downgrading. Any sane person who has Kona ambitions would do it too. It’s just that for the regular age-grouper, this just made their Kona dreams a little bit tougher to reach.
Ironman 70.3 Philippines has recently released a statement stating the guidelines for our Filipino Elites who wants to compete in the age group ranks. Read on below for the presser.
In light of the 30 slots granted to our event by the World Triathlon Corporation, we would like to give an opportunity to Filipino Elite participants to review their status for Ironman 70.3 Philippines should they be eligible to amend thereby having a chance to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
As a background, the Filipino Elite Category is something special to the Ironman 70.3 Philippines Event. The category was created by Sunrise Events in 2009 for two reasons:
- We wanted to develop Filipino triathletes who will eventually be able to compete at the International PRO Level.
- We wanted the Filipinos to have the opportunity to be recognized and win cash prizes.
The reasons stated above are also the determining factor for WTC to ensure fair play in awarding Kona slots.
Below are the guidelines that will disallow any Filipino Elite participant from amending their status group thereby forfeiting the chance to a Kona Slot, but still having the chance to race for prize money:
- Those who have raced (or will be racing) as an elite athlete or for prize money at any race in the world between January 1, 2011 and October 8, 2011 is considered an elite athlete. This means that all those who have raced in the XTERRA Triathlon Philippine Championships as elite is not qualified to amend their status.
- Those who have race in the elite division of an ITU race in any event worldwide.
National Team Members competing as an age group competitor are free to race in the age group competition and will be allowed to amend their status.
National TeamMembers who are elite competitors but have not competed from January 1, 2011 to date as elite are allowed to amend their status, provided they do not compete as elite from now until October 8, 2011.
Image and statement source : www.ironman703phil.com
What can you say about this topic? Hit the comments below and share us your thoughts.
rambulan na.
It’s a tough call. As an age grouper it really pisses me off that elites get to pick and chose. As a triathlete I understand the dream.
There was a similar debate recently after the Ironman China swim was cancelled – before the whole race was. Is it right to compete as a triathlete in Hawaii when you won your spot as a duathlete….
My heart goes out to both categories but at the end my gut says I don’t like the downgraders. Yes I understand them but each one of them who down grades attacks the age groupers who are the heart and soul of our sport.
If they are really “elite”, why downgrade? Can’t they face the challenges and demands of being elite? oh wait, pinoy elite nga lang pala, not world elite ang category