This season, there are millions of dollars of prize money on the line and top class racing opportunities available almost every other week. As a result, there are plenty of incentives for top professionals to push through injuries or illnesses in 2024.
Having so much at stake, especially for the 40 athletes contracted to race the T100 Triathlon World Tour, could cause problems. Triathlon legend Mark Allen, who won six IRONMAN World Championship titles, is keen to highlight this.
Drawing on his own experience of pushing his body to the limit, Allen made his views on sacrificing long term health for race results clear. Sharing his thoughts on Instagram, ‘The Grip’ issued a warning to the current crop of professionals.
“There is a fine line between fast and stupid”
For Allen, whilst this may be the richest year triathlon has ever seen, professionals should be more careful than ever to ensure that they are prioritising their long term health and development in the sport.
“Note to all of the pro triathletes embarking on the richest year our sport has ever seen. There is a fine line between fast and stupid.
“This photo is from a year in which I was pretty close to dying from something I broke inside me that surgeons spent a long time trying to find.”
The photo, which was taken during the IRONMAN World Championship in 1987, was snapped just before the American was hospitalised with internal bleeding.
Take stock of what matters most
Whilst Allen understands as well as anyone the attraction of pushing your body to the limit, the 66-year-old offered some sage advice on taking a long term perspective to your health in the sport.
“Triathlon is a great sport and for a few it is a great job. No job and no sport are worth dying for and if you don’t think it can happen to you, look closely at the picture!”
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