Comments on: Guest Post: The Economic Sociology of Triathlons

By: bill

bill — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 13:29:38 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. It is a wonderful sport. I am addicted, however one can compete in the sport using less expensive gear than is mentioned above. Lot’s of 20 somethings ski for example which is quite an expensive sport but they take advantage of used equipment and packaged deals. One should never let cost sway a decision to do something. Bill

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 20:30:59 +0000

I was sent this article from a fellow triathlete that I hang with during the week at the strangest hours that you can imagine. I am a Sr. VP of a large company, and it is very true that this is an expensive sport. My nephew tried to get in, but as a 20 year old, he could not even afford the entry fees of a few local races at $100 a piece.

There is a broad spectrum of professional positions in our group that I know is similar in other groups. The opportunity to have a relationship between me, a 50 year old Sr. Executive, with my riding friends who are in their late 20’s and early 30’s is significant. We know each other well, and socially have a relationship. I just offered one lady a Director of Marketing job as we were riding last weekend. I know here family, I know her work ethic, and I have spent hours talking to her.

By: carolyn kepcher

carolyn kepcher — Fri, 21 May 2010 22:08:03 +0000

As a professional female, avid golfer and 41 years of age, I’m taken by this article. What I am taking from this post is that triathletes have exposure to the “elite” for networking. That may be true. In the seventies, perhaps that is how people perceived Golf. However, a lot has changed. We don’t market to the elite! Golf is a game of honor, tradition, discipline and integrity and we encourage all walks of life to participate. Not ONE person is the face or voice of the game. The USGA encourages toddlers to teens through our “first tee” program and Internships. We encourage middle managers to retired CEOs. Golf IS good for business…but not just for the elite. So if our average income is only a measly $100K-ish, then we are doing a good job!

By: ej13

ej13 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:37:55 +0000

This post makes some excellent points that I never would have thought of. As a business major in college, I’ve always been told that I have to pick up golf if I’m going to make connections and “shmooze” my way into promotions and such. But triathlons do seem to house a wealthier, younger, and more driven crowd. I’ve always been a runner, so maybe it’s time to pick up biking and swimming too.

By: Brooke

Brooke — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:07:59 +0000

Actually, the post was written by Galyn Burke, who was my student at Brown University several years ago. All credit belongs to her. Glad you liked the piece.

By: Triathlons: the new golf? « Just Another OrgHead Outpost

Triathlons: the new golf? « Just Another OrgHead Outpost — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:37:07 +0000

[…] 31, 2010 by kelly317 “The Economic Sociology of Triathlons” argues that triathletes make excellent business and personal contacts by the inherent nature of […]

By: KMC

KMC — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:36:08 +0000

Brooke, what a fantastic article you wrote! I agree with all your points and I have to say, I know many golfers and only 2 Ironman triathletes and the triathletes are tremendously more successful than the golfers.
I would, however, argue that triathletes also make sure of the efficiency skills they learn in the races as well as their physical attractiveness gained from constant exercise to their advantage too.

By: Guest Post: The Economic Sociology of Triathlons » Sociological Images

Guest Post: The Economic Sociology of Triathlons » Sociological Images — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:57:05 +0000

[…] formerly a competitive equestrienne, is now an enthusiastic triathlete. In the post below, originally at Economic Sociology, she uses Foucault and Putnam to shed light on the surging popularity of triathlon competition […]

By: Tweets that mention Guest Post: The Economic Sociology of Triathlons » Economic Sociology -- Topsy.com

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:20:27 +0000

[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Andrew Louis and patrickjpr, Mike Stead. Mike Stead said: RT @patrickjpr: networking potential of triathlon http://is.gd/4HUNs < applies to Adventure Racing too. but less anal than Tri. IMHO. […]