Ironman brand owner World Triathlon Corp (WTC) has rolled out the second phase of the Ironman SwimSmart initiative – focused on improving athlete satisfaction and reducing anxiety during the swim portion of the race. This phase includes an informative video to help educate athletes and prepare them for Ironman events.
Narrated by eight-time Ironman World Champion Paula Newby-Fraser, the video provides a top ten checklist to help athletes prepare for the swim. Focusing on pre-race screening for potential health issues, pre-race training and race week preparation, the video and a downloadable athlete checklist are available online at www.ironman.com/swimsmart.
As part of its continuous, on-going efforts to improve its athlete’s race experience, Ironman brand owner World Triathlon Corp (WTC) has conducted a full review of the swim portion of all full-distance Ironman events in North America. The results of that review have led to a two-phase SwimSmart initiative focused on improving athlete satisfaction and reducing anxiety during the swim portion of the race.
Announced in May, the first phase of SwimSmart focuses on operational enhancements to select Ironman events in North America, including modified swim starts at select races, pre-race swim warm-ups (whenever possible) and swim course additions – numbered course buoys, anchored resting rafts and increased swim course personnel.
SwimSmart going global?
When asked about possible expansion of the SwimSmart initiative to Europe, South Africa, Australasia and other Ironman markets, an Ironman spokesperson told triathlonbusiness.com that “This is a pilot program that will only be implemented in North America this year. Once we see how it all works operationally and from an athlete satisfaction perspective, we will evaluate what works best and start thinking about rolling it out to the rest of the world.”
“Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events have always been operated at a level above the industry standard, and we are continuously looking for ways to improve and adjust,” added Jeff Edwards, Ironman Vice President of Operations, North America. “Minor changes can make a big difference as it relates to reducing athlete anxiety in the water.”
