Showing Skin At Triathlons And Open Water Swims
The triathlon community has developed a number of interesting rituals, unique traditions and festive fun.
Before the annual Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, there are a variety of events, get-togethers and expos. One of the offshoots – the Underpants Run – are enjoyed by some and criticized by others. But at the end of the day, the Underpants Run draws a lot of attention for showing off the fantastically fit bodies of triathletes. A lot of skin has its way of getting attention.
It reminds us of a non-wetsuit open water swim, where there is also a lot of skin showing. But in contrast to the generally low body fat percentage of many triathletes, open water swimmers have a bit more bioprene.
And it seems most people at open water events are happy to be in their own skin. It is not a beauty contest or a race towards the lowest body fat – it is merely a celebration of fitness, adventure and competition in the open water world.
Photo by Randy Magnus for the Kona Times.
Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor – Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame’s Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming’s Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University’s John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff.