Believe it or not yesterdays article raised a few feathers! The bottom line is the papers do a horrible job covering endurance sports, there are Olympians walking the streets alone, when we should be parading them around to "Back The Bid."
However, we did hear back from the sports guys at the Tribune and they are planning to cover The Chicago Triathlon on Sunday and Monday, which we think is great. If you are looking for coverage of the Chicago Triathlon, check out the Tribune on Sunday and Monday.
As far as these Olympians, here is a schedule of events that they will be at this week. If you want to meet any of them, take their pictures or ask them questions, one thing is for sure, you won't have to fight the media to get to them, so make them feel welcome, maybe take a picture holding a "Back The Bid" sign and send it to me.
The 12th Annual Motivation from the Pros:
Fleet Feet Sports- Pipers Alley, located at 1620 N. Wells Street in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, will be hosting the 12th Annual Motivation from the Pros seminar on Friday, August 28 from 7 to 8 pm, courtesy of Blueseventy.
The program will feature five talented athletes, ranging from first year pros to Olympians. The triathlete panelists include:
Andy Potts: From Boulder, Colorado, 32, Potts is a 2004 Olympian and 2008 alternate; Placed 5th in the 2008 Chicago Triathlon; Currently in a 3-way tie for 1st place male in the 2009 Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series' Race to the Toyota Cup, holds five World Cup medals, and has twice been named the USA Triathlon Triathlete of the Year.
Jenna Shoemaker: From Boulder, Colorado, 25, Shoemaker is currently ranked 40th in the world, and fifth in the United States, and placed 1st in 2009 Mazatlan Triathlon, 6th in 2009 London Triathlon, 4th in 2008 Athlone ETU Cup, 2nd in 2007 Nautica New York City Triathlon, 12th in 2005 World Cup, and is a 2004 USAT All-American.
Cameron Dye: From Boulder, Colorado, 25, Dye is a former NCAA Division-I swimmer, placed 1st in 2009 Memphis in May Triathlon, 4th in 2009 Boulder Peak Triathlon, 7th in 2009 St. Anthony's Triathlon, 21st in 2008 California Half Ironman, 1st in 2007 5430 Sprint Triathlon, and is a 2006 amateur National Champion.
Jimmy Archer: From Boulder, Colorado, 37, Archer has earned top 10 finishes at five Xterra World Championships, has been selected to five USAT World Championship Teams, and placed 1st in 2009 Los Alamos Triathlon, 1st in 2009 Metro Brokers Triathlon, 7th in 2008 USAT Short Course Duathlon National Championships, 1st in 2006 Xterra Arizona, 14th in 2006 Xterra World Championship, and 1st in 2005 Harvest Moon Half Ironman.
Kristen Petersen: From Boulder, Colorado, 23, Petersen is a second year professional triathlete, placed 9th at Escape from Alcatraz in 2009, and 7th in the USAT Collegiate Nationals in 2008.
What You'll Learn:
Each athlete will share their inspirational stories and describe what
motivates them in their practices. They will share some helpful tips
on what to do on the day of the race. After the talk, listeners will
have a chance to find out more from these amazing athletes during a
question and answer session. This event is sure to be a hit with
triathletes and sports fans alike. Fleet Feet Sports, the Chicago
area's leading specialty running retailer, is also a proud sponsor for
the Fleet Feet Super Sprint on Saturday, August 29, during the Chicago
Triathlon weekend. For more information, contact Fleet Feet Sports at
312-587-3338 or visit www.fleetfeetchicago.com.
Chicago Triathlon Multisport & Fitness Expo - Meet the Pro
Blue Competition Cycles, the official bike for the Chicago Triathlon,
will host pro triathlete and Olympian Sarah Haskins at their booths
(#'s 511, 513, 610, 612) during the Chicago Triathlon Multisport &
Fitness Expo prior to the Chicago Triathlon.
Along with her participation in the 2008 Olympics, Sarah's
accomplishments include: 2008 Miami International Triathlon Champion,
2008 St. Anthony's Triathlon champion, 2007 Toyota US Open Champion,
and 2006 Elite National Champion. Sarah will be meeting and greeting
fans as well as signing autographs alongside her Carbon Triad Blue
Competition Cycle.
Autograph Session with Jenna Shoemaker at the Garmin Store.
Join the Chicago Store on Saturday, August 29 at 1 p.m. for an exclusive autograph session with Garmin-sponsored female-Triathlete Jenna Shoemaker. In town participating in the Chicago Triathlon, Jenna will also present pre-race words of encouragement.
Jenna is currently ranked 32nd in the world and fifth in the U.S.
among professional triathletes. Her aim is to represent the U.S. in the
2012 London Olympics.
Information gathered from various press releases.
Filed under: Events, News, Races, Triathlon
Tags: Andy Potts, Chicago Tribune, Jenna Shoemaker, Jimmy Archer, Sarah Haskins
Holy crap -- I guess I need to move to Boulder. That seems to be where all the action is. Maybe the city will automagically make me fast too?