The Triathajerk

First off, let me state that I consider myself a triathlete and part of the triathlon community. I've been racing for 12 years at all distances and have approximately 60 tris under my belt. I just want to throw that out there in hopes of garnering some street cred, because what I'm about to say is going to offend some people.

Over the years I've noticed something about triathletes. Simply put, in the sport of triathlon there is an inordinate number of, well, jerks. I could just as easily substitute the word 'jerk' with 'a-hole,' but since I'm feeling creative, let's go with 'triathajerk.' Regardless, you get the idea.

Not all triathletes fall into this category of course. Plenty of friendly, kind-hearted people are triathletes. I'm just saying that as a sport, triathlon seems to attract large number of uber-competitive jerks.

The Demographics
Let's look at the demographics of the triathlete. Here are some typical labels, along with statistical data, from various studies and articles that define the average triathlete: Avg income 126k, 88% Caucasian, 60% male, 63% married, highly competitive, Avg age 38, Type-A personality, detail-oriented, and well-educated. According to one study, most triathletes say they participate because "they like the challenge." By and large, I think that paints a pretty accurate picture of the average triathlete.

Now, none of those labels by themselves make you a jerk. And make no mistake, you will find a lot of smart, successful, driven people who fit that bill. There is a reason Navy Seals target triathletes for recruitment. There is a reason the average income of the triathlete is 126k. But there also happens to be a lot of jerks in that demographic, and when you take 500 of these guys and place them in a competitive situation, like a triathlon, true colors start to shine and the triathajerk appears.

For example, I've never seen arguments or yelling at a mountain bike race, trail run, or adventure race. That's a different demographic. But I've seen several arguments and irritated bickering among triathletes. Whether it's over a rack spot, or how much space your gear takes up in the transition area, it doesn't take much for the triathajerk to appear.

I've never seen a runner yell at a volunteer in a 5k, but I've seen it several times in a triathlon. I've never seen cheating in any multisport event I've participated in, but I see drafting at EVERY triathlon I enter - and I'm not referring to the beginners who don't know the rules. I'm talking about the jerks who are flat out cheating, and they know it. What other sport has cheating in every event? Look at the race results for a triathlon that has USAT course monitors. There are drafting violations in nearly every age group.

Get out of my way!
It seems to me that a lot of triathletes have a strong sense of entitlement and a highly inflated sense of self. I don't know if that's because of their professional successes or because of their superb fitness (or perceived level of fitness). Either way, the triathajerk thinks he's better than the next guy. Sort of like it's more his race because he is faster, or competing for a podium spot. And when every other guy in the race is thinking that same thing, you see how it can get ugly.

You ever notice the festival-like atmosphere of other events like adventure races, road races/marathons, or MTB races? People seem happier and more relaxed. These events have a community feel to them, yet they are still competitive races with seriously committed athletes.

That's not the predominant vibe at a triathlon. It's a me against you vibe; let me look at the age on your leg to see if I need to be concerned with you vibe; if you aren't as fast as me, get out my way vibe. The atmosphere tends to be more tense, as athletes move quickly from line to line getting their race packets, timing chip, and race markings, then meticulously lay out their gear so as not to lose a single second. There is an intense focus before a triathlon that I don't see at other events. It's a community of individuals.

Sure, every sport has a segment of jerks, but it seems to me, triathlon is leading the charge. And trust me, I'm not saying I don't have any of those qualities I listed above, but I know how to check myself and keep things in perspective. If we are really in this for the challenge, then we should challenge ourselves to be better triathletes, and not triathajerks.