This week we have double-feature. First we have round two of our Sports Trivia competition hosted by David Warden of 80/20 Endurance and Bill Garrels of the Mental Healthlete podcast. Plus, if you are still trying to nail your race hydration, we have an educational interview with Bob Seebohar and Dina Griffin to talk about the sweat rate and sodium testing process. We are going to take you through how to perform a sweat rate test and why you want to know your sodium concentration. It can make a huge difference in race performance and enjoyment!
Show Sponsor: UCAN
Take your performance to the next level with UCAN Energy and Bars made with SuperStarch® UCAN uses SuperStarch instead of simple sugars to fuel athletes. UCAN keeps blood sugar steady compared to the energy spikes and crashes of sugar-based products. Steady energy equals sustained performance!
Use UCAN in your training and racing to fuel the healthy way, finish stronger and recover more quickly! Use the code 303UCAN for 20% off at ucan.co/discount/303UCAN/ or ucan.co
In Today's Show
8020 Endurance Sports Trivia
Last week was the first of three rounds of the 8020 Endurance Sports Trivia with host David Warden and fellow contestants Bill Garrels, Bill Plock (Hippie) and me. Round 1 last week Bill Garrels got out to a strong lead with getting 2 of the 3 questions right. This week we have Round 2 with Hippie as the contestant. David Warden will ask him three questions with multiple choice answers. Bill / Hippie will have to pick the correct answer to get a point. He needs 3 points to take the lead. With that, let's get into round 2.
Thanks David Warden 8020 Endurance.
Feature Interview: Sweat Test
Bob Seebohar is a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, has served as a Sport Dietitian for the US Olympic Committee and the 2008 US Olympic Team. Currently, Bob owns eNRG Performance and is the consulting Sport Dietitian for the University of Denver Athletic Department.
Nutrition Mechanic, Dina Griffin is a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics among many other certifications is a Sports Dietitian and athlete herself, Dina understands the many challenges that athletes encounter. She's also an avid reader and is great at helping clients with training nutrition strategies.
This dynamic duo also has their own podcast - https://insidesportsnutrition.com/
Our News is sponsored by Buddy Insurance.
Buddy Insurance gives you peace of mind to enjoy your training and racing to their fullest. Buddy’s mission is simple, to help people fearlessly enjoy an active and outdoor lifestyle.
Get on-demand accident insurance just in case the unexpected happens. Buddy ensures you have cash for bills fast. This is accident insurance not health and life insurance. Go to buddyinsurance.com and create an account. There's no commitment or charge to create one. Once you have an account created, it's a snap to open your phone and in a couple clicks have coverage for the day. Check it out!
Endurance News:
Exercise Can Build Up Your Brain. Air Pollution May Negate Those Benefits.
People who worked out in even moderately polluted air did not show the kinds of brain improvements tied to a lower risk of dementia. As a Times subscriber, you now get 10 gift articles to share each month. Anyone can read them, even if they’re not a Times subscriber.
Sign up for the Well newsletter, for Times subscribers only. Essential news on health, fitness and nutrition, from Tara Parker-Pope. Get it in your inbox.
Work out in polluted air and you may miss out on some of the brain benefits of exercise, according to two, large-scale new studies of exercise, air quality and brain health. The studies, which involved tens of thousands of British men and women, found that, most of the time, people who ran and rode vigorously had larger brain volumes and lower risks for dementia than their less active peers. But if people exercised in areas with even moderate levels of air pollution, the expected brain improvements from exercise almost disappeared.
The new studies raise questions about how to balance the undeniable health gains of working out with the downsides of breathing in bad air and underscore that our environment can change what exercise does — and does not do — for our bodies.
A large body of evidence demonstrates that, on the whole, exercise bulks up our brains. In studies, active people generally sport more gray matter in many parts of their brains than sedentary people. Gray matter is made up of the brain’s essential, working neurons. Fit people also tend to have healthier white matter, meaning the cells that support and connect neurons. White matter often frays with age, shrinking and developing Swiss-cheese-like lesions even in healthy adults. But fit people’s white matter shows fewer and smaller lesions.
Partially as a consequence of these brain changes, exercise is strongly linked with lower risks for dementia and other memory problems with age.
But air pollution has the opposite effects on brains. In a 2013 study, for example, older Americans living in areas with high levels of air pollution showed bedraggled white matter on brain scans and tended to develop higher rates of mental decline than older people living elsewhere. And in a 2021 study of rats housed in cages placed near a heavily trafficked, exhaust-clogged road tunnel in Northern California, most of those bred with a predisposition to a rodent analogue of Alzheimer’s disease soon developed dementia. But so did another set of rats with no genetic inclination to the disease.
Few studies, though, had explored how exercise and air pollution might interact inside our skulls and whether working out in smoggy air would protect our brains from noxious fumes or undermine the good we otherwise gain from working out.
What's New in the 303:
By: Andy Schmit
It’s been the season of restorations in “the shop” of late. I’m not sure if this can be officially called a trend, but with the COVID-19 supply-chain shortages of new bikes, frames and components, it may be. So, instead of celebrating “new bike day,” maybe we will be celebrating more “returned to its former glory days” this year.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series, it really takes more of a technical look at the considerations of bringing a well-loved bike back to race ready. Part 2 will also look at the process, but through the lens of the bike’s owner / rider.
I just finished taking a 2012 Cervelo S5 from non-functional, back to race ready. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, the only parts to remain on the bike throughout the process were the bottle cages. Everything had to be taken off the frame, and either cleaned and refit, or replaced.
Upcoming Guests
Larry Grossman, Event Announcer
A’nna and Jordan background as pro triathlete and A'nna's as a nutritionist and why they founded Athlete Blood Test
T.O. and Rinny to talk about the Couples Championship
Closing:
Thanks again for listening in this week. Please be sure to follow us @303endurance and of course go to iTunes and give us a rating and a comment. We'd really appreciate it!
Stay tuned, train informed, and enjoy the endurance journey!
This week we have special guest and format today. We have Bill Garrels returning and special guest coach David Warden of 80/20 Endurance joining us for a special series of shows. We have invited David to join the show and host a "Sports Trivia" contest in which Bill Garrels, Bill Plock (aka "Hippie"), and I will be the contestants.
Show Sponsor: UCAN
Take your performance to the next level with UCAN Energy, Bars and Edge Energy made with SuperStarch® UCAN uses SuperStarch instead of simple sugars to fuel endurance athletes. UCAN keeps blood sugar steady compared to the energy spikes and crashes of sugar-based products. Steady energy equals sustained performance!
Unlock better health and performance with smarter energy powered by UCAN. Use UCAN in your training and racing to fuel the healthy way, finish stronger and recover more quickly! Use the code 303UCAN for 20% off at ucan.co/discount/303UCAN/ or ucan.co
In Today's Show
Feature Interview: Bill Garrels
We are about 3 weeks away from our 6th anniversary of the podcast. For those who don't know the story coach David Warden hosted the Tri Talk Podcast, which inspired the creation of our podcast. He was the guest on our first episode and every year since on our anniversary. We decided to do something different this year. Instead of your typical interview format we are doing a version of "Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me" Sport Trivia style. Bill Garrels is joining Bill Plock and me as the contestants.
Let's get into our first of three contest with host David Warden and fellow contestant Bill Garrels.
As you heard in our lead up we have Coach David Warden of 80/20 Endurance and Coach Bill Garrels of the Mental Healthlete Podcast as a part of our special series of Sport Trivia. David Warden is will be our game show host with Bill Garrels, Bill Plock (who we will refer to by his nickname "Hippie" to avoid confusion) and myself as the contestants.
With that welcome back Bill Garrels and David Warden. David before we get started, tell us what you've been up to and what's going on over at 80/20 Endurance.
Mental Healthlete on Apple Podcasts
The Mental Healthlete podcast is on all the major platforms and at www.mentalhealthlete.com
@mentalhealthlete on Instagram
@mntlhealthlete on Twitter - though we’ve done nothing with Twitter at all
Bill can be reached at bill@mentalhealthlete.com.
Our News is sponsored by Buddy Insurance.
Buddy Insurance gives you peace of mind to enjoy your training and racing to their fullest. Buddy’s mission is simple, to help people fearlessly enjoy an active and outdoor lifestyle.
Get on-demand accident insurance just in case the unexpected happens. Buddy ensures you have cash for bills fast. This is accident insurance not health and life insurance. Go to buddyinsurance.com and create an account. There's no commitment or charge to create one. Once you have an account created, it's a snap to open your phone and in a couple clicks have coverage for the day. Check it out!
Endurance News:
CYCLIST RUNNING OF THE BULLS - Destroyed by Charging Bull
If you think e-bikes are dangerous, check out the nightmare this cyclist somehow survived -- a big ass bull running him over right in the middle of a race.
This went down in Bakersfield, CA over the weekend during a rural off-road bike race called the Rock Cobble. The course apparently runs right through at least one bull's turf, and he wasn't having it. After letting one rider pass, the next one gets absolutely flattened!!!
The bull first slammed into his bike, then came back for seconds ... ramming and then tossing the cyclist, a guy named Tony Inderbitzin.
There were reportedly a total of 4 riders attacked during the race, though it appears Tony got the worst of it. Miraculously, he survived ... but he's in a world of pain.
He told Cowboy State Daily, "I’m sore all over, mostly the neck from the second throw, I got whiplashed. The list of what doesn’t hurt is my left arm and head.”
We know you're supposed to get back in the saddle, but we're officially calling a bull exception to that rule.
What's New in the 303:
Karen Hornbostel Time Trial Offers New Categories and Other Changes
There are a lot of new things happening with the Karen Hornbostel Time Trial Series. New categories including and e-bike division, an amazing deal if you have never done it before and want to try it and some great weekly giveaways. The course will be a bit different and if you want to buy your state park pass through the Cobras you can save $13.
Since 1991, the KHMTT has taken place Wednesday evenings in Cherry Creek State Park in early spring, and for 2022, we are returning to Spring!
The seven-week series will be starting March 23rd and the rest of the dates are: March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, Weather Make-up: May 11
The course begins at the edge of the Cherry Creek Reservoir, winds through the wetlands southeast of the reservoir, and crosses back and forth the small creeks that supply the water for the reservoir.
The KHMTT series is a fundraiser for Cancer Fitness Institute in memory of Karen Hornbostel, a four-time masters national road champion who battled metastatic breast cancer for over 13 years yet courageously pioneered a fitness program for cancer patients that started what is today the Cancer Fitness Institute. Her work is still making a difference today in the quality of the lives of thousands of cancer survivors. The COBRASand the KHMTT are proud to be able to contribute to this worthwhile program.
The Karen Hornbostel Memorial Time Trial Series is presented by the COBRAS.
Registration is Open!
Get the start time you want! Register today at khmtt.com! Our Show and Go Program is open as well.
New Categories
This year we have introduced four new categories to include e-bikes: Senior Men and Women, and Master Men and Women.
Why e-bikes? Many older racers have discontinued racing, and in some cases riding at all due to age and being embarrassed because they have become so slow.
An e-bike gives a rider the ability to keep up and get back to the sport they love!
We are following USAC’s policy for e-bikes (which can be found here) and we only are allowing adults (no juniors) to race in the e-bike categories.
E-bikes must be Class 1. Class 1 e-bikes have a motor (max 750w) that assists only while you’re pedaling, up to 20 mph.
E-bike racers must visit the mechanic tent before they head to the start line the first time to have the bike inspected to be sure it qualifies. The Assistant Referee will be checking the bike as well at the start area.
If you or you know someone who has an e-bike and would like to get back into racing, let them know and encourage them to register for the series.
Ride the Rockies and the route for 2022
Upcoming Guests
T.O. and Rinny to talk about the Couples Championship
Video of the Week
Bull attacks bicyclist during race
Closing:
Thanks again for listening in this week. Please be sure to follow us @303endurance and of course go to iTunes and give us a rating and a comment. We'd really appreciate it!
Stay tuned, train informed, and enjoy the endurance journey!
We regularly talk about our physical fitness and health, but we don't talk about mental health much. Why mental health is something that a lot of people don't want to discuss and why we should. Our guest this week is Bill Garrels of the Mental Healthlete Podcast.
Show Sponsor: UCAN
Take your performance to the next level with UCAN Energy, Bars and Edge Energy made with SuperStarch® UCAN uses SuperStarch instead of simple sugars to fuel endurance athletes. UCAN keeps blood sugar steady compared to the energy spikes and crashes of sugar-based products. Steady energy equals sustained performance!
Unlock better health and performance with smarter energy powered by UCAN. Use UCAN in your training and racing to fuel the healthy way, finish stronger and recover more quickly! Use the code 303UCAN for 20% off at ucan.co/discount/303UCAN/ or ucan.co
In Today's Show
Feature Interview: Bill Garrels
According Mental Health America, any Mental Illness (AMI) is defined as having a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, other than a developmental or substance use disorder. Any mental illness includes persons who have mild mental illness, moderate mental illness, and serious mental illness." 19.00% of adults are experiencing a mental illness. Equivalent to over 47 million Americans. 4.55% are experiencing a severe mental illness. The state prevalence of adult mental illness ranges from 16.14% in New Jersey to 25.25% in Utah.
Bill Garrels has lived with Depression and Anxiety most of my adult life and created this podcast to support other athletes who are struggling with Mental Illness and help break down that stigma. Bill shares stories from other athletes on how they could not OUT TRAIN or OUT RACE their Mental Illness and find out where they turned to for support. His goal is to provide resources, ideas, and support so you don't have to do it alone.
Let's get into our interview with Bill Garrels.
Mental Healthlete on Apple Podcasts
The Mental Healthlete podcast is on all the major platforms and at www.mentalhealthlete.com
@mentalhealthlete on Instagram
@mntlhealthlete on Twitter - though we’ve done nothing with Twitter at all
Bill can be reached at bill@mentalhealthlete.com.
Our News is sponsored by Buddy Insurance.
Buddy Insurance gives you peace of mind to enjoy your training and racing to their fullest. Buddy’s mission is simple, to help people fearlessly enjoy an active and outdoor lifestyle.
Get on-demand accident insurance just in case the unexpected happens. Buddy ensures you have cash for bills fast. This is accident insurance not health and life insurance. Go to buddyinsurance.com and create an account. There's no commitment or charge to create one. Once you have an account created, it's a snap to open your phone and in a couple clicks have coverage for the day. Check it out!
Endurance News:
Having announced the three-part race series in early January, the PTO’s commercial team received immediate feedback from the PTO Professionals that the pricing of the events did not align to its goal of growing the sport. The PTO Tour events are owned by the PTO Professionals and as such, the professionals are the hosts and age group athletes are their invited guests.
Apologising to the age group community and to PTO Professionals for the error, the PTO’s CEO Sam Renouf said:
“We are excited to add age group racing to the PTO Tour this year. This will allow fans to not only watch the greatest athletes on the planet – but to step up and challenge themselves in competing at the very same event. In planning this, we looked at other bucket list events, including world championship triathlons and the major marathons. With closed road courses, grandstand seating, the chance to get closer to pro athletes, ancillary events for friends and family to enjoy and unmatched event merchandise, our goal is to create unforgettable VIP moments for every age-grouper.
“Having often shared the concern that age group pricing is too high, we initially priced our events lower than the championship events we took inspiration from, with the aim of making the sport more accessible. We also sought to remove the pain points in such races, such as mandatory extra fees and continual upselling for items we feel should be all-inclusive."
“We apologise for not recognising this at the outset and hope that the triathlon community can forgive the error. We are grateful for the structure of the PTO, which provides the chance for the immediate feedback of the PTO Professionals when we’ve misstepped. Following a unanimous vote from the PTO Athlete Board, we have subsequently reduced all age group pricing by 50% and will automatically issue a refund to all existing entrants to reflect this.”
The inaugural PTO Tour consists of the PTO Canadian Open in Edmonton, Canada, on 23-24 July, The Collins Cup in Bratislava, Slovakia on 20-21 August and the PTO US Open in Dallas, Texas, on 17-18 September. The PTO Canadian and US Open will feature racing over the 100km and 25km distances and The Collins Cup over 100km where age group athletes will not only race their race, but also get a VIP experience to watch the greatest PTO professionals battle it out for the US$1,000,000+ prize purse.
What's New in the 303:
Gravel Triathlons Now a National Series; Stagecoach Gravel One of the Stops!
By Bill Plock
Below is the official new release from USA Triathlon announcing the nationwide Triathlon Gravel Series. There are eight events including Colorado’s Stagecoach Gravel outside of Steamboat on July 31st put on by Without Limits Production.
We will take a deeper dive into the vision Lance Panigutti of Without Limits has with his event, but he had this to say about being part of the series. “The Stagecoach Gravel Triathlon couldn’t be more excited to join the fold, as it provides a level of exposure and legitimacy to the endeavor, but the governing structure doesn’t restrict our ability to be creative. This will also be the first season USA Triathlon hosts its own national championship on June 3rd in Arkansas.
Lance Panigutti—I want to amplify that mindset of “embracing the day”, appreciation for the natural environment, and creating experiences that ignite that childlike competitiveness we once felt playing capture the flag at recess.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Building off the rapidly growing trend of gravel-related races springing up around the country, USA Triathlon today announced the eight local multisport gravel events that make up the inaugural 2022 USA Triathlon Gravel Triathlon Series.
Paired with the first USA Triathlon Gravel National Championships to be held June 3 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the innovative 2022 USA Triathlon Gravel Triathlon Series offers endurance sports enthusiasts a new way to experience swim, bike, run multisport racing at gravel events in each region of the United States.
“Gravel cycling is growing incredibly fast and the multisport community is positioned to take advantage of this trend by providing athletes with new and unique race formats and disciplines like gravel triathlon,” said Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO. “USA Triathlon is proud to partner with local race directors across the country to create this exciting new series. As the National Governing Body for triathlon and multisport in the United States, we fully support gravel triathlon and other gravel multisport disciplines, and we look forward to being a part of its continued growth.”
The USA Triathlon Gravel Triathlon Series spans the multisport season from May through October and features events across the U.S., with races in New Jersey, Michigan, Texas, Colorado, Idaho and California. Race series participants will receive special USA Triathlon Gravel Triathlon Series stickers and awards, as well as recognition on usatriathlon.org and USA Triathlon’s social channels. Qualification is not required to participate in the USA Triathlon Gravel Triathlon Series or the inaugural USA Triathlon Gravel National Championships.
In the leadup to and throughout the USA Triathlon Gravel Triathlon Series, USA Triathlon will share beginner-friendly resources to show how athletes can get started in gravel riding, spotlights on gravel equipment, race reports from athletes and spotlights on local race directors, coaches and clubs who have incorporated gravel into their events, coaching services and club activities, respectively.
Upcoming Guests
Coach David Warden of 8020 Endurance to help us celebrate our 6th anniversary
T.O. and Rinny to talk about the Couples Championship
Video of the Week
Closing:
Thanks again for listening in this week. Please be sure to follow us @303endurance and of course go to iTunes and give us a rating and a comment. We'd really appreciate it!
Stay tuned, train informed, and enjoy the endurance journey!
Everyone is thinking Winter Olympics this weekend, but did you know this weekend also marks the first IRONMAN branded race of 2022 - 70.3 Panama City, Panama. The first IRONMAN branded races in North America are Oceanside 70.3 and Galveston 70.3 April 2nd and 3rd respectively. If you are signed up for one of these early season races (like me) then this is likely your first triathlon of the season and first time in open water. This raises lots of questions about how to be ready for the swim and everything else that comes with a race of this distance.
Our guest this week is coach John Mayfield to talk about preparing for early season races. John is a USA Triathlon Level II and Ironman U certified coach who has been working with athletes since 2009.
Show Sponsor: UCAN
Take your performance to the next level with UCAN Energy and Bars made with SuperStarch® UCAN uses SuperStarch instead of simple sugars to fuel serious athletes. UCAN keeps blood sugar steady compared to the energy spikes and crashes of sugar-based products. Steady energy equals sustained performance!
UCAN is Next Level Nutrition. Unlock better health and performance with smarter energy powered by UCAN. Use UCAN in your training and racing to fuel the healthy way, finish stronger and recover more quickly! Use the code 303UCAN for 20% off at ucan.co/discount/303UCAN/ or ucan.co
In Today's Show
Feature Interview: John Mayfield
John serves as TriDot’s vice president of athlete services. John has had the privilege to work with hundreds of athletes ranging from first timers to professionals and everyone in between. John coaches all triathlon distances but specializes in working with athletes racing 70.3 and Ironman distances at all North American Ironman events and travels to the majority of Ironman races in the U.S. each year to support TriDot athletes.
John transitioned to a career in triathlon after 17 years in the banking industry, so he understands the constraints of busy professionals and what is necessary to achieve high level goals while maintaining life’s priorities. He and his wife, Nicole, have three teen-agers: Claire, Jacob, and Bella.
“Perfection is not required, but consistency is an athlete's best friend.”
Our News is sponsored by Buddy Insurance.
Buddy Insurance gives you peace of mind to enjoy your training and racing to their fullest. Buddy’s mission is simple, to help people fearlessly enjoy an active and outdoor lifestyle.
Get on-demand accident insurance just in case the unexpected happens. Buddy ensures you have cash for bills fast. This is accident insurance not health and life insurance. Go to buddyinsurance.com and create an account. There's no commitment or charge to create one. Once you have an account created, it's a snap to open your phone and in a couple clicks have coverage for the day. Check it out!
Endurance News:
Here's How Much Olympic Athletes Can Earn for Winning Medals, Sponsorship and More
Around 14,000 athletes earned that honor this past year, with over 11,000 at the Summer Games and just under 3,000 slated to compete at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
How much are the U.S. Olympic medal bonuses?
As part of “Operation Gold,” an initiative the USOPC launched in 2017, U.S. Olympians who reach the podium receive payments of $37,500 for every gold medal won, $22,500 for silver and $15,000 for bronze.
Since October 2016, legislation has ensured athletes will bring home 100% of their earnings, too. Congress that year nixed a so-called “victory tax” that had previously designated prize money as taxable earned income, though Olympians who report gross income of more than $1 million a year are still subject to the tax.
Which country gives the biggest medal bonus?
Singapore offers what could be the biggest prize for an individual gold medal: 1 million in Singaporean dollars, or roughly $750,000 USD. Silver medal winners get about $369,000 and $184,000 for bronze, CNBC reports.
Medalists from the next highest two countries, Kazakhstan and Malaysia, earn about $250,000 for gold medal. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics host country Japan gave athletes finishing at the podium $45,000 for gold, $18,000 for silver and $9,000 for bronze.
Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, the U.S. gold medal bonus of $37,500 was ranked ninth in the world.
How much do Olympic athletes make from sponsorships?
Of course, Olympians will end up on Wheaties boxes and in television ads, too, employing their likenesses to market products or services through individual deals.
The exact values of Olympics sponsorships are often not disclosed. But for the upper echelon of athletes, the household names that dominate headlines and Olympics ads, figures stretch into the millions.
In 2013, Reuters reported that now-retired Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt signed a roughly $10 million a year deal with Puma during the years he continued to compete. Forbes in 2016 estimated Bolt made nearly $33 million during a 12-month period.
Katie Ledecky, who won two gold medals in Tokyo, signed a $7 million contract with swimwear brand TYR in 2018 after earning a whopping four gold medals in Rio, according to ESPN’s Darren Rovell. Her deal, reported to run through the 2024 Olympic Games, was one of the “most lucrative” partnerships in swimming history, TYR said in a June 2018 release.
A marketable athlete like Simone Biles earns at least $5 million a year, according to a Forbes estimate, through her many sponsorship partners, including major companies like Visa, Athleta, United Airlines, Oreo’s, Uber Eats, MasterClass and Facebook.
U.S. athletes in Beijing will also have more freedom than ever before to benefit from sponsors thanks to a 2019 decision from the USOPC that loosened marketing rules. Competitors may now thank personal sponsors, appear in ads for those sponsors and receive congratulatory messages from them during the games — but without mentioning or displaying the Olympic logo — all aspects that were previously blocked.
Shaun White, one of the biggest names of the Winter Olympics, received his first board sponsorship at age 7. Following his first gold medal in Turin, snowboard-manufacturing company Burton signed him on to a 10-year contract. While the specific details weren’t disclosed, White was estimated to pocket around $10 million a year in sponsorships.
That deal has since expired, leaving White without a board sponsor for the first time in 24 years. The 35 year old has taken creative licensing into his own hands, starting his own brand — titled Whitespace — and even featuring his niece, Charli, prominently on one of his boards.
Which country gives the biggest medal bonus?
Singapore offers what could be the biggest prize for an individual gold medal: 1 million in Singaporean dollars, or roughly $750,000 USD. Silver medal winners get about $369,000 and $184,000 for bronze, CNBC reports.
Medalists from the next highest two countries, Kazakhstan and Malaysia, earn about $250,000 for gold medal. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics host country Japan gave athletes finishing at the podium $45,000 for gold, $18,000 for silver and $9,000 for bronze.
Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, the U.S. gold medal bonus of $37,500 was ranked ninth in the world.
How much do Olympic athletes make from sponsorships?
Of course, Olympians will end up on Wheaties boxes and in television ads, too, employing their likenesses to market products or services through individual deals.
The exact values of Olympics sponsorships are often not disclosed. But for the upper echelon of athletes, the household names that dominate headlines and Olympics ads, figures stretch into the millions.
In 2013, Reuters reported that now-retired Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt signed a roughly $10 million a year deal with Puma during the years he continued to compete. Forbes in 2016 estimated Bolt made nearly $33 million during a 12-month period.
Katie Ledecky, who won two gold medals in Tokyo, signed a $7 million contract with swimwear brand TYR in 2018 after earning a whopping four gold medals in Rio, according to ESPN’s Darren Rovell. Her deal, reported to run through the 2024 Olympic Games, was one of the “most lucrative” partnerships in swimming history, TYR said in a June 2018 release.
A marketable athlete like Simone Biles earns at least $5 million a year, according to a Forbes estimate, through her many sponsorship partners, including major companies like Visa, Athleta, United Airlines, Oreo’s, Uber Eats, MasterClass and Facebook.
U.S. athletes in Beijing will also have more freedom than ever before to benefit from sponsors thanks to a 2019 decision from the USOPC that loosened marketing rules. Competitors may now thank personal sponsors, appear in ads for those sponsors and receive congratulatory messages from them during the games — but without mentioning or displaying the Olympic logo — all aspects that were previously blocked.
Shaun White, one of the biggest names of the Winter Olympics, received his first board sponsorship at age 7. Following his first gold medal in Turin, snowboard-manufacturing company Burton signed him on to a 10-year contract. While the specific details weren’t disclosed, White was estimated to pocket around $10 million a year in sponsorships.
What's New in the 303:
After a dedicated campaign that included triathletes from bike-safety advocacy group It Could Be Me, federal transportation officials announced a plan to protect vulnerable road users.
Last week, National Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg released an ambitious National Roadway Safety Strategy to reduce—and eventually eliminate—fatalities for all road users, especially cyclists and pedestrians. With an emphasis on moving from a car-centric culture to one that prioritizes multiple modes of transportation, the plan has received much praise from people who ride bikes.
For decades the widely held view has been that crashes were due to human error, and people on bikes simply had to accept the risk of being a vulnerable road user in a time when vehicles have become larger and drivers more distracted than ever. As a result, the number of road fatalities has increased every year. More than 38,000 road users died in 2020, an increase of about 2,500 from 2019; preliminary data suggests the 2021 count is even higher.
The initiative includes a $6 billion package of grants to distribute to cities and towns to accomplish these systemic changes to their road infrastructure, including redesigning roadways and installing bike lanes and/or pedestrian paths. There will be new rules for auto manufacturers regarding emergency braking and cyclist/pedestrian detection systems. The Federal Highway Administration will also be given guidance to update speed limits to prioritize safety instead of vehicular movement. It will also create a standardized set of rules for states to follow, something Willerton is particularly enthusiastic about.
Willerton says the comprehensive National Roadway Safety Strategy is “almost verbatim” what cycling safety advocates have been asking for. “Seeing this come to life and having governmental support, it’s just incredible, and it’s all because we came together and shared our stories. All of these triathletes that have been hurt, families who have lost someone they loved, there’s so much outrage and pain. And people have taken that and done something with it to make sure no one has to feel that way again. They’ve really changed things.”
Upcoming Guests
Bill Garrels, host of the Mental Healthlete
Coach David Warden of 8020 Endurance to help us celebrate our 6th anniversary
T.O. and Rinny to talk about the Couples Championship
Video of the Week
THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME | Jan Frodeno 🐐
Pulled by sport and have to do it to feel good.
Purity of the decision to push harder or back off
Balance sport life with family life.
Injury almost got killed by a truck June 2018. Life could be over tomorrow. What do I want to do and how I deal with people
Just be happy the end of every day
Triathlon offers freedom, you can't cheat, you have to put in the effort and it keeps you honest
One day this will be gone - it pisses me off
Closing:
Thanks again for listening in this week. Please be sure to follow us @303endurance and of course go to iTunes and give us a rating and a comment. We'd really appreciate it!
Stay tuned, train informed, and enjoy the endurance journey!