An Ironman World Championship outside of Hawaii? This scenario occurred once when the 2021 World Cup was held in St. George, Utah, in May 2022. Most recently, the world’s largest triathlon organizer announced that the 2023 World Championships should also be moved from Kailua-Kona to another location – at least for the men. The place and date have not yet been determined. The women will be allowed to hold their title fights in Hawaii next year. This mode might take place on an annual basis.
Opportunity or inexcusable breach of tradition?
The triathlete camp is divided. While some see opportunities for the future of the event with the move, others see the departure from the island chain in the Pacific as an inexcusable break with tradition. Antoine Abu-Samra is now collecting signatures on change.org, a petition platform for social change, to save the race in its original form. “Bring back Ironman Kona yearly for both women and men” is the name of his petition, i.e.: “Bring back Ironman Kona yearly for both women and men”.
The goal is 1,000 signatures
Abu-Samras justifies his call with the fact that the Ironman World Championships in Kona is the “ultimate test for triathletes”. “She is the reason many got into the sport and stayed with it. The decision to host the world championships in two cities starting in 2023 was a blow to many aspiring triathletes.” Abu-Samras continued: “The reason for this decision is the two-day format, which aims to show more respect to the local community in Hawaii. But for many years the one-day event went very well. So why not go back to that format? Even if that means qualifying for the event will be more difficult.” The aim of the petition is to “put pressure on the organizer to revise his decision and take into account the wishes of triathletes around the world and not just pursue financial goals.” 1,000 signatures are targeted, by Friday followingnoon more than half of the signers had already come together.
