The Grip just posted this on IG, no idea what it is yet but super curious to find out.
markallengrip
LIMITLESS
A lot of people have been talking about how to increase opportunities and participation for women in triathlon. I agree, and somebody is about to launch a program that makes a substantial investment to that end.
Look for the launch of Limitless/A Women’s Triathlon Initiative here and across the internet on December 4, 2026.
Don’t accept limits, smash them."
How many women would be offered slots if they gave all podium finishers a slot?
Something from Renouf and friends? I don’t think Ironman cares enough. Who else associated with our sport would care enough? The only ones with deep enough pockets are petro states (unlikely crew) or it could be a wealthy age grouper (of either gender) kicking this off.
You think Mark Allen is getting in bed with T100? I find that highly unlikely. The IG post featured a pic of Chrissy Wellington passing Leanda Cave out on the Queen K, so.
I am just wondering who has deep enough pockets to spend on something transformational. I am sure there are plenty of age groupers who have made their fortunes, or sitting on family office generational assets out there, so anything is possible.
Trademark IRONMAN. If it did turn out to be a Petro Dollars initiative that would be some wild cognitive dissonance.
I wonder if this is going to be a continued obsession with Kona numbers or are they going to recognise that the sport of Triathlon is more than the long version of M-Dot events.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DRpYuQeGHEt/
Holding my breath.
The interesting thing is Saudi society has dramatically diversified itself in the last 10-15 years. I believe women workforce participation has grown from around 10 to over 30. They have also put a lot of money into sport to turn their global image as a tourism and commerce destination. I would not be surprised if they are going into their next phase of international PR
Yeah I don’t begrudge them efforts to improve their standing as a “modern” nation and don’t get upset when they put money into the sport. I certainly don’t think America has very clean hands and we shouldn’t be so judgmental lest we be judged ourselves.
If Saudi wants to do a Dubai or Super steroids and turn into an international network hub it absolutely has to tell the world what it has been doing for advancement of women in their own society, if not expats and tourists won’t be that comfortable coming over with families. I am probably getting way ahead of myself, but I can see a PR world where after having maxized sports washing it will need an image makeover.
Anyway, we have to wait and see what this is, so back on topic.
This feels like a “Marketing” opportunity..
100%
I’ll take your 100% and raise it another 100%
Nuttin’ wrong with makin’ a buck
No but when you do it in the name of “Women’s rights” it means a lot less in my opinion..
The Middle East is too far for many of us in North and South America. After the bike fiasco in Malaga, I doubt anyone would be too excited about travel there. Unless someone came up with a direct charter flight from North America directly there and minimizing bike misplacements. I always thought charter flights for athletes would have been considered for world championship races in far away places like NZ/Australia or SA.
I didn’t see anything in my email on Dec 1st. So what is the big announcement??
The OP offered “Look for the launch of Limitless/A Women’s Triathlon Initiative here and across the internet on December 4, 2026.”
It’s the 2nd today, and 2025 (though Allen changed that after a few hours). Patience, patience.
A ‘launch’ which is certain to happen on December 4.
