Behind USAT and Ironman’s Efforts to Grow the Sport
After years of explosive growth, triathlon participation is hitting a plateau.
Author
Chris Foster
Chris Foster is the editor-in-chief of Triathlete magazine and a former pro ITU/short-course triathlete. After a collegiate running career at Penn State University, where he was a part of the school record-setting distance medley relay with a 4:01 mile leg, Foster represented the U.S. national team at the ITU Elite Triathlon World Championships in 2010.
Today he lives in Los Angeles with his wife where he tends to a small flock of chickens, runs the nearby hills, and swims in the Pacific when it gets a little bit too hot.
Favorite Race: La Paz ITU Continental Cup, La Paz Argentina
Favorite Quote: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!'”
— Hunter S. Thompson
Favorite Triathlete story: “Never Get Out Of The Boat: An Ötillö Catalina Race Report”
My Stories
Is Mixed Relay Racing The Future of Triathlon?
The details on innovative U.S. series Major League Tri.
The Really Confusing Way Doping Gets Policed in Triathlon
Check out Chris Foster's author page.
The Fastest Ironman Ever Is Skipping Kona This Year. WTH?
Lionel Sanders set the fastest M-Dot time ever when he posted an insane 7:44:29 at Ironman Arizona. So why's he skipping the sport's biggest race?
Behind Germany’s Kona Podium Domination
Check out Chris Foster's author page.
Overcoming Doubts: Daniela Ryf’s Record-Setting Day In Kona
Daniela Ryf not only surprised the triathlon world by breaking the course record of 8:52 by an incredible six minutes, she also surprised herself.
5 European Kona Contenders You Don’t Know About (But Should)
Don’t embarrass yourself by being the ironfan blindly calling out, “Who is that?!” at your Ironman viewing party; be the one to educate them.
Andy Potts Taking A More Scientific Approach Into Kona 2016
After two fourth-place Kona finishes, triathlon’s lone wolf ditches some questionable strategies for a more scientific approach to long-distance glory.
Sean English’s Cancer Battle Comes To Kona
In July of 2016, triathlon announcer Sean English was diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 cancer.
Characters Of Kona: The Japanese Effect
Out on the course, the Japanese fans’ presence is felt more than anyone else.