Yesterday, I watched NBC's coverage of the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona. I enjoyed it. There were a couple personal stories that were covered, but much of the coverage followed the pro race and I learned a few things about how the race went.
Not that I'll ever race it, but one concern I would have going is of being one of the racers that fails... on national television! It's very encouraging to watch the success stories, but some of the folks that don't make cut-off, crash, blow-up to the point of being physically sick, having to be carried off, finish with <1 minutes to spare, etc. also get some TV coverage... "and now we see Ehren van Melle being carried off by the medical staff as he is completely unable to even stagger under his own power!". Yeah, great, how does the puke look all over the shirt? Nice. Hi Mom! Aren't I great?!
I know it can even happens to the pros, but even they can't enjoy being filmed having an emotional break-down after having to drop-out. At least folks that are somewhat familiar with pushing hard through endurance activities can understand the bonk/blow-up, but most people probably do not.
Good luck to those lottery winners who aren't quite prepared to complete the race - try to avoid the cameras. :-)
