Episode 34: Bob Babbitt on the Sport's Evolution and the Power of Inclusion

Legends of Triathlon: Bob Babbitt on the Sport's Evolution and the Power of Inclusion

Welcome to a very special episode of our podcast, where we have the honor of hosting Bob Babbitt, a name synonymous with the world of triathlon. As a legendary figure in the sport, Bob shares invaluable insights from the early days of triathlon to its current global impact, emphasizing the sport's power to change lives and foster equality.

He highlights the importance of triathlon as an equal opportunity sport and the impact of Julie Moss' famous finish. Bob also discusses his transition to the media industry and the launch of Babbitville and Breakfast with Bob. 

Get social
Bob Babbitt: https://www.instagram.com/babbittville/
Challenged Athletes Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/cafoundation/

Takeaways

• Triathlon is an equal opportunity sport that welcomes athletes of all abilities.
• Short distance races, such as sprints and Olympics, are important for the growth and accessibility of the sport.
• The finish line of an Ironman race is a transformative experience that can change an athlete's perspective on what they are capable of.
• The impact of Julie Moss' crawl to the finish line in the 1982 Ironman race was a pivotal moment in the sport's history.
• The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) plays a crucial role in supporting athletes with physical challenges and providing them with the necessary resources to participate in triathlon. Sport has the power to change lives and promote equality.
• The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) provides opportunities for challenged athletes to participate in sports and experience the Ironman triathlon.
• Supporting CAF through volunteering, donating, or participating in their events can make a difference in the lives of challenged athletes.
• To grow the sport, it is important to support local races and race directors.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

01:04
Early Days of Triathlon

04:17
Misconceptions about Ironman

08:00
The Original Ironman Race

10:47
Discovering the True Distance of Ironman

14:12
Triathlon as an Equal Opportunity Sport

17:21
The Impact of Julie Moss' Finish

19:04
Transition to Media and Competitor Magazine

23:17
Launch of Babbitville and Breakfast with Bob

25:30
The Growth of Triathlon and the Importance of Short Distance Races

27:52
Exciting Races to Look Forward To

32:13
The Impact of Paralympic Triathlon and Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)

42:07
The Power of Sport and Equality

44:02
Creating Opportunities for Challenged Athletes

46:13
The Impact of CAF on Challenged Athletes

47:47
Supporting CAF and the Future of Ironman

49:13
Growing the Sport and Supporting Local Races

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