@Mike - thanks for the backstory. I like hearing where people have been, what they've come from. John has a similar story, but I won't tell it for him... you lifelong athletes have a level of perseverance that I envy!
Thanks for the respectful discussion. Nice to see that we continue to talk about ALL topics like adults.
About the privledged upbringing piece: I've often wondered about this with many pro triathletes, including Rapp. I've been to a LOT of races over a lot of years. And I've seen a lot of pros who consistently finish well out of the money, for years. And years. And years. I figure there's gotta be a huge Peter Pan Syndrome thing going on that is likely enabled by trust funds, families, friends, whatever.
@ Rich, I have noticed the same thing over time, and also in several sports .. but tri is right up there.
Having attended one of 'those schools' back east, I can confirm at least a few of my swimming teammates from there or our sister school in Cambridge have spent at least a few yrs 'playing pro' at this sport with significant family support. It is of course easy to be either incredulous or perhaps even envious of the athletic freedom that can bring; based on my observation of others (having not come from the kind of background that would allow not having a 'real job' out of college for an extended period of time),I can say that it also comes at some personal and emotional costs -- especially if one isn't successful at it. Many say in the abstract that they would love to 'not have to work', but again in observation of it in some I've been close to, when that comes at too young an age or maturity level, it comes with issues. Better to spend that time and energy perhaps on physical fitness as opposed to something more hedonistic but ultimately harmful. Any case, just my $ 0.02 ...
I"m glad that Rapp is delivering on the promise of his pedigree, at least. Many others aren't so lucky and find themselves doing strange things out there at times. I only wish that he both continues to deliver and gains a bit of perspective on the other side of thirty years old
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My new motto! Thanks Mike.
Thanks for the respectful discussion. Nice to see that we continue to talk about ALL topics like adults.
About the privledged upbringing piece: I've often wondered about this with many pro triathletes, including Rapp. I've been to a LOT of races over a lot of years. And I've seen a lot of pros who consistently finish well out of the money, for years. And years. And years. I figure there's gotta be a huge Peter Pan Syndrome thing going on that is likely enabled by trust funds, families, friends, whatever.
@ Rich, I have noticed the same thing over time, and also in several sports .. but tri is right up there.
Having attended one of 'those schools' back east, I can confirm at least a few of my swimming teammates from there or our sister school in Cambridge have spent at least a few yrs 'playing pro' at this sport with significant family support. It is of course easy to be either incredulous or perhaps even envious of the athletic freedom that can bring; based on my observation of others (having not come from the kind of background that would allow not having a 'real job' out of college for an extended period of time),I can say that it also comes at some personal and emotional costs -- especially if one isn't successful at it. Many say in the abstract that they would love to 'not have to work', but again in observation of it in some I've been close to, when that comes at too young an age or maturity level, it comes with issues. Better to spend that time and energy perhaps on physical fitness as opposed to something more hedonistic but ultimately harmful. Any case, just my $ 0.02 ...
I"m glad that Rapp is delivering on the promise of his pedigree, at least. Many others aren't so lucky and find themselves doing strange things out there at times. I only wish that he both continues to deliver and gains a bit of perspective on the other side of thirty years old