Editor's Note: In the last few days of 2010 we're pleased to feature some of the most interesting and noteworthy stories of the year. Today we continue with a great moment in 70.3 racing as Julie Dibens demonstrates the meaning of true sportsmanship.
It's called the eight percent rule, and for the second Ironman race now professional female Ironman triathletes have waited at the finish line before crossing to take the win.
Today at the Ironman 70.3 Boulder, Julie Dibens waited for about 5 minutes before crossing the finish line to win the race.
The reason?
A new 2010 Ironman rule stipulates that professional Ironman triathletes must be within 8 percent of the eventual winner's time to collect their prize money.
Not surprisingly in a close knit professional triathlete community like that of Boulder, Colorado this rule will have some strange and unintended consequences...like the spectacle of the winner hanging out in front of the finish (see photo of Julie Dibens above) before crossing the line.
Take a look at the video below as Julie Dibens easily wins Ironman 70.3 Boulder to see what happens when female professional triathletes look out for each other.
BTW: The 8 percent is now history as the WTC phased it out earlier this year.
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