I feel like Ari might just be a product of the format/the way Jack seems to view things in absolutes (maybe elitist is the right word here idk). The questions are framed as do they have a shot or no shot at all instead of picking/choosing results that could lead you to think someone could have a good day. You can be realistic while still raising up solid results that could indicate future success.
It's like with Lionel saying he has no chance at Kona. Lionel has been 2nd at 140.6 Champs twice. I would argue his approach to this season (focusing on Kona + not over-racing) should have him in a good position heading into that race. The two of them are sitting there dismissing his chances. Just feels like some armchair quarterbacking. Maybe some ego from Ari or maybe he was just in the weeds a little too deep & forced to give an opinion but Gomez is one of the best to ever do this. Just do some complimenting of the guy if your take is that he's on his way out of the sport. Lionel took him in for a bit so it's strange to not see a little more gratitude expressed there.
Their banter around back of pack pros bothered me too because Ari was most recently 44th at Indian Wells (3rd to last). Ari also got a Worlds slot last year & has been making strides with his swimming/biking. Being in pro fields has allowed him to do that. Mid pack male pros didn't have an impact on the women's race in Oceanside, unlike their prediction. & they didn't mention that pros in the US have had to hit a higher standard every year since at least 2020 to get their licenses. Ari's pro pathway was USAT AG Nationals -- the same as a lot of those athletes. I feel like he should be approaching conversations like this with enthusiasm rather than point blank saying yes or no if you think an athlete ranked higher than you is good.
It's like with Lionel saying he has no chance at Kona. Lionel has been 2nd at 140.6 Champs twice. I would argue his approach to this season (focusing on Kona + not over-racing) should have him in a good position heading into that race. The two of them are sitting there dismissing his chances. Just feels like some armchair quarterbacking. Maybe some ego from Ari or maybe he was just in the weeds a little too deep & forced to give an opinion but Gomez is one of the best to ever do this. Just do some complimenting of the guy if your take is that he's on his way out of the sport. Lionel took him in for a bit so it's strange to not see a little more gratitude expressed there.
Their banter around back of pack pros bothered me too because Ari was most recently 44th at Indian Wells (3rd to last). Ari also got a Worlds slot last year & has been making strides with his swimming/biking. Being in pro fields has allowed him to do that. Mid pack male pros didn't have an impact on the women's race in Oceanside, unlike their prediction. & they didn't mention that pros in the US have had to hit a higher standard every year since at least 2020 to get their licenses. Ari's pro pathway was USAT AG Nationals -- the same as a lot of those athletes. I feel like he should be approaching conversations like this with enthusiasm rather than point blank saying yes or no if you think an athlete ranked higher than you is good.