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How can commentators enhance the triathlon experience?

Passion and Interaction: Keys to Enhancing the Triathlon Experience

All right, how can commentators enhance the triathlon experience? That's a great question. Now, how can commentators enhance any event, whether it be a triathlon, a running event, or hey, you're at your county fair and you're participating in the Don't Drop the Egg spoon race. Don't drop the egg, go WIC, go. You know, passion. You've got to be passionate about what you do, and I certainly hope that any time any commentator at any event anywhere switches on that microphone, that their passion, the love for what they do, is absolutely emanating from that person, that speaker. You know, commentating is entertainment, but in-depth knowledge of the events, the athletes, the venues, the sponsors, the spectators, the environment, the charitable causes, these are intimate and crucial elements. And every good commentator, I think what makes a good commentator know a great commentator is one who interacts with the athletes, spectators, volunteers, everyone is all part of the same family. If you're at an event and you're hearing, hey Fred, way to go man, okay Mary, great job. Uh-uh. Up and out of the seat and commentating at a triathlon or any event, you know, the spoon egg thing. You're up and it's physical, man. Get part of it and be part of what the athletes and everybody else is doing.

Commentators at any event should be passionate, knowledgeable and interactive. They should have a deep understanding of the athletes, venue, sponsors, spectators, environment, charitable causes and everyone else involved. Great commentators get up and physically participate in the event along with the athletes and spectators.

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How can commentators enhance the triathlon experience? Well, the same applies to any event, whether it's a triathlon, a running race, or even a local egg spoon race at the county fair. The key is passion. Commentators need to have a genuine love for what they do and let that enthusiasm shine through when they turn on the microphone. Commentating is about entertainment, but it also requires in-depth knowledge of the events, athletes, venues, sponsors, spectators, and even the charitable causes involved. A great commentator engages with everyone involved, from athletes to spectators to volunteers. It's about creating a sense of camaraderie and being part of the same family. So, whether you're commentating on a triathlon or an egg spoon race, get up and get physical. Be fully present and immerse yourself in the event alongside the athletes and everyone else participating.

Hi Whit! Tell people about your background, expertise, and how you can help.

Meet Witt Raymond: From Mic Rookie to Global Sporting Events

Hey everybody, Witt Raymond here, commentator, announcer guy with Triathlon and Running. I've done some obstacle course racing, adventure racing, and cycling events over the years as well, but predominantly triathlon and running events. A lot of people ask me, you know, hey, how'd you get into announcing triathlon running, etc., and that's quite the fun story, and welcome your questions about that, but the very first time I ever picked up a microphone at any event anywhere in the world was at the Hawaii Ironman World Championship, yep, in Kona in 1993. Now since that October 93, fast forward 30 years, and I've had the great fortune and opportunity to travel to more than 30 countries, working again mostly triathlon and running, countless world championships, national championships, regional champs, Olympic trials, and most recently the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, which was in Japanese and English. So that's about it from Witt, welcome all your questions, thanks very much.

Raymond here, Triathlon and running commentator. I started out with the Hawaii IRONMAN World Championship in 1993 and have since worked at countless other world championships, national championships, regional champs, Olympic trials, and most recently the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Welcome your questions!

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Hey everyone, I'm Witt Raymond, a commentator and announcer specializing in triathlon and running events. Throughout the years, I've also been involved in obstacle course racing, adventure racing, and cycling events. People often ask me how I got into announcing, and it's quite a fun story that I'd be happy to share. It all started back in 1993 when I picked up a microphone for the very first time at the Hawaii Ironman World Championship in Kona. Since then, over the span of 30 years, I've been incredibly fortunate to travel to more than 30 countries, primarily working in triathlon and running. I've covered numerous world championships, national championships, regional championships, Olympic trials, and most recently had the amazing opportunity to announce at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in both Japanese and English. That's a bit about my background and expertise. Feel free to ask me any questions you have. Thanks!

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Whit grew up on the east coast of the US just outside of Philadelphia. After high school, he ventured west and worked at Arcosanti, a solar architectural wonder in Arizona designed by his Uncle, Paolo Soleri. He studied aviation at Cochise College and transferred to the University of Arizona to study Japanese. He joined an exchange program to Japan and The Kansai University of Foreign Studies, where he discovered the sport of Triathlon. In 1986, he placed 2nd in his first race and 12th in Ironman Japan, qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman. He moved to Honolulu and excelled as an elite amateur, winning numerous Triathlons, Duathlons, and Running races. He's a 7 time Ironman finisher, 2 time Champion of the Keauhou-Kona Triathlon, and Hawaii Volcano Marathon Champion. PR's: 5K – 15:38, 10K – 32:30 (after 40K bike), 21K – 1:14, Marathon 2:52, Ironman – 9:38.

Whit Raymond