Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Triathlon: Time for Reckoning

Coach Chris talks with Dr. Lisa Ingarfield  about diversity, equity and inclusion in endurance sports. She’s a fellow USA Triathlon Coach and spoke at a recent triathlon conference on this topic. She co founded the Outspoken Women in Triathlon Summit. As a “day job,” she does research and evaluation surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion.

Hang on to your hat, be a little uncomfortable, set aside your emotions for a moment and listen up. We have a lot of work to do. She calls this a “marathon” and we can certainly work together on this one.

Dr Ingarfield defines diversity and brings up many pieces of this complicated puzzle. She talks about the gender pronouns and what they mean. She also talks about the “invisibility of whiteness” and “invisibility of maleness.” At the end of the day, the onus is on us to do the research instead of asking marginalized people.

Some of her “homework” for us is to:
–>Stop making assumptions like “all black people can’t swim” or “all moms don’t have time for sports” and ask some questions or do your research so you’re not excluding people
–>If you’re in a leadership position, do a needs assessment and ask people about their experiences as well as to have a great starting point.

Here’s some books she suggested, although there are many out there to help:
Lies My Teacher Told Me
How To Be Antiracist

If you want to continue to learn and get insights on this issues, check out her [un]phased Podcast with Dr. Shaunna Payne Gold, designed to help you grapple with the reality of racism, sexism, ableism and many other hard-to-discuss issues affecting triathlon, endurance sports, and our lives. The hosts are both coaches and age-group triathletes, dovetail their work experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion with their love of endurance sports and holistic wellness.

For questions, email Lisa at lisa@tritodefi.com and follow them on Instagram here or Facebook here.

At The Endurance Edge, we’re committed to diversity, inclusion and equity in triathlon and endurance sports, but we need your help. Please send your feedback to info@theenduranceedge.com and thanks!