Sam Long Mini Series on The Slowtwitch Podcast: Business and Relationships in Triathlon

Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images for IRONMAN

Last week we shared the start of a conversation between IRONMAN and 70.3 champion Sam Long and Mark Goddard on The Slowtwitch Podcast. That was the first of four parts, and today, we have the second. At this point in their talk, Goddard asked Long about the business of triathlon, how he goes about forming brand partnerships, and his relationship with his competitors.

The Business of Triathlon

This business-focused part of the conversation kicked off with Long discussing the topic of agents in the sport. “I’ve never had an agent,” he told Goddard. “I don’t really like to have agents. I have a very good relationship with all of my partners [on my own].” He continued, noting that he could see the value of an agent if they “were able to land a Ford dealership” as a partner for him and spearhead the logistics of that relationship, but he says until he reaches that level, he doesn’t see the need to add an agent to his team. 

“My experience with the partners is they’re usually paying athletes pretty fairly,” Long said. “They’re not trying to gouge the athletes they work with, but they also can’t pay an athlete hundreds of thousands of dollars.” He said he has a standard financial goal he brings to all partners: he aims to be paid around 10 per cent of what he brings in for the sponsor. 

“If a sponsor is paying you […] $10,000 but you’re only making them $500, they’re going to have to get rid of you in the longterm,” Long said. 

Long’s Take on the Field

The conversation then took a pivot, with Goddard asking Long which athletes he respects the most in the sport. 

“I have a lot of respect for every athlete,” Long replied. He shouted out Lionel Sanders and Kristian Blummenfelt, citing their many stellar performances over the years, but he proceeded to speak more generally. “At the top level, everyone is so professional. Everyone is doing so much, and the respect is mutual for everyone.” 

Long added that it’s not just the best of the best pros whom he respects, but everyone he competes against on race day. “A lot of [pros], they’re racing professionally and they’re working part time or even a full-time job. I have a lot of respect for those people who, they’re making their dream work and they’re hustling to make it happen.” 

Long continued, saying, “Ialways keep that in my head. These people, they’re still going 3:48 or something in a 70.3 […] and they’re working full time. That deserves a lot of respect for what they’re doing.” 

Stay tuned for the third part of this conversation between Long and Goddard. Next up covers the topics of training and performance, so you can be sure Long will have plenty to say on those topics. 

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