Integrity Sports Announcer Dave Ragsdale
Dave Ragsdale (left) has been a sports announcer for over 20 years.
Matt Scarborough recently invited Dave Ragsdale to speak with him on the One Community podcast. Here are some highlights from their conversation.
Dave Ragsdale’s voice might be familiar to people who compete in Ironman or other sporting events. He’s been an announcer for over 20 years and estimates that he’s watched over 500,000 athletes cross various finish lines. He’s recently become involved with Integrity Multisport, an athletic events company that organizes everything from half marathons to sprint and Olympic triathlons, as the sponsorship director and announcer.
“For many people the barrier to entry to participating in triathlons is a perception,” Ragsdale said. Triathlon competitions might be more popular than ever but when people think of them, Ragsdale said, they think of events like the Ironman and get scared off. That’s not true. There are a wide range of triathlon and multisport events out there. “Savvy event operators are smart enough to realize you need to be as inclusive as possible and make it simple for people to be part of the event,” Ragsdale said.
Dave Ragsdale’s tips for competing in your first triathlon
Practice with what you have: it’s easy to get caught up thinking you need to join a swim team or buy the fanciest bicycle to compete in a triathlon but gear isn’t necessary when you’re getting started. “Whatever bike you’ve got, use it,” Ragsdale said. Swim at the local pool or a lake. Run outside or at the gym. It’s all about getting your body used to moving in multiple ways.
Sign up with the goal of completing a race: Ragsdale said that people often underestimate the swell of emotions that simply come with finishing a triathlon for the first time. As an announcer he sees the look on people’s faces when they cross that finish line and there’s joy whether they’re in the front or the back of the pack.
Cross the finish line before worrying about time: After the first time you accomplish a triathlon, Ragsdale said, “You can try to get faster in your swimming or get the fancy bike.” After a race completion, you know you can do it and can focus on doing it better next time.
Be aware when riding or running on shared roads: Whether you’re practicing for a race or just going for a ride, remember to watch for cars and follow the rules of the road. “We all know people who are no longer with us because of that one multi-second incident and that was it,” Ragsdale said. He mentioned that even in sporting events it’s hard to get roads completely closed down. “When it’s an accident of car vs bike, car wins every time.” Crashes can also happen between you and other competitors. It’s not always worth the risk for a slightly better time, especially if an injury will keep you from training or competing.
Ultimately, Ragsdale said, triathlons are “within people’s reach—or maybe just a little bit out of your reach but something you can still grab for.”
Scarborough Bicycle Accident Law are proud sponsors of the upcoming Integrity Multisport triathlon events taking place at Fort DeSoto in Tampa Bay. For more on Dave Ragsdale’s story, listen to the One Community podcast.
