52 year old Australian Opposition Leader completes Ironman Triathlon

[lionking]

The Leader of the Opposition in Australia, Tony Abbott, has just completed the 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42km marathon Ironman Triathlon.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/29/2858728.htm?section=justin

While he's a sports fanatic, by his own account he trains only an hour or so a day. As someone who has run marathons, this is a laughably small amount of training. Yet he did it in his 50s.

But what is interesting from a political perspective is that the government is trying to use this against him.

Mr Abbott has copped some flak from the Government for spending too much time exercising instead of working.

I believe that this achievement can only be a vote winner for him. What do others think?

Oh, and sorry this thread is not about the US health care system.

 

[Sword_Of_Truth]

I believe that this achievement can only be a vote winner for him. What do others think?

It wouldn't be a game changer in a tight or losing race, the attempt to spin it negatively is kinda limp though.

 

[lionking]

My kids (who would normally be Labor voters) think the government is pathetic in criticising Abbott over this.

 

[Hallo Alfie]

Rudd has been circumspect, I think they (Labor) would like to get some mileage on this but it's dangerous waters (just to mix a few metaphors too).

But you've got to admire a bloke who will
a. set himself tough personal goals
b. take that on at his age.
c. finish the course and
d. celebrate with a beer.

14 hours of tough grind
Me hat's off.

 

[ddt]

While he's a sports fanatic, by his own account he trains only an hour or so a day. As someone who has run marathons, this is a laughably small amount of training. Yet he did it in his 50s.

Incredible he needs so little training.

But what is interesting from a political perspective is that the government is trying to use this against him.

I believe that this achievement can only be a vote winner for him. What do others think?

When are the next elections? April 2011? (Yeah, I looked that up). By then, everybody has forgotten about it. Unless he participates again next year, that is.

I think it's good he takes some time off of his job, and I think he's actually right saying:

But he says the most effective workers "have a life".

We're heading for early elections in June, and two major politicians have copped out because they "need time spending with the family".

Oh, and sorry this thread is not about the US health care system.

Yeah right. In a roundabout way (see the above quote), it's all about preventative care, isn't it?

 

[Undesired Walrus]

How's Rudd's approval ratings? Australia never went into a recession, which must have given him some thumbs up.

I quite like the guy (From the very little I've seen of him).

 

[r0ast_p0tat0es]

While he's a sports fanatic, by his own account he trains only an hour or so a day. As someone who has run marathons, this is a laughably small amount of training. Yet he did it in his 50s.

Kevin Rudd doesn't need to train. He's fueled by his own bitterness and self-righteous fury.

That said, he doesn't have the groin-fire necessary to put him in the standing for Best Athlete in Bed. That title is currently disputed between Berlusconi and Zuma.

 

[Meadmaker]

But what is interesting from a political perspective is that the government is trying to use this against him.



I believe that this achievement can only be a vote winner for him. What do others think?

Oh, and sorry this thread is not about the US health care system.

I think it's an impressive achievement, and that always helps the achiever, at least slightly.

Where these little, minor, things come into play is how they are handled by the candidates. When the government attacks him, that makes the government look stupid. That opens the door for an opportunity to make a few more votes out of it, unless he somehow blows his own response, maybe by getting all self righteous about it. I've seen that happen to American politicians.

 

[lionking]

How's Rudd's approval ratings? Australia never went into a recession, which must have given him some thumbs up.

I quite like the guy (From the very little I've seen of him).

I think Rudd will win the next election because we didn't go into recession, and also because the electorate usually gives governments at least two terms. But his decisions, like the stupid internet filter, has alienated a heap of young people and the election will be closer than many think. I wouldn't want to be a Labor member in a marginal seat.

 

[Architect]

Pah! We had a 47 year old transvestite comedian run 43 marathons in 51 days! You're just a bunch of big girl's blouses.....

 

[The Fool]

Pah! We had a 47 year old transvestite comedian run 43 marathons in 51 days! You're just a bunch of big girl's blouses.....

GO EDDIE!!!.....Thats amazing.

 

[lionking]

Great effort from Izzard, but calling him a "comedian" is going a touch too far.

 

[The Fool]

Great effort from Izzard, but galling him a "comedian" is going a touch too far.

actually I find him hilarious, his standup monologues are crackups.....

 

[lionking]

actually I find him hilarious, his standup monologues are crackups.....

Yeah, he's not that bad, I'm just trying to wind up Architect.

 

[Matthew Ellard]

I think Rudd will win the next election because we didn't go into recession, and also because the electorate usually gives governments at least two terms. But his decisions, like the stupid internet filter, has alienated a heap of young people and the election will be closer than many think. I wouldn't want to be a Labor member in a marginal seat.

I agree. I'm "Labour" but the internet filter is just stupid. "Bugger" the elections, it is just common sense.

 

[Architect]

Yeah, he's not that bad, I'm just trying to wind up Architect.

Now there's a stunning coincidence.......

 

[Wildy]

Now if Abbott has something involving strippers he'd be a shoo-in.

 

[Hallo Alfie]

And a two beer brown out?

 

[EvilSmurf]

But his decisions, like the stupid internet filter, has alienated a heap of young people and the election will be closer than many think. I wouldn't want to be a Labor member in a marginal seat.

I think the great firewall of Australia will be scrapped tbh.

 

[Tumblehome]

My kids (who would normally be Labor voters) think the government is pathetic in criticising Abbott over this.

You are raising your kids right.

I was at the finish line of a triathlon that included both serious racers and amateurs just out to see if they could do it. Among the latter was a 50-something grandmother who said, as she hobbled across the finish line, "I need a beer and a cigarette."