Yes, the variety would be good, plus the amount of hours it must take to get to the top in three separate disciplines must be pretty incredible and make it hard to fit round a job.
I don't think lottery funding has made our athletes lazy; although I think it could be better spent by encouraging people into sports at an earlier age, with more opportunities there, than giving them cash when they are already good, and maybe pull in some money from sponsorship or winning races. Lots of schools now don't have sports fields or make any serious effort with teams & events, and it's a lot harder to get to the top if you start late
Anyway, a lot of respect to anyone who can run an Ironman. One day, when I get a bike without training wheels, and a swimming suit without inflateable armbands, I might just do the same
