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As Andy Potts picked up his $8,000 winner's cheque for blazing to victory in a lung-busting, oxygen sapping race that took him across the length of Bermuda, it was impossible not to wonder if the world had got its priorities upside down.

Only four days earlier Zach Johnson had pocketed up $200,000 - 25 times as much - for finishing last in a four-man golf tournament.

Sure, Johnson, had to win the U.S. Masters to qualify, but he'd already picked up a cool $1million for that triumph. And while he and burly Argentine Angel Cabrera, who won $600,000 for his victory in last week's 'exhibition' at the Mid Ocean Club, can bask in lifelong financial security, Potts and the world's top triathletes rely on sponsorship to go from one race to the next.

Cabrera jokingly admitted last week that he'd never worked out a day in his life. Potts schedule requires almost constant physical training.

Golf is obviously a game of skill and Cabrera, Johnson and co. are excellent practitioners. No-one's blaming them for cashing in on the wild prize money on offer in their hugely popular sport.

As with everything else, market-forces dictate. More people want to watch golf than triathlon. Ergo, proficiency with the clubs is worth more than excellence in the ultimate test of athletic endurance.

Regardless of logic and though most triathletes would echo the sentiments of cyclist Lance Armstrong - it's not about the bike..... or the trunks, or the running shoes and defnitely not the money - it's still impossible not to marvel at the skewed value system of the sporting world. No wonder we have an obesity problem.[[In-content Ad]]

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