Athletics legend Michael Johnson praises PTO ahead of the US Open triathlon event in Dallas this weekend

American legend Michael Johnson has praised the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) for its ability to tell compelling stories ahead of the US Open event in Dallas this weekend. Johnson believes the PTO have strong foundations in place to shift the focus away from times and distances, instead promoting athletes' stories and personalities, and says the PTO is setting the template for other sports, including athletics. Ad «That's what really interests me in what PTO is doing,» said Johnson.

PTO Tour'We've seen more kids getting involved' — Johnson on PTO, Dallas and the rise of triathlon16 HOURS AGO «They're sort of separating away from, you know, the sort of governing body roles and really focusing on professionalising the sport and understanding what promotion is all about and what drives viewership, which is exactly what we need to do in track and field as well. »Athletics has the same exact problem that PTO is solving for triathlon. «The stars are there, the competition is certainly there.

The great athletes are there. The great athleticism on display is there. The problem is, is that someone has to take that sport and put it in front of people, you know, and tell the stories and show it in a way that is compelling.» The PTO enjoyed a successful re-launch in 2020 amid the Covid pandemic — supporting events which could take place by boosting prize money.

They vowed to create new triathlon events including the US Open. This spectacle will make its eagerly-awaited debut in Dallas, Texas, this weekend. Highlighting the love for sport that is present in Dallas, a venue Johnson believes is well-suited to the US Open event, he commented on the growing influence of triathlon on the younger generation: «It's a really