Structural level

One major Structural barrier keeping women from participating in triathlons is the economic cost. Triathlons are a costly sport. The athlete is required to pay for membership fee, pool fee (for annual training), a good bicycle, togs, goggles, helmet, runners. etc Here is a blog from an anonymous person who frequently wishes to compete in triathlons but struggles with economy:
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The cost of triathlon. How much do you spend?	Quote | Reply

I have been into triathlon since 2005 and have enjoyed competing in many races in that time to include 2 IMs (one more next year), many HIMs and Olys and a few sprints.

Recently, I started to think about how much I have spent on the sport. I took a quick estimate and added up the costs for bike, gear, clothes, entry fees, travel, hotels, etc and came up with a very conservative number of about $15,000.

I obviously love the sport and have no intention to quit because of the cost. However, because of the economy I will probably sign up for a couple less races in 2009 than 2008.

I was curious if anyone else ever thought about how much they spend on the sport and if the economy will change anything for them. 
(This post was edited by bcn0204 on Nov 14, 08 18:31) http://forum.slowtwitch.com/cgi-bin/gforum.cgi?post=2090054
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It is evident that women find it difficult to reach elite levels in triathlons, as LOTS of training is required and LOTS of cost. Especially if they have the role of being full time 'mother'.

Another huge barrier keeping women from participating in triathlons is the issue of media coverage and sexploitation. Shocking facts on such issues were revealed by article writer Felicity Harley:

1. Women make up just 9 per cent of all sports coverage in Australian TV news and current affairs – horseracing sits at 10 per cent

2. When the men’s cricket team lost the Ashes in January, there were 25,426 media reports. When the women won, there were 2,780

3. Organisers for the London Olympics have priced tickets to female events well below their male counterparts

4. At 10 years of age, 64.6 per cent of girls play organised sport; by age 35, it’s 12.8 per cent.

(MamaMia, Raw Deal Womens Sport. Harley, F. 18/10/11 (Online) Available: http://www.mamamia.com.au/social/whos-the-better-role-model-rihanna-or-ellyse-perry/ )
For an extensive read, please see the blog named 'Sexploitation in Triathlons and Womens Media Coverage'.