I’ve often thought of this same thing Garrett, thanks for posting.
About 10 years ago, I was really consumed with training for Ironman triathlons and trained hard to be my best at swimming, biking and running.  Now days, I do crossfit, run and eat healthy because I’m getting old and it’s important to me to maintain weight and be healthy.

I think we are still in the early days of our sport and if we see true professionals rise to the top, they will be a master of mind, body and spirit.  Look how the sport of golf has changed over the past few decades, todays top golfers are truly athletes.

I like the points you make above, one that interests me the most is the gear you wear.  What is the best apparel for this sport?  Tight fitting clothes to prevent snags, shorts or lightweight pants to be cool but protective, elbow pads, knee pads?  It’s an interesting thing to think about.