Although I was very impressed with Sabir the swimmer, I was not impressed with Sabir the person. What was up with him flexing his muscles before the 50 FLY? Is this the NFL/ NBA or is this master's swimming? I didn't appreciate the "hey everyone, look at me" attitude. Swim the race, shake hands with your competitors, and be thankful for the gift God has given you. Don't show up your competitor like a Pro Wrestler. I wonder how much muscle flexing Sabir will do before events at the olympic trials! I have much respect for him for his talent and swimming accomplishments. But after his display before the 50 Fly, I have little respect for him as the person.
Swimmy Jimmy- Maybe Sabir really was just trying to stay loose. Maybe he was nervous, too. After all, he only had about 1,000 people watching.
Besides, I don't think he had to flex to show us his muscles. They are just THERE.
It could definitely be seen as a very cocky manuever, but to me it came across more like he was hamming it up. I think he was just trying to get the crowd, and himself pumped up.
Originally posted by Tom Ellison
Give the guy a break....If I had his muscles....I'd flex em....Heck, maybe Connie would notice me.....Would not...would to, not, to
I already noticed you! But you're so dog gone far away!
Oh, and about Sabir, I got to meet him in the hospitality suite, very nice, friendly and easy going guy.
I think muscle flexing bit was cute. I mean people were about to bring the house down cheering, I think little bit of showing off in response to tthe crowd was very appropriate and in the spirit of the whole thing.
Perhaps we shouldn't jump on quick judgements of someone's personality based on one instance. That always bothers me, when people judge someone imediately before they know anyting about them.
Originally posted by swim53
Swimmy Jimmy- Maybe Sabir really was just trying to stay loose. Maybe he was nervous, too. After all, he only had about 1,000 people watching.
Besides, I don't think he had to flex to show us his muscles. They are just THERE.
He flexed to show of a tad, but it was very cute, and I think very appropriate to the atmosphere of the moment.
That one I did catch on tape, casue I was taping couple od Sabirs swims. I caught 50 free and his 50 fly on video.
I thought his flexing and hamming it up were great. He was having fun and not taking himself too seriously! It got the crowd pumped up which helped him get pumped up! All of the swimmers on the Race Club were gracious to everyone. No cockiness was seen by any. They took time to talk, sign autographs and pose for countless pictures. They can only help promote our sport.
From what I saw, all of the Race Club were having a good time and were very patient with all the autographs, pictures and talking to strangers. I swam in the 200 IM in lane 6. They were behind lane 4 right after their 50 free. I swam in the 3rd heat in the South pool. They were still there long after I swam talking to people, signing things(shirts, programs), and getting their picture taken. I am betting that they would have liked to warm-down a little, sit down and relax, but they didn't.
Sabir had an audience, and like the great performer he is, he performed for the audience. If I looked like that, I would probably do the same thing. :)
Lighten up, the guy is a great swimmer and a very fine person from what I've read and heard from others. If he flexed, so be it. At least he doesn't spit in other peoples lanes as a sign of intimidation!
