For years I have thought that mixed sex relays would be the ideal event to end a competition. Either 4x100 free or medley relay with 2 men and 2 women. Each team could organize the order as they see fit. I'm sure that it would quickly become an extremely popular event.
Masters swimming does have mixed relays. They should be in the Olympics and world championships etc. I don't think the IOC wants to add anymore swimming events though.
Yes, there is a general feeling in the IOC that there are too many events. However, I feel that this kind of relay would be so popular that the IOC would get behind it.
They had a mixed relay at "The Duel in the Pool" a few years ago.Libby Tricket broke the WR for the 100 free leading off,but FINA wouldn't recognize it since it wasn't part of a sanctioned event.They further justified it saying that since she swam against a man(Phelps) his wake may have given her an unfair advantage.It was really cool anyway.
Mixed Relays are one of my favorite parts of Masters meet.
We had a discussion of what Allan's is referring to about the mixed relay when it happened 5 years ago.
Libby Lenton's 52.99 - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
However, I feel that this kind of relay would be so popular that the IOC would get behind it.
I'm not really sure they would. The only sports I know of in the Olympics with a history of mixed-gender competition are equestrian and sailing, and I'm not even sure there's a mixed event in sailing in 2012. So I guess there is a precedent, but it seems to me the IOC isn't really that keen on mixed events. Olympic swimming is already wildly popular. They probably assume if it ain't broke don't fix it.
Outrigger canoe racing is Hawaii's state sport, 6 paddlers in a 400 pound boat, and high schools offer it at a Varsity sport. The Mixed races at all levels :banana:are extremely popular. And I'm proud to announce that my daughter just steered her second consecutive win in the Mixed 40's crew at our State Championships last Saturday. --- 1/2 mile with a 180 degree turn in 3:51.
They had a mixed relay at "The Duel in the Pool" a few years ago.Libby Tricket broke the WR for the 100 free leading off,but FINA wouldn't recognize it since it wasn't part of a sanctioned event.They further justified it saying that since she swam against a man(Phelps) his wake may have given her an unfair advantage.It was really cool anyway.
Mixed Relays are one of my favorite parts of Masters meet.
Masters swimming does have mixed relays. They should be in the Olympics and world championships etc. I don't think the IOC wants to add anymore swimming events though.
