According to a report in swiminfo.com, swimming is the most popular sport in Australia. That is, more people follow swimming than any other sport. That's saying a lot, since Australia is already sport crazy. Also, Ian Thorpe is recognized as the most appropriate sport figure for endorsements.
Where would swimming rank in America? How many Americans would recognize the name of *any* American swimmer? Why is Australia different, when the two countries are so culturally similar?
You'd have to also stipulate what year it was. Every four years for the summer olympics, swimming becomes _very_ popular in the United States. Just like figure skating does every four years for the winter olympics.
I spent a couple of weeks in Australia back in 1999 (two years before the Sydney Olympics), and I was amazed at the swimming popularity. In the airport, there were huge banners with 14-year-old swimming superstars, who were revered like Michael Jordan.
-rick
You'd have to also stipulate what year it was. Every four years for the summer olympics, swimming becomes _very_ popular in the United States. Just like figure skating does every four years for the winter olympics.
I spent a couple of weeks in Australia back in 1999 (two years before the Sydney Olympics), and I was amazed at the swimming popularity. In the airport, there were huge banners with 14-year-old swimming superstars, who were revered like Michael Jordan.
-rick
