The award for the most ridiculous, self-absorbed, overzealous all sports entertainment network in the world goes to...
ESPN, for the 10th year running.
They have once again proven that outside the 4 major sports, Tiger Woods, and the Williams sisters, you're really not much of an athlete. Unless you count token consideration of Cael Sanderson and -ahem- Sarah Hughes (don't even get me started on figure skating).
No offense to college athlete of the year Sue Bird (UConn BB) but a certain swimmer from Cal who set at least 6 AR and 1 WR over the short course season would have had my vote.
Anyone else? Natalie Coughlin, female college athlete of the year as awarded by the USMS discussion crew?
-RM
Parents
Former Member
Lord, we have gotten off a bit. First of all (sorry Aquageek), I can't stand NASCAR. Nor can I stand the personalities and moral graveyard that is the NBA. Conversely, however, I think to many non-swimmers (and a few actual swimmers), swimming IS boring. My point is that we all have our own interests and passions. NASCAR IS fine and does present good role models. I have NO issues with it. The media and sponsors go where the crowds and attendance are. Our sport (swimming) is not one that is considered as marketable in this country with the alternatives presented. Look at the sports WORLD: Soccer is king in South America, England, and many others-but not here. American Football is huge here, but you cannot sell it to the Australians or Eastern Europe. Swimming and Aussie Rules Football are the world to Australia. This example with various sports can go on and on. This will likely not change in the near future. Swimming cannot be molded to fit a marketing idea or sponsors image. "Dash for Cash" events, relay meet format, USA vs AUS; these may be one-shot hits, but they wouldn't sustain the interest of the viewer, sponsor, and likely swimmer.
HOWEVER, TO TRY TO ATTACH PRIZE MONEY TO USMS EVENTS WOULD BE A TRAVESTY. We do this for the fun, the friendships, the personal goals, and the honest (we hope) competition. Leave the money to the big boys, the pros. We don't need the issues (on a significantly smaller scale) that are affecting our pro leagues related to money. Let's just swim. I, for one, would NEVER accept part of my USMS membership going to prize monies for the best in our association--we all compete and swim together. There is no need to attach that crap to what we do.
Lord, we have gotten off a bit. First of all (sorry Aquageek), I can't stand NASCAR. Nor can I stand the personalities and moral graveyard that is the NBA. Conversely, however, I think to many non-swimmers (and a few actual swimmers), swimming IS boring. My point is that we all have our own interests and passions. NASCAR IS fine and does present good role models. I have NO issues with it. The media and sponsors go where the crowds and attendance are. Our sport (swimming) is not one that is considered as marketable in this country with the alternatives presented. Look at the sports WORLD: Soccer is king in South America, England, and many others-but not here. American Football is huge here, but you cannot sell it to the Australians or Eastern Europe. Swimming and Aussie Rules Football are the world to Australia. This example with various sports can go on and on. This will likely not change in the near future. Swimming cannot be molded to fit a marketing idea or sponsors image. "Dash for Cash" events, relay meet format, USA vs AUS; these may be one-shot hits, but they wouldn't sustain the interest of the viewer, sponsor, and likely swimmer.
HOWEVER, TO TRY TO ATTACH PRIZE MONEY TO USMS EVENTS WOULD BE A TRAVESTY. We do this for the fun, the friendships, the personal goals, and the honest (we hope) competition. Leave the money to the big boys, the pros. We don't need the issues (on a significantly smaller scale) that are affecting our pro leagues related to money. Let's just swim. I, for one, would NEVER accept part of my USMS membership going to prize monies for the best in our association--we all compete and swim together. There is no need to attach that crap to what we do.
