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
I agree with Paul both in his defense of Ion and his desire to promote our sport. Except Paul has stepped up to the 'challenge', and not just Ion (and I think I contributed something also, if not that creative.)
Our Olympians are our best promotional resource. We have quite a few, but a few more, and higher profile ones, would help alot. If Don Schollander, Mark Spitz, John Nabor, Mary T., Janet Evans, and other well known swimmers participated regularly, publicity and participation in USMS would increase greatly. I remember my big disappointment with Spitz in the 70's was how he did not take on the responsibility to promote the sport that his success required him to do. This is a way for him and others to help, just by swimming!
And unlike some of you, I can imagine in a distant future a 'Masters Swimming Tour.' (but the meets have to be more fun, like I discussed in my last post on this thread.) After all, people pay to watch old geezers play golf, many of whom can't drive farther than the average college player. Already we are seeing Olympic swimmers older than 30 (and women, no less!), something totally unexpected 30 years ago.
I agree with Paul both in his defense of Ion and his desire to promote our sport. Except Paul has stepped up to the 'challenge', and not just Ion (and I think I contributed something also, if not that creative.)
Our Olympians are our best promotional resource. We have quite a few, but a few more, and higher profile ones, would help alot. If Don Schollander, Mark Spitz, John Nabor, Mary T., Janet Evans, and other well known swimmers participated regularly, publicity and participation in USMS would increase greatly. I remember my big disappointment with Spitz in the 70's was how he did not take on the responsibility to promote the sport that his success required him to do. This is a way for him and others to help, just by swimming!
And unlike some of you, I can imagine in a distant future a 'Masters Swimming Tour.' (but the meets have to be more fun, like I discussed in my last post on this thread.) After all, people pay to watch old geezers play golf, many of whom can't drive farther than the average college player. Already we are seeing Olympic swimmers older than 30 (and women, no less!), something totally unexpected 30 years ago.
