Chicago Tribune Swimming Article Today

RE: Chicago Tribune Swimming Article Today

Former Member — Tue, 27 Jan 2004 14:26:35 GMT

Yes, and congratulations to Phil Whitten for a good piece of reporting. Unlike the other press outlets (NY Times, Chicago Tribune, USA Today) the real tragedy is the swimmers father, who is also his coach, refusal to let his son swim in a much better program due to the father's dispute with the facility. The swimmer's progress has suffered greatly and more than likely it's due to his father excessive pride. Good to hear that the Y is behaving exactly the way one would expect based on the pretty common experience throughout the world. They have opened up their facility to all swimmers and make accomodations for those swimmers that cannot pay. This is once again a great example of how this institution works so well to promote our sport across the world. (Note: I am not affiliated with a Y but have enjoyed hospitality at Ys as a guest throughout the world and appreciate all that they do for swimming). The real tragedy is the apparently overbearing father. The real hero is the Y organization. Too bad, the major media never got the story right.

RE: Chicago Tribune Swimming Article Today

Former Member — Tue, 27 Jan 2004 10:50:06 GMT

Apparently Alex Safian reported the true story for CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America) on Jan. 13: www.camera.org/index.asp?x_article=615&x_context=2 I haven't found any corrections/retractions from the major news organizations.

RE: Chicago Tribune Swimming Article Today

mattson — Mon, 26 Jan 2004 05:37:03 GMT

This SwimInfo article is a follow-up to the story on the Palestinian teenager. Seems the truth was being more than a little distorted. Sounds like the kid's dad is holding him back more than any pool conditions would.