In the spirit of calmer, more reasoned discourse- I hope to start a swimming-related one that nevertheless could get our juices flowing. Namely, let's get out on a real limb (before U.S. trials) & fearlessly predict results of Olympic events. You may choose as many or few to predict as you wish- and in a few months some of us may look very swimming-wise or perhaps foolish.
I will wade into it with the event that has been thrown open by Ian Thorpes poor sense of balance, the mens 400m free:
The winner is Perkins of Australia in close to world-record time.
Supplementary prediction: there will be no American on that podium.
Parents
Former Member
From the US selection criteria
www.usa-swimming.org/.../2004 Athlete Selection June 11 20031.pdf
DISCRETIONARY SELECTION
Discretionary selection will not be used for any swimmers in individual Olympic events from the Olympic Trials. However, all swimmers who are nominated to the Team as submitted to the USOC on or about July 15, 2004 shall be eligible for selection to any and all relays to be held at the Games. The Head Coach, in consultation with the assistant coaches and National Team Director, shall select the swimmers for each relay conducted at the Games. In selecting the relay teams, the Head Coach, in consultation with the assistant coaches and National Team Director, shall consider all available information, including but not limited to each Team Member's Olympic Trials performances (including preliminary times, time trials, and relay lead-off times), past relay performances, Olympic Games performances, personal best performances, Games event schedules, individual workload, other recent results and performances, consistency of performances, health, fitness levels, training preparation, scientific evaluation, and team chemistry. Selection of swimmers for relays shall not be subject to challenge.
If Phelps is swimming well and he still holds the American record for the 200 then I think they would pick him to be on the relay.
I would imagine this rule/guideline is in here for exactly this type of situation.
From the US selection criteria
www.usa-swimming.org/.../2004 Athlete Selection June 11 20031.pdf
DISCRETIONARY SELECTION
Discretionary selection will not be used for any swimmers in individual Olympic events from the Olympic Trials. However, all swimmers who are nominated to the Team as submitted to the USOC on or about July 15, 2004 shall be eligible for selection to any and all relays to be held at the Games. The Head Coach, in consultation with the assistant coaches and National Team Director, shall select the swimmers for each relay conducted at the Games. In selecting the relay teams, the Head Coach, in consultation with the assistant coaches and National Team Director, shall consider all available information, including but not limited to each Team Member's Olympic Trials performances (including preliminary times, time trials, and relay lead-off times), past relay performances, Olympic Games performances, personal best performances, Games event schedules, individual workload, other recent results and performances, consistency of performances, health, fitness levels, training preparation, scientific evaluation, and team chemistry. Selection of swimmers for relays shall not be subject to challenge.
If Phelps is swimming well and he still holds the American record for the 200 then I think they would pick him to be on the relay.
I would imagine this rule/guideline is in here for exactly this type of situation.
