Anthony Ervin Retires

RE: Anthony Ervin Retires

Former Member — Sat, 17 Apr 2004 08:31:11 GMT

Originally posted by nyswim Ervin has turned in to FINA and USA Swimming all of the paperwork needed to remove himself from the list of world-class swimmers subject to drug testing, making his retirement official. This statement sparked my interest in how drug testing of world-class swimmers actually works, so I probed the FINA site for more information. It appears that, in addition to random testing of athletes during competitions and mandatory testing whenever new records are set, they are also allowed to conduct random testing of athletes between competions. The wording of the rules seems to indicate that they could literally show up at your home at 3 in the morning or at your work place in the middle of the work day wanting to do an unannounced drug test, though some of the other statements in the rules would only make sense if they restricted their testing to, e.g., when you are at the pool for your scheduled workouts. But now for the point which I find strange: The rules say that if someone retires, as Ervin has, but later wants to go back into competition, they must give notice of this and then wait 9 months before they actually start competing. But I see no comparable requirement concerning new competitors. On the one hand, it would seem a bit weird if somebody started showing up at USA Swimming meets and turning in the fastest times in the country, but was barred from Olympic trials because the drug testers hadn't known about them long enough. But, on the other hand, it would seem rather unfair to say that a retired world-class swimmer has to be subject to random testing for 9 months before they resume competition, but a new world-class swimmer doesn't. Does anybody know how this actually works? Bob

RE: Anthony Ervin Retires

Former Member — Fri, 16 Apr 2004 15:06:54 GMT

Originally posted by nyswim A man of many talents, Ervin has not been idle in the year since he has competed. To find out what he's been doing, check out the May issue of Swimming World magazine. Or you could just tell those of us who are curious, but not enough so to go buy the magazine!

RE: Anthony Ervin Retires

MegSmath — Fri, 16 Apr 2004 08:51:35 GMT

Originally posted by jim thornton Does anyone know if Nort Thornton's official name is Norton Thornton? I'm a Thornton myself, but never considered naming on of my kids Norton. Or Morton, for that matter. Actually, the more I think about, the better the name seems to me: Norton Morton Thornton. I guess this is off the subject, however. Sorry. As Dave Barry would say, Norton Morton Thornton would make a great name for a rock band!

RE: Anthony Ervin Retires

jim thornton — Thu, 15 Apr 2004 11:16:28 GMT

Does anyone know if Nort Thornton's official name is Norton Thornton? I'm a Thornton myself, but never considered naming on of my kids Norton. Or Morton, for that matter. Actually, the more I think about, the better the name seems to me: Norton Morton Thornton. I guess this is off the subject, however. Sorry.

RE: Anthony Ervin Retires

swimr4life — Thu, 15 Apr 2004 10:53:47 GMT

WOW! What a shock! I'm very disappointed that he has retired. He has sooo much talent and probably had not yet reached his peak performance. Does anyone know why he retired? Was he burned out?