If I am reading this right, Swiminfo.com is reporting that Craig Stevens is indeed going to back out of the 400 and leave it up to Australia Swimming to "pick another member of the Olympic Team" to swim that race in Athens. If I am ANY other country, swimmer, the 3rd place finisher at the Trials or an organization interested in ethics, then I am raising a stink on this one!!!! Thorpe DQ'd and the Aussies are going to skirt the rule and get him in anyway. They would be relegated to the status of Ben Johnson, Rosie Ruiz, and the 60+% of MLB who are on steriods! This is FREAKIN' UNBELIEVABLE. I have no respect for any of the aforementioned and if this happens, none for Ian Thorpe and the Australian swim federation (or whatever official name they hide behind) are in that seeming, stinking pile.
Parents
Former Member
I have to admit that I don't share the outrage or see an ethical issue. As a swim fan, I'd like to see the world's best at the Olympics, and not be deprived of such due to a silly accident. Were I an Olympic contender, I'd like to think that I would prefer to go up against the best, and not earn my award due to the accidental misfortune of another.
If the qualifying swimmer can resign and the Australian governing body can, within it's rules, give the slot to Mr. Thorpe, then I think that is the best thing to ensure the best competition. If I were an Australian, I'd like to think I'd want what is best for the team, and this certainly is.
I see no taint, but reasonable people can differ.
carl
I have to admit that I don't share the outrage or see an ethical issue. As a swim fan, I'd like to see the world's best at the Olympics, and not be deprived of such due to a silly accident. Were I an Olympic contender, I'd like to think that I would prefer to go up against the best, and not earn my award due to the accidental misfortune of another.
If the qualifying swimmer can resign and the Australian governing body can, within it's rules, give the slot to Mr. Thorpe, then I think that is the best thing to ensure the best competition. If I were an Australian, I'd like to think I'd want what is best for the team, and this certainly is.
I see no taint, but reasonable people can differ.
carl
