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
hopping in here late and only skimmed through... sorry bout that.
Thorpe:
He fell in the water, a false start. Why is one disqualified for a false start?
The fact is the false start DQ was introduced in order to make sure meets go fast. I am sure we all know what its like to be at an age group meet with a thousand kids swimming the 400 free. The meet would last days if every time someone flopped they all got back up and tried again, and again and again.
However, this is not a kiddy meet with 1000 swimmers in the event. There is no reason for a DQ on a false start for these elite athletes. He could have jumped in the pool a second after, even 3 seconds after, everyone else and still won the event. It isn't a 50 free where anyone in all 8 lanes can out touch and win, it is Ian Thorpe the fastest 400 freestyler in history!
The Olympics would be scarred without the presence of Thorpe in the 400. They might as well not have the event.
Who is the man who could stand at the top of that podium with a gold medal around his neck and actually feel as if though he deserves it? The only way is if Ian Thorpe is standing below you.
Thorpe must swim the event for the sake of the Olympic Spirit.
Foster:
Bill Sweetenham is an idiot. The Olympic Games are not his to be messed with. Mark Foster won the 50 freestyle and was under the Olympic qualifying standard. He is the fastest in his country, he should be representing his country in the Olympic Games, an event that represents glory, honor, competition, it is an event with immortal spirit, and all who have attended even in the crowds have felt this. Bill Sweetenham has a total lack of respect for this spirit and gives a smack in the face to all competitors representing their countries who might not have a shot at a medal.
Foster won the event at his Olympic Trials, however was denied by a bitter coach a trip to his 5th Olympic Games. Mark Foster is not done swimming, Bill Sweetenham says he is. What kind of ego does this guy have? The story of Mark Foster IS larger than the Thorpe story. Bill Sweetenhams disrespect for the Olympic Spirit leaves a nasty taste in my mouth.
Foster won his olympic trials and was below the olympic qualification time.
Foster must swim the event for the sake of the Olympic Spirit.
hopping in here late and only skimmed through... sorry bout that.
Thorpe:
He fell in the water, a false start. Why is one disqualified for a false start?
The fact is the false start DQ was introduced in order to make sure meets go fast. I am sure we all know what its like to be at an age group meet with a thousand kids swimming the 400 free. The meet would last days if every time someone flopped they all got back up and tried again, and again and again.
However, this is not a kiddy meet with 1000 swimmers in the event. There is no reason for a DQ on a false start for these elite athletes. He could have jumped in the pool a second after, even 3 seconds after, everyone else and still won the event. It isn't a 50 free where anyone in all 8 lanes can out touch and win, it is Ian Thorpe the fastest 400 freestyler in history!
The Olympics would be scarred without the presence of Thorpe in the 400. They might as well not have the event.
Who is the man who could stand at the top of that podium with a gold medal around his neck and actually feel as if though he deserves it? The only way is if Ian Thorpe is standing below you.
Thorpe must swim the event for the sake of the Olympic Spirit.
Foster:
Bill Sweetenham is an idiot. The Olympic Games are not his to be messed with. Mark Foster won the 50 freestyle and was under the Olympic qualifying standard. He is the fastest in his country, he should be representing his country in the Olympic Games, an event that represents glory, honor, competition, it is an event with immortal spirit, and all who have attended even in the crowds have felt this. Bill Sweetenham has a total lack of respect for this spirit and gives a smack in the face to all competitors representing their countries who might not have a shot at a medal.
Foster won the event at his Olympic Trials, however was denied by a bitter coach a trip to his 5th Olympic Games. Mark Foster is not done swimming, Bill Sweetenham says he is. What kind of ego does this guy have? The story of Mark Foster IS larger than the Thorpe story. Bill Sweetenhams disrespect for the Olympic Spirit leaves a nasty taste in my mouth.
Foster won his olympic trials and was below the olympic qualification time.
Foster must swim the event for the sake of the Olympic Spirit.
