Here is a link that talks about the current drug-usage issue in Track & Field and contrasts it with U.S. swimmers' relatively clean image. It's is a bit of a fluff piece, and some of it seems doubtful, but it is something to chew on.
www.sfgate.com/.../article.cgi
-LBJ
Parents
Former Member
I didn't read a whole lot of fluff in Scott Ostler's piece. Money plays a huge role in many sports and in life in general. Having said that, let us all face the facts....I have never met a swimmer who started swimming for the money. The basic foundation and motivation behind our sports is rooted in hard work, dedication, goal setting and discipline.
Our sport is a solitary sport in that we have few opportunities each day at practice to socialize and enjoy the companionship of our fellow swimmers. Many people cannot deal with that aspect of swimming. My point is simple; swimmers are not drawn to our sport by money, fame or a walk in the park. We do not have the opportunity to watch the scenery go by while we ride bikes or run. What makes swimming great..... is our love of the sport…. for what it is...and what it helps mold us all to become...and that is decent hard working people.
I didn't read a whole lot of fluff in Scott Ostler's piece. Money plays a huge role in many sports and in life in general. Having said that, let us all face the facts....I have never met a swimmer who started swimming for the money. The basic foundation and motivation behind our sports is rooted in hard work, dedication, goal setting and discipline.
Our sport is a solitary sport in that we have few opportunities each day at practice to socialize and enjoy the companionship of our fellow swimmers. Many people cannot deal with that aspect of swimming. My point is simple; swimmers are not drawn to our sport by money, fame or a walk in the park. We do not have the opportunity to watch the scenery go by while we ride bikes or run. What makes swimming great..... is our love of the sport…. for what it is...and what it helps mold us all to become...and that is decent hard working people.
