What does everyone think about Gary Hall's comments about Michael Phelps being on the 4 x 100 freestyle relay at the Olympics. Gary pretty much feels that Michael shouldn't be on the relay since he didn't swim the 100 at the Olympic trials. Michael is being considered for the relay, since he has posted the second fastest time by an American this year.
I personally think Michael should be on the relay if he is setting the water a fire at the Olympics. I think any true team member would give up their spot on a relay to someone who is faster. It is about the best possible relay team - GO USA!!!!
Just FYI... here is the section from the meet handbook at the Olympic Trails about relay selection...
III. 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.
I imagine the same kind of thing could happen with Coughlin in the 800 free relay. There's not much question she's one of the top four U.S. women in the 200 free, yet she didn't swim the event at Trials. In fact her time at the JEI was almost a second faster than the winning time at Trials.
Former Member
The rules specifically say the coaches can put anyone on the Olympic team roster on any relay. It's published and out there for anyone to read. Gary can have his opinion and I'm sure the coaches will give it the respect it deserves.
Former Member
Then that settles it. Why are we even having this discussion (unless it's to "discuss" Gary's opinion)?
Former Member
Sue for not being allowed to compete in the trials on the grounds of being speed impaired.
Former Member
Originally posted by aquageek
It appears the relay team of me, gull80, laineybug and mark from md missed the deadline for consideration. What's the appeal process?
I assume you would wear the new Speedo clown suit?
