At the U.S. Trials there was one official in every lane looking at the turns, so now that we're in Athens, how does Kitajima get away with that dolphin kick on his turn? It seemed clear to me from the above water shot, then was confirmed with the underwater. Other breaststrokers care to weigh in?
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Former Member
I wonder what the response from Americans would have been if the kick had been on the other foot so to speak. As a neutral observer it sounds suspiciously like sour grapes to me. In most elite sports competitors will push the rules as far as they can and then some more. It's up to the umpire, referee etc to make the call. In this case I suspect the kick was observed but the official chose not to act. Get over it and enjoy the rest of the swimming.
I wonder what the response from Americans would have been if the kick had been on the other foot so to speak. As a neutral observer it sounds suspiciously like sour grapes to me. In most elite sports competitors will push the rules as far as they can and then some more. It's up to the umpire, referee etc to make the call. In this case I suspect the kick was observed but the official chose not to act. Get over it and enjoy the rest of the swimming.
