So I just saw a poll at the US Swimming web site that asked:
In the last twenty years, who do you think has changed more in the sport of swimming?
The choices were swimmers or coaches.
Thought it would be a good thread to talk about. Should we also throw in swimming equipment for good measure?
Talk amongst yourselves...
Parents
Former Member
If we are to look at other countries and the differences in popularity could we not investigate why swimming is the "professional sport" of Australia? --my interpretation only...
The sport of swimming is comparable to our professional sports in the USA. What is the hook that is so strong there and not in the USA?
A long term marketing campaign by Wall Street types? There is availability of pools/bodies of water in the USA (considering open water swimming as well here) in the country, subberbs, as well as the city. Most everyone tends to enjoy themselves when they cool off for a swim/goof off in the water. (Does pounding out miles of yardage along a black line lose the magic for some?)
Lets ebb back to why Australia is such a huge outlier/swimming superpower. I remember elite athletes training on Australia and representing the country Alex Popov, Michael Klim are two examples who have trained in Australia and or represented the country. Heck Tracy Caukins lives there with her family and manages a swimming complex!
What does Australia got that we don't? How do we, as a country, keep swimming in the mainstream and keep it there?
If we are to look at other countries and the differences in popularity could we not investigate why swimming is the "professional sport" of Australia? --my interpretation only...
The sport of swimming is comparable to our professional sports in the USA. What is the hook that is so strong there and not in the USA?
A long term marketing campaign by Wall Street types? There is availability of pools/bodies of water in the USA (considering open water swimming as well here) in the country, subberbs, as well as the city. Most everyone tends to enjoy themselves when they cool off for a swim/goof off in the water. (Does pounding out miles of yardage along a black line lose the magic for some?)
Lets ebb back to why Australia is such a huge outlier/swimming superpower. I remember elite athletes training on Australia and representing the country Alex Popov, Michael Klim are two examples who have trained in Australia and or represented the country. Heck Tracy Caukins lives there with her family and manages a swimming complex!
What does Australia got that we don't? How do we, as a country, keep swimming in the mainstream and keep it there?
