New Gary Hall commerical

Gary Hall Jr defines everything that is wrong with society and swimming and it is difficult to stomach individuals posting praise for him. Let us look at the data: Gary went to UT and went 1.33+ 200 free as a freshman, but dropped out and went back home to Arizona! There is no questioning his talent and what he did at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics. Whether injecting insulin for his diabetes gives him a metabolic advanatage, especially as he ages, is best left for another "thread". However, how he conducted himself at the 2004 Olympics was disgraceful! Again, let us carefully look at the accurate data: 1) He did not get top two in the 100 freestyle at the Olympic trials and did not earn to swim the individual race! The rule was the top two finishers were automatically placed on the 400 freestyle relay and the next 4 swam for the final two places if they hit a certain time! Phelps was the wildcard since he was the National Champion in this event as I recall. 2) Men's Head coach Ed Reese set up specific guidelines as to what the remaining 4 individuals had to go in the morning relay, 48 something. Gary again had a second chance at getting on the relay and again failed whereas Neal Walker hit the time. 3) However, my judgment is Gary Sr. has failed at teaching his son personal accountable and so why should the rules apply to Gary Jr. even though he failed twice, he should be entitled to be on the relay! 4) Ian Crocker was sick and the relay performed poorly with Phelps on it. Gary Jr. violated the conduct code and was not present to support his country, his team and his teammates that night as it is mandatory that all members of the team attend the evening sessions! 5) Gary Jr. was held accountable and fined for breaking his covenant regarding the rules and requirements to be on the USA Olympic swimming team! 6) Gary Jr. badmouths Eddie and anyone and everyone with his excuses and what he would have done after failing twice! My only regret is that Duje did not beat him in the 50. The beauty about swimming is that it is an objective sport, not subject to the subjective and political nature of diving, gymnastics, etc. This has been eroded recently with the poor handling of relay members, especially by Richard Quick. Hindsight is always 20- 20 and I am certain that Eddie, Mark Schubert and Bob Bowman had no idea that Crocker would swim so poorly. However, in hindsight, keeping Gary Jr. off the relay after his failing to earn his way on it twice, his embarrassing behavior afterwards by a grown man and his self justification along with his father's support is symbolic of the victim and "self-entitlement" behavior prevalent in our society today! One thing is for cetain in my opinion: 21+ in the 50 and the inability to break 49 in the 100 demonstrates that no matter how much talent one is, they still have to have background!Maybe Gary Jr. out to take a look at that shadow, since he has choosen not to train properly for the 100 and go 47+!

Gary Hall, Lets not be critical of a great swimmer. I don't like him and who are we to say why he does these things, but we all, even Gary Hall have the right to do what we want. When I was swimming the papers wrote some nasty stuff about me. But I had my own reasons why I did not train the way everyone thought I should. When you live in the shadow of someone great it is hard to live up to everyone elses desires.

Geochuck: I hear you identifying with Gary Jr. based upon your own personal experience. Please do not lose the theme of what I am saying which is merely the following: He did not earn his way on the relay, broke team rules and was held accountable! Training is a personal matter. The afforementioned is when others hold one personally accountable. Again, my judgment is his behavior is a disagrace to United States Swimming based upon his actions and inactions. If he feels he lives in the shadow of his father, there are plenty of world class psychiatrists he can see! WB

Fact of life: Some great swimmers (and athletes) are great people as well. Some great swimmers (and athletes) are a real egotistical pain in the ass to deal with. Just because a swimmer is great doesn't mean we can't praise or criticize them. John Smith

Geek: What is your point? He should be able to do what he wants to do? I have stated my belief, we live in a society that lacks personal accountablility and believes in entitlement= Gary Hall Jr. State your belief. WB PS- There is now a surgical procedure pioneered in Houston/Miami that eliminates the need to inject insulin! Again, try not to lead with your chin!

To White Buffalo: I'm glad that someone already mentioned the absurdity of you suggesting that Diabetes is an asset to Gary's performance...if you knew anything at all about the disease you wouldn't make a comment as ignorant as this. You would also know that Type I diabetes is the reason that Gary has chosen to only swim the 50 free, as swimming any longer distances would be a hazard in keeping his blood sugar levels in check, both in training and in serious competition. As far as him being such a failure twice in Athens - well, your definition of failing is a little off. That's all...my mother always taught me if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. It just always amuses me that the people with little or no knowledge of Type I diabetes claims that Gary uses this as a crutch. Come on...!!

USCMaria: Since I am so ignorant about Type I diabetes, educate me about the cell transplant with the pancreas that kick starts the body producing its own insulin and emiliminates the need for injections... Maybe the first woman to receive this, successfully, that I have met was just a dream I had?

WB I guess everyone who does not win 5 gold medals at the Olympics is a failure, but the great thing about it, is that everyone can have their opinions even wrong ones.

USCMARIA: PS- I said insulin injections are an athletic advantage, not diabetes, so next time work on your reading skills!

Every one who is waiting for this operation sometimes die before they receive it, My niece died two days before they where to do it.