U.S. needs true sprinters

I don't necessarily think that U.S. sprinting is in dire straits, but certainly the rest of the world is much better that it used to be...on both the men's and women's side. Athens was disappointing for both the men's 400 relay and the 100 Free performances. We have had some very good recent performances, however. Remember, Jason Lezak broke the American record just last summer in the 100 (2nd all-time performer, I believe). And, he won the 100 at the short course worlds. He swam very well on the relays in Athens as well. It seems to me that the main problem recently has been consistency. For example, Ian Crocker shatters the 100 SCM world record in March, but doesn't swim anywhere near this level LCM the following summer (sickness in Athens notwithstanding). Lezak swims a stupid 100 preliminary in Athens. Ervin retires in his prime. Hall focuses more on the 50 than the 100. If all these guys are swimming at their best at the same time, I think the U.S. might have won the relay in Athens. I don't really agree with what the article implies about U.S. sprinting suffering because of foreigners competing for U.S. universities. U.S. sprinters should benefit from the competition in practices and meets. If someone wants to make the argument that foreign athletes take scholarships away from U.S. athletes and that U.S. coaching is making the rest of the world better, I might be swayed. But, even at that, I think U.S. athletes should be motivated to get better and win those scholarships and perform better at NCAA's. It shouldn't be used as an excuse.

I don't necessarily think that U.S. sprinting is in dire straits, but certainly the rest of the world is much better that it used to be...on both the men's and women's side. Athens was disappointing for both the men's 400 relay and the 100 Free performances. We have had some very good recent performances, however. Remember, Jason Lezak broke the American record just last summer in the 100 (2nd all-time performer, I believe). And, he won the 100 at the short course worlds. He swam very well on the relays in Athens as well. It seems to me that the main problem recently has been consistency. For example, Ian Crocker shatters the 100 SCM world record in March, but doesn't swim anywhere near this level LCM the following summer (sickness in Athens notwithstanding). Lezak swims a stupid 100 preliminary in Athens. Ervin retires in his prime. Hall focuses more on the 50 than the 100. If all these guys are swimming at their best at the same time, I think the U.S. might have won the relay in Athens. I don't really agree with what the article implies about U.S. sprinting suffering because of foreigners competing for U.S. universities. U.S. sprinters should benefit from the competition in practices and meets. If someone wants to make the argument that foreign athletes take scholarships away from U.S. athletes and that U.S. coaching is making the rest of the world better, I might be swayed. But, even at that, I think U.S. athletes should be motivated to get better and win those scholarships and perform better at NCAA's. It shouldn't be used as an excuse.