Was it Dimitri Volkov, who won the Olympic 100 *** in Seoul, perhaps the best start and underwater stroke in history.
Hi George:
Not to be nit pickey but Dimitri Volkov got the bronze. Adrian Moorhouse of England won the 100 *** in Seoul and Karoly Guttler from Hungary won the silver. I happen to remember this because England had ony two Men's Olympic Champions since Henry Taylor won the 1500 Free in 1908 and that would be Moorhouse and David Wilkie in the 200 ***, in 1976 and the only Olympic Gold medal winner in men's swimming events who was not from the USA.
Everyone is on line while I am scurring through past issues of Swimming World.
You are right on Volkov, but I think he finished third. He badly cut his foot a month before the Olympics. But he was a body length ahead at the 20 meter mark, after the start and underwater stroke.
1988
1. Adrian Moorhouse, Great Britain, 1:02.04
2. Karoly Guttler, Hungary, 1:02.05
3. Dmitri Volkov, Soviet Union, 1:02.20
The story broke in 1996
Atlanta Games using bromantan, although classified as a stimulant, bromantan is believed to be capable of hiding the abuse of more serious drugs such as steroids and other related substances.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has described the effect of bromantan as equivalent to that of mesocarb.
Mesocarb is known to possess anti-depressant and anti-psychotic properties and is already in the list of banned drugs. The IOC has also described bromantan as a dangerous cocktail of steroids, stimulants and masking agents.
According to an Olympic official, bromantan was first manufactured by the Russian army to increase their soldiers' physical endurance during long and strenuous military exercises. Then Russian athletes got hold for it. It was reported that those who were on bromantan could compete to their maximum capacity without feeling exhausted.
It was alleged that the drug was abused for years by athletes of the former Soviet Union. Russian officials were quoted as saying that Soviet athletes used bromantan at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul
David Wilkie will always be of a Scot! And proud of it. If it hadnot been for Don Scholandar, McGregor would have won in 1964. I swam with him in the 90's in Scotland. Most beautiful fly stroke I have seen.
The Duke.. Duke Kahanamoku. A true water man lifestyle. Thats what I like about Duke, he did many other water activities in addition to swimming. Also...Matt Biondi, Brad Schumacher. Water Polo + Swimming is a great combination!
Also.. the Indian Chief from the place called "Washington State." In 1924 he drove his model T, all the way to Indianapolis to compete in the Olympic trials. The Chief never entered any forms, didnt have registration #'s or anything. The officials were going to disqualify him, but the other swimmers (Which Duke was in attendance) talked them out of this, and the Chief got to compete in the meet. He's one of favorite swimmers and I dont even know his name.
Shinob Dood - agwaajiing.
All great swimmers, but there's also Don Schollander... Goes back a ways, but first American swimmer to win 4 golds... then a 5th in Mexico City in 1968. First swimmer I noticed and followed.
Janet Evans not only b/c of her record, but just I admire her the way I've admired Joan Benoit Samuelson as a runner--strong woman athletic role model, class act!
