We now have just over a month before the open World Champs at Melbourne. What will we see there, more records? I believe that this is a 'statement' champs, not least of which the Aussies in the wake of the retirement of Ian Thorpe. Will the Chinese unveil some unknown superstars? Kitajima, according to the Swimming World website feels that he is returning to form, can he challenge Hansen (& how many little dolphin kicks he hide in his dive?).
What do you see on the horizon? Time to venture some predictions.
I say the we will see Park from Korea start to push Grant Hackett, with a view to getting in his head for 2008. Will Phelps shock and awe his opponents?
Let's hear from you...
quote from gary hall jr
"Popov swam his time in a time trial. I think that there were two other swimmers in the pool. It was at the Olympic trials meet for 2000. I have had a few people tell me that the time wasn't legitimate, the other swimmers times were .3 faster than they had ever been before or since, Popov's time being .3 faster too. I don't know how to respond to that. Roland proved that a 21.6 is possible, there is no disputing that he went that time. (shrug). I'll beat either one of them if they step up on the blocks next to me. I'll go the time it takes to win."
Sounds like the clock started .3 late.
Warren:
Your avatar bias is starting to show with that last sentance about the clock starting .3 late. I know Gary Hall Jr. probably does not agree with how the WR was set and I respect that. However I take issue with this because all Popov was doing was swimming a time trial like everyone before and its not his fault that he broke the record because the FINA Rules & Regulations allows him to do this. This is no different than when Rowdy Gaines went :49.36 to break the World Record and that was performed in a time trial. Time Trial opportunities are still going on in fact I saw a LC Time Trial listed in the American Short Course Championships in Austin, TX that Ande swam in so opportunties are still available for everyone to do this and its unfair to criticize someone for taking advantage of there opportunties.
www.theraceclub.net/.../viewtopic.php
quote from gary hall jr
"Popov swam his time in a time trial. I think that there were two other swimmers in the pool. It was at the Olympic trials meet for 2000. I have had a few people tell me that the time wasn't legitimate, the other swimmers times were .3 faster than they had ever been before or since, Popov's time being .3 faster too. I don't know how to respond to that. Roland proved that a 21.6 is possible, there is no disputing that he went that time. (shrug). I'll beat either one of them if they step up on the blocks next to me. I'll go the time it takes to win."
Sounds like the clock started .3 late.
Warren:
Your avatar bias is starting to show with that last sentance about the clock starting .3 late. I know Gary Hall Jr. probably does not agree with how the WR was set and I respect that. However I take issue with this because all Popov was doing was swimming a time trial like everyone before and its not his fault that he broke the record because the FINA Rules & Regulations allows him to do this. This is no different than when Rowdy Gaines went :49.36 to break the World Record and that was performed in a time trial. Time Trial opportunities are still going on in fact I saw a LC Time Trial listed in the American Short Course Championships in Austin, TX that Ande swam in so opportunties are still available for everyone to do this and its unfair to criticize someone for taking advantage of there opportunties.
www.theraceclub.net/.../viewtopic.php
