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...
Parents
Former Member
World records can be set in a time trial with only 2 people swimming?.... or swimming alone? Wow...as much as I love Popov, Hall, Erving and Biondi...that doesn't seem fair. I'm surprised FINA allows that. Swimming in wide open water without the "wave" off the start and turn gives them a definite advantage. But heck if FINA allows it, we should have more time trial swims!!!
As a novice here is my view. I don't neccessarily argue with Beth but just quote her b/c her comment fostered my thoughts.
In regard to "records." If we allow unnatural tampering e.g. Shaving, Fastskins, to gain advantage (by unnatural I mean altering the body's natural state--not cheating). I think all Records should be allowed; even if one single person swims alone unfettered.
My point being why allow the addition of a "wave" to slow them down when everyone's doing little things to eradicate the drag?
If we want to see how far the human body can go in water, then a single swimmer, hairy or shaved head to toe, fastskin or naked if they so wish should be able to do it and have the record stand. For me a record is a record against a time, not another person.
Who really cares if it's America, Russian, Australian, or whatever. Provided they did it drug free that's all that matters to me.
Rich
World records can be set in a time trial with only 2 people swimming?.... or swimming alone? Wow...as much as I love Popov, Hall, Erving and Biondi...that doesn't seem fair. I'm surprised FINA allows that. Swimming in wide open water without the "wave" off the start and turn gives them a definite advantage. But heck if FINA allows it, we should have more time trial swims!!!
As a novice here is my view. I don't neccessarily argue with Beth but just quote her b/c her comment fostered my thoughts.
In regard to "records." If we allow unnatural tampering e.g. Shaving, Fastskins, to gain advantage (by unnatural I mean altering the body's natural state--not cheating). I think all Records should be allowed; even if one single person swims alone unfettered.
My point being why allow the addition of a "wave" to slow them down when everyone's doing little things to eradicate the drag?
If we want to see how far the human body can go in water, then a single swimmer, hairy or shaved head to toe, fastskin or naked if they so wish should be able to do it and have the record stand. For me a record is a record against a time, not another person.
Who really cares if it's America, Russian, Australian, or whatever. Provided they did it drug free that's all that matters to me.
Rich
