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...
Former Member
From the Melbourne 2007 website (which really does have some interesting stuff) come a great illustration of a cultural divide: they are running a poll on site that asks "Who are you most looking forward to see at the Opening Ceremony Saturday March 17?"
The choices are-
Shannon Noll
Ian Thorpe
Christine Anu
Natalie Bassingthwaite...
Doh? Naturally I voted for Ms. Bassingthwaite!
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
You can't deny that the situation described leaves a little uncertanty.
Warren:
The selection meet for the 2007 World Championships was the 2006 Conoco Phillips Nationals that were held on August 1-5, 2006. What is unusual about this is that the 2 swimmers selected from the trials meet were not necessarily guaranteed spots on the World Championship team. At the 2006 Pan Pac meet in Canada, the USA could have up to 3 additional swimmers in the qualifing heats and if they beat the 2 swimmers selected by the team in the Nationals/trails they would be eligible to swim in the World Championships. You could actually not place better but do the best time from the Pan Pac meet and beat out the top two swimmers of the Nationals/Trials or from the semi finals and still make the team in that event. Jessica Hardy is an example of this in being the 3rd fastest breaststroker from the USA in the semi finals and then in the consolation beating the top two from the USA to make the team. Another example is that Natalie Coughlin won the 100 Fly at Nationals and elected not to swim it at the Pan Pacs. Oppuntunities were there for 2 or more swimmers to post a better time than hers and make the team. No one did that so she is still on the team in the 100 Fly.
I don't ever remember a qualifing meet set up like this. Usually the top two at the Trails meet go and if one swimmers decides to scratch then the next swimmer moves up. Years ago it used to be 3 swimmers. I think not having a World Championship Trials meet was a good decision this year because the meet starts in the middle of March and it would have conflicted with the NCAA Championships and USA Grand Prix events which would not be helpful to any of the swimmers because they would be tired after a long trials meet and the travel accross the world and they might have not performed adequately because of the lack of rest and to many meets.
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
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
Shirley Babashoff was extremely versatile ... Katie Hoff has trial cuts in every event, the first woman to do so ... Phelps is obviously EXTREMELY versatile ... Coughlin, too ...
Laure Manaudou is slated to swim 9 individual events among them the 1500 and the 50 back. On a good day she is likely to win the former and has an small outside chance in the later. Were other swimmers in history that versatile ? Shane Gould (she hold the free 100 - 1500 WR at the same time I believe) and to a certain extend Michael Gross (from 100 Fly to 800 SCM ) come to mind any others?
