I just read that the men's 200 MR was DQd at Worlds. That race could've given Phelps a record 8th gold medal... bummer.
Phelps was very gracious about it. He said, "We came in here as a team, we exit as a team."
Sigh.
PS Did you see the size of his HANDS! I would like to swim just one race with hands his size, and feet the size of Thorpe's. (Yep, I have puny little paws!)
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I would think that the reason the guys pushed their starts was because they did have a legit shot at the WR. It doesn't matter how short-lived the record would have been, it means a lot to break one (and they were going to need huge splits out of everyone to get it).
If there was a team title or something like that at stake, I can see why you would encourage safe starts. But that is not the case. I do not think you can ask a swimmer to go out there and ask him not to do everything he possibly can to have his best possible split. So what if we were a lock to win. Really, it couldn't be more true, it isn't if you win or lose it's how you play the game.
--- Essentially some of you are suggesting that Crocker should have layed down for Phelps' sake.
--- A question to ponder: If Phelps or anyone else for that matter blown it in finals, would be talking about how they cost the prelim guys gold? Probably not.
I would think that the reason the guys pushed their starts was because they did have a legit shot at the WR. It doesn't matter how short-lived the record would have been, it means a lot to break one (and they were going to need huge splits out of everyone to get it).
If there was a team title or something like that at stake, I can see why you would encourage safe starts. But that is not the case. I do not think you can ask a swimmer to go out there and ask him not to do everything he possibly can to have his best possible split. So what if we were a lock to win. Really, it couldn't be more true, it isn't if you win or lose it's how you play the game.
--- Essentially some of you are suggesting that Crocker should have layed down for Phelps' sake.
--- A question to ponder: If Phelps or anyone else for that matter blown it in finals, would be talking about how they cost the prelim guys gold? Probably not.
