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!)
Crocker made a huge and silly mistake.
I can't believe this thread has gone on for so long. I think Geek is right. I certainly can't say that I have never false started in my life. We are not robots. Swimmers make all kinds of mistakes during races and jumping on a relay is just one example. Costly, yes. Bad timing at Worlds, yes. I don't think anyone was suggesting Crocker "lay down" for Phelps (or Peirsol or Hansen). Just seemed more sensible to be cautious in the prelims so they could all collect gold after the finals. Most US relay teams are not gunning for WRs in prelims anyway. But things didn't go as planned. That's life. Life isn't always fair. I think we should all think of Crocker as the reigning world record holder, not some guy who cost Phelps his 8th medal.
Crocker made a huge and silly mistake.
I can't believe this thread has gone on for so long. I think Geek is right. I certainly can't say that I have never false started in my life. We are not robots. Swimmers make all kinds of mistakes during races and jumping on a relay is just one example. Costly, yes. Bad timing at Worlds, yes. I don't think anyone was suggesting Crocker "lay down" for Phelps (or Peirsol or Hansen). Just seemed more sensible to be cautious in the prelims so they could all collect gold after the finals. Most US relay teams are not gunning for WRs in prelims anyway. But things didn't go as planned. That's life. Life isn't always fair. I think we should all think of Crocker as the reigning world record holder, not some guy who cost Phelps his 8th medal.
