from Swimming World Magazine:
Schoeman, Several South African Stars Facing Raw Deal from National Governing Body
Several topics at play here...
Personally, I find it hard to agree with making some exceptions for studs, but as these guys are essentially paying their own way on behalf of the country/swim federation, I agree that they're getting the shaft here. One could make a case that they're being slightly exploited.
Perhaps Qatar will grand them citizenship and they can train with Duje. One hell of a 400 free relay.
feel free to comment and post other examples of swimmers getting the shaft...
I can't imagine why South Africa wouldn't pay for three of the world's best swimmers to come to their nationals, especially if they train elsewhere.
But, to play devil's advocate, this would be outrageous if the USA did this. If someone like, say, Michael Phelps or Katie Hoff or even Leila Vaziri trained in another country, would we go into a fit because USAS wouldn't pay for them to attend our nationals?
I wonder why it's no problem for Ryk.
I'm not for or against this. But if they had been given free travel before, why have they stopped now? Especially given that Roland and Lyndon had pretty good swims at worlds. For countries like South Africa, paying for their best swimmers to come to the meet would probably bring spectators and give the sport publicity.
But here's what irks me: Why would Roland et. al be excluded from the travel team just because they don't go to nationals? Wouldn't their times from worlds be good enough to put them into consideration? I think they should get an automatic pass.
I can't imagine why South Africa wouldn't pay for three of the world's best swimmers to come to their nationals, especially if they train elsewhere.
But, to play devil's advocate, this would be outrageous if the USA did this. If someone like, say, Michael Phelps or Katie Hoff or even Leila Vaziri trained in another country, would we go into a fit because USAS wouldn't pay for them to attend our nationals?
I wonder why it's no problem for Ryk.
I'm not for or against this. But if they had been given free travel before, why have they stopped now? Especially given that Roland and Lyndon had pretty good swims at worlds. For countries like South Africa, paying for their best swimmers to come to the meet would probably bring spectators and give the sport publicity.
But here's what irks me: Why would Roland et. al be excluded from the travel team just because they don't go to nationals? Wouldn't their times from worlds be good enough to put them into consideration? I think they should get an automatic pass.
