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...
You've got to figure Swimming SA is a little ticked off that all their big stars are training abroad and this is a way to stick it to them. If that's part of what's behind this, then that stinks. On the other hand, I can certainly undertand why they wouldn't want to foot the bill for all these swimmers. It's the swimmers' decision to train outside South Africa, after all. Maybe part of that decision should be a consideration that they'll have a much more difficult time competing in meets back home.
You've got to figure Swimming SA is a little ticked off that all their big stars are training abroad and this is a way to stick it to them. If that's part of what's behind this, then that stinks. On the other hand, I can certainly undertand why they wouldn't want to foot the bill for all these swimmers. It's the swimmers' decision to train outside South Africa, after all. Maybe part of that decision should be a consideration that they'll have a much more difficult time competing in meets back home.
