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...
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Former Member
But, Ryk also lives in Tucson. He moved here about four months ago. And he swam in my lane the Monday after worlds, which means he flew to South Africa from Tucson, the same as Roland et. al.
Is Ryk able to afford the trip more than Roland? Or is Swimming SA able/willing to pay for Ryk's trip because he spent two years in South Africa training after Athens?
Jeff, Ryk is actually in a better situation due to the fact that he spent two years in SA after the Olympics, but Swimming SA plays no part of that. Ryk chose to move to SA after the Olympics because of the potential dollars that he could make through sponsors, appearances, etc. He made that decision partly because no other SA swimmer decided to do just that.
Because of this, Ryk did well financially, but chose to move back to Tucson to get back to swimming fast. My guess, and it is only a guess, Ryk can afford the plane ticket or sponsors are paying for it, but I doubt that Swimming SA is paying for his flights and not Roland's.
But, Ryk also lives in Tucson. He moved here about four months ago. And he swam in my lane the Monday after worlds, which means he flew to South Africa from Tucson, the same as Roland et. al.
Is Ryk able to afford the trip more than Roland? Or is Swimming SA able/willing to pay for Ryk's trip because he spent two years in South Africa training after Athens?
Jeff, Ryk is actually in a better situation due to the fact that he spent two years in SA after the Olympics, but Swimming SA plays no part of that. Ryk chose to move to SA after the Olympics because of the potential dollars that he could make through sponsors, appearances, etc. He made that decision partly because no other SA swimmer decided to do just that.
Because of this, Ryk did well financially, but chose to move back to Tucson to get back to swimming fast. My guess, and it is only a guess, Ryk can afford the plane ticket or sponsors are paying for it, but I doubt that Swimming SA is paying for his flights and not Roland's.
