Dara Torres-Amazing

This whole argument is about human physiology in my opinion. By limiting our scope to elite athletes we are looking at such a small piece of the human population pie that it's obscene. I realize this seems to be the only thing to really compare to but are the conclusions drawn from such comparisons valuable? No would be my answer. We must realize that amongst the population there are likely thousands upon thousands of people with the potential to be world class athletes if they chose to develop themselves in the correct sport. This whole idea of comparing Dara to the sports icons in our heads is a gross oversimplification of a much more complex issue.

You two..... :rolleyes:

As to little punk Stud, if I can figure out how to ride my new TRI BIKE (there you go Smiths), I'm gonna find him and run him over - shouldn't be hard given his average speed of movement. Will Mrs Geek allow you to leave your block (since Maryland is a little far for her little soldier to travel) or will you just ride in the driveway in case I happen by? It'll be a dizzying triathalon...you swim in a kiddie pool, circles in the driveway on the bike (don't forget the bell *ting-a-ling*) then running laps around the house... :lmao:

There could theoretically be genetic outliers. But even the doc says it's not possible. There are genetic outliers...it is possible...maybe not probable...but possible. Just remember there are "Lies, damned lies and statistics...." :dedhorse:

FQ/SG Over the possibilty of someone unimportant to either of your lives you're going to fall out? You're both entitled to opinions neither is right until proven so. Don't let this topic start a feud. :sad: Yah I know this is a dangerous place to stand.

Elite athletes do not cheat for the money (at least it is low on the list). Having it or not having it neither absolves or proves anything (this has been the most useless issue to pop up in the thread). Well, since it was established many pages ago that Dara has "boatloads" of money, I think we've moved on from the money issue and are now wringing our hands over the inevitable evils of ego. Jayhawk's example of the forged birth certificate is still cracking me up.

Not trying to be a jerk here John ( I leave that to Geek and Stud), Matt Not much Jerky... :laugh2: I'm only a jerk to Geek, and he loves it anyhow. Being the devil's advocate and declaring myself thus is not jerky...

Good Smith, the reason people bring up her keeping in great shape during her extended breaks is that it is much easier to get back into great swimming shape if you are already in good shape otherwise. Does anyone know if she was swimming at all? I remember hearing that she swam a lot during her pregnancy.

What if I believe that thinking she is not doping makes someone an idiot? (Hypothetically, I mean.) That would speak volumes about you as a person.

SCYfreestyler, No one has ever done this in swimming. She is the first. If you don't like the Rich Saeger comparison.... then consider the Susan Vonder Lippe (Rapp) comparison. She's a multilple olympic team member as well. John Smith John, it's not that I don't like the comparison with Rich per se. The problem is that your sample pool is too small to yield results that are worthy of consideration. A few elite swimmers are not a representative sample of human abilities in general. Consider how many people might be out there right now with the physiological makeup to dominate swimming even moreso than our current crop of heroes. I would argue that looking only at swimmers is the easy comparison to make but it's not scientific by any stretch of the imagination. As for firsts, is Phelps not the first to be as dominant as he is? Sure Spitz had his run at the Olympics but I don't think that really compares to what Phelps has done...especially looking at his Worlds performances this year. Looking at his backstroke this week at nationals it is not outside of reason to suspect that he might be holding the WR for that event sometimes soon as well. It's almost superhuman, no? I wonder what he is taking? Not trying to be a jerk here John ( I leave that to Geek and Stud), I am just trying to convey a point. If somebody can provide some solid evidence as to why Dara's comeback is not humanly possible I will be glad to listen. Matt