Dara Torres-Amazing

How many think Lance Armstrong is a role-model? He, in his autobiography, sounds like one cocky dude. I don't think I'd like him much as a friend but I'd still call him a heck of a role-model for cancer patients. He's inspirational and a great example of someone who really battled cancer and won.

I don't understand, the drive to stay in shape is the sole requirement to be a role model? Look at her public life and tell me if that is really something you want to emulate. I think the problem here is the definition of "role model". To me, the term can be used to say that someone is modeling something admirable without meaning their entire life is perfect. No matter whether you think Dara is neglecting her family, you have to admit that she is a shining example of a woman who knows how to work her butt off. That doesn't make her a saint, but it does make her someone positively modeling that being a forty year old woman doesn't disqualify women from being athletic. It's another example that women can still have some kind of life outside the home.

I don't think any athlete sets out deciding to be a role model. In fact, I doubt they really care what people think, they just want to do their sport. Lesser sports, you might be right but in the pro ranks it's all about what people think, the flash, the bling, the cars, houses, girls, etc. They are obsessed with their image.

and anyone else who is successfully fighting the fact that we don't have to get fat and fluffy in our 40's, 50's and beyond are good role models. I don't understand, the drive to stay in shape is the sole requirement to be a role model? Look at her public life and tell me if that is really something you want to emulate. Having just spent a week with a pro athlete who has a single minded dedication to his wife and family and only speaks to his "day job" when asked I can say I've seen a person much more worthy of role model accolades. No entourage, no goofy amino routines, kung fu videos, etc.

I get what you're saying but would counter that it's still relatively new (as in this has all come about in the last 30 years or so) that women can be freely athletic. I have quite a few women friends who never played any sports. They don't have any idea what the human body is capable of. They see themselves as victims of their bodies as opposed to the one in control. I think sports, and women sports role-models are especially important for young girls. To see that women can be successful athletically is hugely inspiring. I'm not saying Dara should be considered "Good Citizen of the Year" but her achievements might help more women believe in themselves a little more. Very well put. Many women in their 40's and up just say, pffft, I cannot get into shape, I am too old. Now we all know women who are in shape at that age, but in the general population there is a sense of, I can't do that. Dara, and the woman down the road from me that runs road races at 75, and anyone else who is successfully fighting the fact that we don't have to get fat and fluffy in our 40's, 50's and beyond are good role models.

Ha... he's not my type. You on the other hand are looking mighty purty in that pic! Isn't that you on left? Technically he is both...they do have the same DNA!!!!

Seriously, you two need to get a room, over at the Stick It Inn. Paul might be getting jealous of this extramarital flirting. Ha... he's not my type. You on the other hand are looking mighty purty in that pic! Isn't that you on left?

Geek, Shave my head. .. Heavens no. I'll need it for my NY Times Magazine photo some day.

Its you and me in the 100 free next May. Loser shaves his head. Oh wait. . . That's not such a change for you and Rowdy these days. .. :-). Question of the day. . . Are your guns as big as Dara's? Hey John! You'll have to spot me a couple seconds on that 100. And, as far as my guns? If they ever get as big as Dara's, you know I'm juicin'! Say Hi to Tori.

That's the real tragedy of this. Her potential relay members are surely considering this. But what can they do? There is NO tragedy in this. The only time there will be a tragedy is IF Dara is ever caught doing something illegal. By saying that this is a tragedy, you have already condemned her as a cheat. In my mind, that has gone beyond questioning and on into accusing. Also, can anyone, with out googling it, tell me who received the 100m Gold medal after it was stripped from Marion Jones? That person never got to experience the moment of victory that was rightfully theirs. I can't tell you who finished second to Marion Jones without googling her name, but she was implicated in her own doping scandal in 2004 at the Athens games. The IOC is contemplating not even awarding that medal to anybody according to this article.