At the risk of getting beaten up over this, I was wondering how all you 100 free experts would plan a race to beat a 40 year old with crazy strength. I am a fan of Dara Torres, but if I was kid working every day to just a get one shot at the Olympics, I would be super motivated to beat her. From a coach's perspective I would say, "Work to put that old gal back into retirement!!"
Ideas?
I don't see how olympic hopefuls would not have access to a 50m pool. Is this true?
No wonder why we own track but struggle a bit with swimming (with the exception of the usual suspects).
Don't asume all Olympic hopefuls have LCM pools to train in. In certain states they are not very available, even in summer anymore.
This is true! There is not a single LCM pool in the entire state where I now live. If I ever become independently wealthy, I'm going to build one.:D Truthfully, there aren't even that many SCY pools.
Crocker made the 2000 team with no 50 meter pool in his state (Maine). Most if not all of the girls that are in contention with Dara and are legit threats will have access to LCM pools. Most if not all swimmers (including Dara) will probably swim a bunch of SCY too. That's the season we are rolling into and SCY nationals is this year which serves as trials for SCM worlds next spring. I would tend to think most if not all would be gunning for that meet for the experience.
Dara can be beaten. She is amazing on top of the water - she admits her underwaters suck. She can definitely be beaten underwater. SC gives swimmers a great chance to work on that.
GO DARA!!
Don't asume all Olympic hopefuls have LCM pools to train in. In certain states they are not very available, even in summer anymore.
If so, wouldn't it be in the interest of the Sport, for the countries' Olympic or National Organizations (US &/or others) interested in the best preparation possible for the Olympics, to facilitate and make available the opportunity to train in LCM?
Either sponsoring transportation/accomodation/etc..... or even building LCM pools at strategic points across the country.
I know that Swimming is not football/baseball/basketball but then the last two sports count for only One Gold -each- at the Games while Swimming can garner tens of medals (many of them Gold).
...Dara is playing on a lot of years of experience and has figured out what works well. She also has tons of talent. But there are plenty of young ladies out there with talent, motivation and good work ethic, so it should be an interesting year. Her recent performances have raised the bar in terms of giving the younger swimmers a challenge.
This in itself inspires and motivates everyone to go faster.
Should be an interesting year indeed.
I don't see how olympic hopefuls would not have access to a 50m pool. Is this true?
No wonder why we own track but struggle a bit with swimming (with the exception of the usual suspects).
There are lots of places with no 50 meter pool to train in. So yes, it is true.
