I recently heard that a woman swimmer, unnamed, on the elite level, has been known to spit in her opponent's lane before a sprint race.
Is this just ill-mannered pscyhing or something more sinister? I read on one of Gary Hall Jr.'s race club blogs that this might be a technique for getting a competitor to test positive for steroids or other drugs.
This has a somewhat Urban Legend quality to it that causes my spider sense to tingle. Nevertheless, I am wondering if the more knowledgable folks on the forum might have an explanation for the strategic use of spittle.
This weekend for example, I was at a high school state regional meet, and a swimmer I DQed for a nonsimultaneous touch asked me about it between prelims and finals. I explained to him what I saw, and the conversation ended. His coach however apologized to me afterwards, and said she was disappointed by his speaking with me. I explained that I didn't have a problem with it.
Patrick King
Very interesting example. Never heard of a coach not wanting their swimmer to speak with the judge as to why the DQ - much less have the coach be disappointed in their swimmer for taking that initiative! I always encouraged swimmers to ask the why behind the DQ. Was this coach very green? In most cases, I think the swimmers want to understand what they did wrong so they can learn from it and correct it in the future. Very few are looking for a John McEnroe-type encounter.
I'm very familiar with the DQ slips. It's not 100% self explanatory - particularly to a young swimmer. If it were me, I'd also like to hear it from the official, provided they have the time to briefly explain the infraction.
I think it was excellent that you took the time to explain the infraction.
Thank you for officiating. It's an incredibly challenging job. I say this from a past coach and current swimmer perspective. You guys work your tails off. :notworthy::notworthy:
Is butt slapping your competition post the race considered unsportsmanlike?
I almost did that this past weekend to one of the college kids. Opted not to, as he is a froshie, so probably a bit insecure about that sort of thing (not to mention the fact that he put a hurting on me in the 50 fly).
“Any swimmer who acts in an unsportsmanlike or unsafe manner within the swimming venue may be considered for appropriate action or penalty by the referee.”
Is butt slapping your competition post the race considered unsportsmanlike?
I'd feel like doing that if I ever go sub 5:05 in the 500.
:rofl:
I almost did that this past weekend to one of the college kids. Opted not to, as he is a froshie, so probably a bit insecure about that sort of thing (not to mention the fact that he put a hurting on me in the 50 fly).
The thought of that makes me :lmao:
But, probably wise you didn't. I've adopted the "very serious" attitude when practicing or competing with the kids as I don't want to give the coaches any excuse to prevent me from swimming with them.
I will leave my childish pranks for you guys. :p
Is butt slapping your competition post the race considered unsportsmanlike?
I'd feel like doing that if I ever go sub 5:05 in the 500.
:rofl:
Is it (was it) a mixed-gender heat? If you go sub-5:05, in what lane would you most likely be?
What if the lane next to you goes sub-their own private time? Do they get to celebrate in a similar fashion?
Don't wowwweee, I don't swim 500's.
Is it (was it) a mixed-gender heat? If you go sub-5:05, in what lane would you most likely be?
What if the lane next to you goes sub-their own private time? Do they get to celebrate in a similar fashion?
Don't wowwweee, I don't swim 500's.
Usually, I'm in the last heat with the men (and in a pretty good lane.)
Although, I've had a wall lane in the past, that was in a USA-S meet with a made up seed time.
If I can dish it out, I'd better be able to take it.
:joker:
