If we are going to debate the effectiveness of technology on the sport I think you need to look at all the advances that have occurred since the days of Weismueller. If not, then throw away all of the indoor venues and have everyone swim open water without turns. Straight 100 yards, from here to there. I mean think about it, if it weren't for the changes that have occurred and voted on by the committee, we would still be starting off of wooden decks in ponds with a lot of waves, wearing tunics, without goggles. I say accept it, use it, get faster, put your name in the books, make money, live happily ever after. The Great American Way. Maybe we can have a thread about the changes that have occurred to allow for the times we have now. Geochuck, I know you are lurking, you have seen many changes since Australia '56. How fast would Phelps be if he had flat blocks, flat walls, no gutters, shallow water, heavy fabric, no goggles, HAIR, etc. Fast I know, he is Michael Phelps, but I do not believe he would be able to go the times he does now. There is no way. Accept advances and move on. Any drop of .1 is a good drop if the playing field is level. IMO. Not that anyone asked.
If we are going to debate the effectiveness of technology on the sport I think you need to look at all the advances that have occurred since the days of Weismueller. If not, then throw away all of the indoor venues and have everyone swim open water without turns. Straight 100 yards, from here to there. I mean think about it, if it weren't for the changes that have occurred and voted on by the committee, we would still be starting off of wooden decks in ponds with a lot of waves, wearing tunics, without goggles. I say accept it, use it, get faster, put your name in the books, make money, live happily ever after. The Great American Way. Maybe we can have a thread about the changes that have occurred to allow for the times we have now. Geochuck, I know you are lurking, you have seen many changes since Australia '56. How fast would Phelps be if he had flat blocks, flat walls, no gutters, shallow water, heavy fabric, no goggles, HAIR, etc. Fast I know, he is Michael Phelps, but I do not believe he would be able to go the times he does now. There is no way. Accept advances and move on. Any drop of .1 is a good drop if the playing field is level. IMO. Not that anyone asked.
