I wasn't a competitive swimmer growing up, I come from a running background and it wasn't until I got into triathlon and open water swimming did I really train and compete, but nothing near the level of many of you on this forum. Sadly swimming doesn't get the respect or attention as other more mainstream sports in the US, but I know many young swimmers at the high school and collegiate level and know very well how dedicated they are and the crazy amount of training they do. The ironic thing is that as intense a lifestyle it can be, you all are a very happy, funny bunch that seem to really love your sport. I was watching a few interviews from the FINA Grand Prix from Long Beach, Calif., and everyone they interviewed laughed, giggled, joked around, got nervous or embarrassed when complimented and just seemed to be enjoying themselves. This is a really nice departure from the millionaire pro athletes with over inflated egos and their constant chest pounding. I greatly look forward to the summer Olympics every 4 years just to watch the swimming events. So though it may seem like no one gives you credit for you hard work, I have more respect for competitive swimmers than any other athletes.
Just make a reality show about the making of the 1984 sculptures in front of the LA Collesium. :eek:
Back in grad school, I was part of an intramural water polo match against one of the football fraternities. (This was in the old "dungeon" Carnegie Mellon pool, not the nice one with glass walls.) Took the first warm up shot, ball clanged off the top of the cast iron goal crossbar and rebounded off the (low) ceiling and the deck several times. Not good accuracy, but in hindsight the sound/visual made the game a lot easier. Fun seeing football-sized players trying to swim away from their goal during the game (including their goalie).
Just make a reality show about the making of the 1984 sculptures in front of the LA Collesium. :eek:
Back in grad school, I was part of an intramural water polo match against one of the football fraternities. (This was in the old "dungeon" Carnegie Mellon pool, not the nice one with glass walls.) Took the first warm up shot, ball clanged off the top of the cast iron goal crossbar and rebounded off the (low) ceiling and the deck several times. Not good accuracy, but in hindsight the sound/visual made the game a lot easier. Fun seeing football-sized players trying to swim away from their goal during the game (including their goalie).
