In the freestyle relay(s), the top 6 goes to the Olympics.
Yet, all the other events it is only the top 2.
That should change. Every athlete that makes the qualifying time should go to the Olympics. Look at the men's 100 back, the top 6 at the 2008 US trials swam faster than the 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist. Surely the 5th swimmer could have a better performance in the "big" pool.
Sending only 2 in each event "waters" down the potential performances at the Olympics, ultimately making the semi-finals less competitive. (other phrases could be used) The bottom line is, the top 16 at the Olympics should represent the fastest in the world.
Back in the '70s each country was allowed three swimmers in each event. This was changed to two, in large part anyway, due to the U.S. team's dominance. The U.S. was going 1-2-3 too many times for the Olympic Commitee's taste, apparently.
Part of what makes being a U.S. Olympian so special is how incredibly difficult it is to make the team. I wouldn't mind going back to the three people per event rule, but I wouldn't like changing it to the "fastest X swimmers per event, regardless of country."
Back in the '70s each country was allowed three swimmers in each event. This was changed to two, in large part anyway, due to the U.S. team's dominance. The U.S. was going 1-2-3 too many times for the Olympic Commitee's taste, apparently.
Part of what makes being a U.S. Olympian so special is how incredibly difficult it is to make the team. I wouldn't mind going back to the three people per event rule, but I wouldn't like changing it to the "fastest X swimmers per event, regardless of country."
