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.
each team is allowed to put two people into each individual event. how they determine which two is up to each country's governing body. we send the top two finishers as determined by the olympic trials meet.
I believe we've discussed this under a separate topic previously. I agree that it doesn't seem right that the top x swimmers in the olympics are not necessarily going to be the same top x swimmers in the world rankings, but the system today works, and any changes to this raise a lot of questions...
how many top swimmers? 5? 10? if 5, why not 10? etc...
how are the top determined? by whom?
what times are used? from what meets? what dates? do prelims/semifinal times count?
At current, changing this rule stands to give considerable benefit the US (aka Lochte in the 100 back). We have a huge talent pool from which we pull - already a huge advantage
each team is allowed to put two people into each individual event. how they determine which two is up to each country's governing body. we send the top two finishers as determined by the olympic trials meet.
I believe we've discussed this under a separate topic previously. I agree that it doesn't seem right that the top x swimmers in the olympics are not necessarily going to be the same top x swimmers in the world rankings, but the system today works, and any changes to this raise a lot of questions...
how many top swimmers? 5? 10? if 5, why not 10? etc...
how are the top determined? by whom?
what times are used? from what meets? what dates? do prelims/semifinal times count?
At current, changing this rule stands to give considerable benefit the US (aka Lochte in the 100 back). We have a huge talent pool from which we pull - already a huge advantage
