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.
I would like to see the limit go back to 3...
Two reasons:
1. USA does not have the world dominance it had in the 70s when the rule was applied
2. Track and field, which is similar to swimming in how it is 'run' at the Olympic venues (with prelims/finals, heats, several relatively short events, etc) is allowed 3.
If the limit of 2 stands for swimming, I see no reason why there shouldn't be a limit of 2 for track and field too.
I would like to see the limit go back to 3...
Two reasons:
1. USA does not have the world dominance it had in the 70s when the rule was applied
2. Track and field, which is similar to swimming in how it is 'run' at the Olympic venues (with prelims/finals, heats, several relatively short events, etc) is allowed 3.
If the limit of 2 stands for swimming, I see no reason why there shouldn't be a limit of 2 for track and field too.
