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.
Guess I should have clarified... the USA men's doesn't have the level of dominance it had in the 70s. The 2-person rule was implemented after the 1976 Olympics in which the US men won all but 1 gold medal, all but 1 silver medal and completely swept 4 events.
Guess I should have clarified... the USA men's doesn't have the level of dominance it had in the 70s. The 2-person rule was implemented after the 1976 Olympics in which the US men won all but 1 gold medal, all but 1 silver medal and completely swept 4 events.
