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.
Holy cow, me and commie agree. Nationalism is as much part of the Olympics in the 20th and 21st century as the sports themselves. I'd hazard a guess that some of the top sports moments of all time, having impact well beyond sports, have happened at the Olympics.
I'm really sorry it bores other countries that they stink and we are great. That should be motivation enough but it's far easier to reduce the number of slots than actually build a program that is competitive. I would think that you'd rather beat the best and be a hero than chump your way into it by locking a US swimmer out.
It's often said the US Olympic trials have far greater talent top to bottom than the games themselves.
Holy cow, me and commie agree. Nationalism is as much part of the Olympics in the 20th and 21st century as the sports themselves. I'd hazard a guess that some of the top sports moments of all time, having impact well beyond sports, have happened at the Olympics.
I'm really sorry it bores other countries that they stink and we are great. That should be motivation enough but it's far easier to reduce the number of slots than actually build a program that is competitive. I would think that you'd rather beat the best and be a hero than chump your way into it by locking a US swimmer out.
It's often said the US Olympic trials have far greater talent top to bottom than the games themselves.
