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.
Parents
Former Member
It would be interesting to eliminate nationality altogether i.e. let the top swimmers compete and eliminate the national team concept, and the corresponding medal counts. But my guess is that without the national aspect to it very few people would know who to cheer for or really care about the whole thing. The majority of people wouldn't know who to cheer for if you didn't label the athletes by country, and would probably care about swimming at the Olympics, and most other Olympic sports, about the same amount they care about swimming between Olympics.
It would be interesting to eliminate nationality altogether i.e. let the top swimmers compete and eliminate the national team concept, and the corresponding medal counts. But my guess is that without the national aspect to it very few people would know who to cheer for or really care about the whole thing. The majority of people wouldn't know who to cheer for if you didn't label the athletes by country, and would probably care about swimming at the Olympics, and most other Olympic sports, about the same amount they care about swimming between Olympics.
