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
The US do not broadcast all of their national teams games. YOU get informed. I know, because I wanted to watch US vs England last month and it was not shown.
It was on Galavision.
Lastly, I don't care how much $ ESPN throws at Soccer. The World Cup is not dependent upon them.
$400+ million is a nice chunk of change for any organization.
Take away that money, and FIFA would be hurting.
Much less on the US soccer bodies that wanted quarters and bigger goals....ok yeah let's change it.
That generation of American execs was from the 80's and mid-90's and they were trying to address the attitudes seen in the Euro Cup thread in the not swimming related forum.
That's a very different generation.
NOW that for-profit soccer has made its mark in the US, ESPN, MLS and The Powers That Be recognize that there's a market here in the US for the sport.
Hell. The fact that we're arguing about this on a swimming board during the US Olympic Trials and right after the first ever broadcast of the Euro Cup in the history of US broadcast tv should give you an idea of the fact that those attitudes are a thing of the past.
The US do not broadcast all of their national teams games. YOU get informed. I know, because I wanted to watch US vs England last month and it was not shown.
It was on Galavision.
Lastly, I don't care how much $ ESPN throws at Soccer. The World Cup is not dependent upon them.
$400+ million is a nice chunk of change for any organization.
Take away that money, and FIFA would be hurting.
Much less on the US soccer bodies that wanted quarters and bigger goals....ok yeah let's change it.
That generation of American execs was from the 80's and mid-90's and they were trying to address the attitudes seen in the Euro Cup thread in the not swimming related forum.
That's a very different generation.
NOW that for-profit soccer has made its mark in the US, ESPN, MLS and The Powers That Be recognize that there's a market here in the US for the sport.
Hell. The fact that we're arguing about this on a swimming board during the US Olympic Trials and right after the first ever broadcast of the Euro Cup in the history of US broadcast tv should give you an idea of the fact that those attitudes are a thing of the past.
