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.
Former Member
I would have to question that, it looks to me like nationalism is a big part of the Olympics.
Just to clarify, I don't mean patriotism, which is supporting one's country with pride. I mean nationalism which is a bit more arrogant and self righteous, and with a lack of respect to others, and their rights/beliefs. Which was a large factor in two world wars.
I don't mean that snippy, just to define where I see partiotism and nationalism.
SwimStud,
I'd like to see less emphasis on country and more emphasis on fast swimming. Isn't that what the Olympics is about? The best of the best! I would like to actually see less flag waving. How about just the fastest runners, rowers, cyclists, best weight lifters, fencers, equestrians, softball players etc. Other countries dominate the "lesser" sports. Let's celebrate sport as opposed to country. So what if the US gets 1-2-3 in the 100 back, the Bulgarians will do the same in weight lifting.........good for them.
I know..............it will never happen.
If it could be done that way Glenn, then yes I'd be in favour of that. That said, the records show who swims at what speed and the US is blessed to have such a varsity level arena to see the best go head to head....even a few non Americans sneak in there too ;)
It's often said the US Olympic trials have far greater talent top to bottom than the games themselves.
Happens all the time.
The world cup is a great example, teams from Europe and South America are eliminated at the expensive of a more diverse international tournament. If we followed the "1,2,3 Model" then we could keep it between, Europe and South America every fours years and save on the policing!
Nationalism is taking off your hat and standing for the National Anthem. Patriotism is wearing Union Jack underwear.
Half the people I see heere in the NAtional Anthem place there hand over their hearts...er, that's like, for the pledge....they teach you that at immigrant school!
It's the Union Flag you heathen! A "Jack" is part of the pole...like the one you need to pull out.
Yeah, if you did that you could also save on the TV revenue also, cause a whole boatload of it would be missing from US broadcasters.
The World Cup? Are you on HGH or something? The US don't even broadcast all of their national teams games.
If you mean the Olympics, maybe less money would be a good thng...and less Bob Costas...a sliver lining if ever I see one!
Yeah, if you did that you could also save on the TV revenue also, cause a whole boatload of it would be missing from US broadcasters.
Union Jack or Union Flag, it's all the same, two days from now we celebrate the *** whooping we put on you and your hagis eating ways and brown teeth!
Here we are then at Nationalism...
Haggis: I get the feeling you'd know more about a Sheeps intestines than I...
...besides brown teeth are still teeth...just how do you manage to eat chewing tobacco that side of the Mason Disco line?
Really, are you kidding? You don't think ABC and ESPN don't sweeten the pot substantially?
Honestly I don't know the numbers; they may add a substantial amount, but it won't make or break the WC.
Except for soccer, where we have to import our playboy talent from the UK. I'll admit he's a bit washed up though!:toohurt:
There's no 'u' in favor. Crazy Brits! You know I'm just kidding Stud!
Dude, the US top players aren't bad, they are in the best leagues.
Probably lack depth. The MLS is not a great display of US talent, it has some but the Prem has the better guys.
PS I'm on an all sugar and haggis diet for LCM you will not want to be swimming down wind in the 200BR so I suggest you train hard bud ;)
Anyhow we've diverged and soon "His Champfulness" will be berating me for daring to comment on a thread he started.
There is a trade-off between team competition and team size. The larger the team the larger advantage that larger countries have. Well we got our butts kicked by the convicts in 1956. But it won't happen again.
I probably shouldn't say "we" since I wasn't there swimming. I wasn't alive. "They" got their butts kicked. It's only "we" if we win. ;)
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.
