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.
I can see your point, but I disagree. I like that each country sends their best TEAM to the Games, and that team is limited in number.
What is the definition of best? Sorry, couldn't resist.
I don't know if this is true so someone with knowledge help me but I heard (at some point) that the Olympic cuts were easier than the US Trials Cuts. That would seem plausible to me give some of the really pathetic swimming in the early rounds of the Olympics.
Each country could still have a fast standard, etc, but when the top six have the potential to medal?
I don't understand your point. The US leaves a lot of super fast swimmers at home. But, we take the best of the best to maximize our potential with the rules as they are written.
Back in the '70s each country was allowed three swimmers in each event. This was changed to two, in large part anyway, due to the U.S. team's dominance. The U.S. was going 1-2-3 too many times for the Olympic Commitee's taste, apparently.
Part of what makes being a U.S. Olympian so special is how incredibly difficult it is to make the team. I wouldn't mind going back to the three people per event rule, but I wouldn't like changing it to the "fastest X swimmers per event, regardless of country."
If you make the standard, you should get to go. All countries would still participate, but does it matter if you're 18th or 34th, you went to the Olympics, that's the point. This way the top 16 would actually represent the best in the world, and the top 3 would be the absolute best.
Each country could still have a fast standard, etc, but when the top six have the potential to medal?
What is the definition of best? Sorry, couldn't resist.
I don't know if this is true so someone with knowledge help me but I heard (at some point) that the Olympic cuts were easier than the US Trials Cuts.
Rules are written, a reflection of the past, even though the future continues to change.
I don't understand your point. The US leaves a lot of super fast swimmers at home. But, we take the best of the best to maximize our potential with the rules as they are written.
Personally, I think they should make everyone get there like the ancient Olympics. Put down your plows, swords and shields and walk or ride your horse to the Games. If you make it, you get to compete.
Skip
Naked, of course.
Personally, I think they should make everyone get there like the ancient Olympics. Put down your plows, swords and shields and walk or ride your horse to the Games. If you make it, you get to compete.
Skip
