Boy, I hope I am wrong but in looking at the ages for the American Men's (not women's) team there is not one teenager. Years ago when collegiate mens team were beginning to be cut I always said that it was going to be a gradual process and in time it was going to take its toll on the sport. I do not thing we are there yet but it appears the tide is turnng (for the worse). I realize this is a generalization and there will be many arguments to the contrary such as years ago most swimmers quit the sport after college and now there is $$ to be made through swimming whereas before one had to get a real job and give up the sport. Maybe this is the case and I am being a pessimist but it appears that slowly but surely the Olympic sports are suffering as they get cut on the collegiate level. If the scholarships are not available fewer young men are going to get into the pool. Just my thoughts for this Monday morning and again I hope I am wrong.
Parents
Former Member
Men mature slower but I'm somewhat concerned. It's a trend seen in other countries but I'd like to see more teens putting up world class times. The Sydney Olympics featured:
Michael Phelps: 15 y/o and 3 mos. He finished 5th in the 200 fly.
Aaron Peirsol 16 y/o Silver in the 200 back
Ian Crocker 17 y/o 4th place in the 100 fly and gold in the Medley relay.
Hansen was 18 when he finished third in both breastrokes at trials that year.
There is more emerging young talent for the women at the moment.
Men mature slower but I'm somewhat concerned. It's a trend seen in other countries but I'd like to see more teens putting up world class times. The Sydney Olympics featured:
Michael Phelps: 15 y/o and 3 mos. He finished 5th in the 200 fly.
Aaron Peirsol 16 y/o Silver in the 200 back
Ian Crocker 17 y/o 4th place in the 100 fly and gold in the Medley relay.
Hansen was 18 when he finished third in both breastrokes at trials that year.
There is more emerging young talent for the women at the moment.
