I would challenge you to do exactly what you are asking her to do. At 40+ years of age, swim the Olympic schedule yourself.....giving max effort to each race and see how you feel....
This is silly. No one would ask me to do this because I am just a decent 45-49 male Masters swimmer. I don't have a lifetime of training and racing experience, an entourage, nor the talent. I did 6 races at Nationals and that was more than enough for me. I felt really bad after my 200 IM, but I think I could race a 50 or 100 with best effort 8 hours later.
Perhaps she swam all the 100 races to determine how she would do with the extra load due to the relays, which she didn't have to swim at trials. Not to mention that her place on the relay is more secure for having won at trials.
I find it odd that on the one hand people say she must be doping because a 41 year old shouldn't be able to swim at this level and on the other hand people want her to swim more races.
My goodness. She was trying to make the 400 free relay, the most definitive way to do that is to place in the top 6 in finals. While Phelps and Lochte did fast times in 100 prelims/ 200 semis for the relays, it would be "cleaner" if they had to place top 6 in finals. But its coaches discretion. So I can't fault her for eliminating any doubt about the relay spot.
I wish Dara's were my decision to make, but it aint.
I wish people would stop comparing Dara's times to the Men's Masters times. This comparison is just plain silly - nobody in Masteres swimming has the type of training AND recovery program Dara is having.
Show me 10 Masters swimmers 40 years old that train full-time - by the way, they should also be Olympians in top physical condition. The only comparison I keep hearing is Spitz. I don't know what he was doing, but to simply say "she can't do it because Spitz could not" ?
Jason Lezak swam a 49.1 in 2000 at age 24. That is the prime age for swimmers - yes most world records in Men's swimming are still set between ages 20 and 24 --- so now he swims 47.5 . Sure - he has been training every year since 2000, but layoffs are by no means all that difficult to overcome as people imagine.
Some of those girls looked pretty disgusted when they looked up at the results of their 100 finals. Maybe this is their chance to quit their bitching - vocal and facial expression - and let their swimming do the talking. This is a great chance for someone else to step up and become a "suitable" representative for the US.
But in the grand scheme of things, who cares if we don't have a medal contender in this event? There are enough other events where we'll have a nice haul.
Funny thing...I saw a fair amount of those same looks in the early-mid 80's from both men and women in races against the East German & Chinese swimmers....most of whom never tested positive for any drug tests.
I wish people would stop comparing Dara's times to the Men's Masters times. This comparison is just plain silly - nobody in Masteres swimming has the type of training AND recovery program Dara is having.
Show me 10 Masters swimmers 40 years old that train full-time - by the way, they should also be Olympians in top physical condition. The only comparison I keep hearing is Spitz. I don't know what he was doing, but to simply say "she can't do it because Spitz could not" ?
Jason Lezak swam a 49.1 in 2000 at age 24. That is the prime age for swimmers - yes most world records in Men's swimming are still set between ages 20 and 24 --- so now he swims 47.5 . Sure - he has been training every year since 2000, but layoffs are by no means all that difficult to overcome as people imagine.
We gave you examples. How about Dennis Baker, Dr. Ron Karnough, Karlyn Pipes. . . Etc. None have beaten best times now that they are in their 40s let alone place in the top two at trials and set an AR.
Matesekj,
Yes, I agree..... Paul's new ultra lean physique at 230lbs is causing quite a stir in the sport.
When they begin testing for excessive quarter pounders with cheese and beer consumption, Paul will be nailed.
John Smith
Matesekj,
Yes, I agree..... Paul's new ultra lean physique at 230lbs is causing quite a stir in the sport.
When they begin testing for excessive quarter pounders with cheese and beer consumption, Paul will be nailed.
John Smith
Yes, that is the purpose of PED's, to obtain a more streamlined physique. Please.
One could certainly use PED's to speed recovery and permit more race pace workouts with fewer rest days in between. Spare tire or not.
