I think it's unfortunately for the same "reasons" that women's tennis plays 3 sets, and men play 5. It would be just inhumane to ask our female athletes to have that kind of stamina to match that of our big strong burly macho men. I mean, they've got to finish up more quickly so they can get back home to the kitchen and child-rearing and laundry. Argh. Old sterotypes die hard I guess.
It really is a shame. Now, it would be tricky to fit the 400, 800, and 1500 frees into an Olympic program, with prelims, semis (400) and finals. That's a lot of swimming for the distance people. But we shouldn't be restricting based on gender. It's embarassing IMHO.
-Rick
I think it's unfortunately for the same "reasons" that women's tennis plays 3 sets, and men play 5. It would be just inhumane to ask our female athletes to have that kind of stamina to match that of our big strong burly macho men. I mean, they've got to finish up more quickly so they can get back home to the kitchen and child-rearing and laundry. Argh. Old sterotypes die hard I guess.
It really is a shame. Now, it would be tricky to fit the 400, 800, and 1500 frees into an Olympic program, with prelims, semis (400) and finals. That's a lot of swimming for the distance people. But we shouldn't be restricting based on gender. It's embarassing IMHO.
-Rick
