Rowdy Gaines

Former Member
Former Member
I know he's a US Swimming icon, but he is really, REALLY hard to listen to sometimes. He gets so excited that he messes up names and strokes, but he also just makes crap up. Then spends 5 minutes trying to prove it. I may have to mute him! God help him if Phelps is going for # 7 and 8 by the end of the week!
  • Put yourself behind the mic and do live off-the-cuff commentary on those races, and see how you do. You're certainly right about that - it's a very difficult job and requires skill that most of us do not possess. On the other hand, Rowdy can get a little over the top. I think that's the point here - not that it's an easy thing to do and that he can't do it well, but that he has a certain 'annoyance factor'. There are several expert ex-athletes doing commentary, such as in cycling and gymnastics, and they're very polished. They are knowledgeable, they keep the viewers informed, and they keep the commentary rolling in a very professional manner. We see them for hours, so in comparison Rowdy is a little, well, 'Rowdy' :) Nick
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Quick change of subject......that Avatar is hilarious.....Ok back to the scheduled anarchy...... Thank You...Thank You! I would like to thank the frenchies for opening their mouth, very similar to Gary eight years ago, so that we may be provided with some humor at their experience. You would think that people would learn...open your mouth and then proceed to get your teeth kicked in.
  • So, one of the monday morning broadcasters, go apply for Rowdy's job and do it better. rowdee drinkn game tooo efektiv. I are unliklee tu imprez prozpektiv emploierz untl i sobrz ub.
  • It's like they don't let him out of the house for 3 years, 356 days. He's just so excited to breathe fresh air he can't help himself. Just the opposite. He hasn't been getting his RDCA (recommended daily chlorine allowance). So, one of the monday morning broadcasters, go apply for Rowdy's job and do it better. I threw in the drinking game joke :drink: but (despite the flubs) Gaines does a good job of communicating how exciting swim races can be. I have to think that a more polished but less enthusiastic announcer (like Chris Collinsworth?) would not be a good trade.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    I like Rowdy and his commentating. He was a great swimmer and is still passionate about the sport. Sure, he makes mistakes, but that's what makes it fun to listen to. I hope he continues to be a commentator. The guy that is an idiot to me is Bob Costas. He was never a professional ahtlete that I know of, yet he talks like he actually know something about being a professioanl athlete. He is also highly condescending and I just don't see how the average American can relate to his pompous attitude. He makes fewer mistakes than Rowdy, but I ge the feeling that if you went out to eat with him the conversation would revolve around himself and how great he is. Give me Rowdy any day over Bob.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Rowdy is just fine. I'd rather listen to an informed enthusiastic announcer than a repurposed wide world of sports guy. Andrea what's her name on the other hand is just awful. Stupid questions and seems completely out of her comfort zone.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    About the competition: "He's going to make them look like boys!" :doh:
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    hahaha oh man, you guys are gonna love this video www.youtube.com/watch HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Reminds me of how I broke the WR for the 110yd free when I was 14. Our backyard pool was 22' wide. Fifteen laps with 14 turns was all it took.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    While watching tonight's coverage, I just had an idea... New NBC swimming commentator: Bela Karolyi
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    "I think my mom could anchor this relay"
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