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!
Former Member
Including Rowdy
Then how about putting John Nabor and Andrea Kramer in the booth to do the play by play.
Then put Bela down at poolside for interviews.
Former Member
"...they're 9 seconds under WR time!"
LMAO Did someone get out and sprint down the deck?
Former Member
Actually, Sullivan did set the olympic record and the world record. Since it is a measured distance and he was leading off the relay, he is given credit for both.
Michael Klim did the same thing in 2000. They label the relay as the 4x100, so the first leg is able to set world and olympic records for that particular distance.
Doesn't matter so much now, since it was been lowered twice.
Former Member
i do miss summer sanders...
Former Member
Rowdy's awesome. We're lucky to have a guy that's so dedicated to our sport. And Dan Hicks has come along nicely as the announcer. Remember that Rowdy's the "color" commentator... ever heard of *** Vitale?
The most grating person to listen to... Cynthia Potter in diving. Can she leave the viewing audience with just 1 second of silence? No Cynthia, I did not see how the diver's left foot was turned outward 14 degrees more than their right foot, causing too much splash. And I doubt anyone else did at live speed either.
Former Member
I guess we shouldn't complain. It could be worse.
What if John Madden was the swimming commentator?...
Former Member
Another one: when Rowdy (or whoever is using the telestrator) circles the wrong swimmer. Haven't seen it happen in Beijing yet but it happened many times in Omaha.
It must be really unsettling to the swimmers, suddenly seeing those outta-nowhere, etch-a-sketch-like lines white lines surronding them seconded by high-toned kvetch.
Former Member
way to put magnuson on the spot, kramer. guess we have a winner for douchebag announcer of the evening.
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.
I can't figure out how Mr. Costas keeps his job! I know some people who have golfed with him at celebrity events. they have all said he is very nice but dumb and boring. Worse when when you ask him where he is from, sometimes St. Louis sometimes New York. It must have been hard to have grown up in two cities.
Excited? Did you talk to him and ask him what he was, or are you assuming to know what goes on in his mind. I would bet (as I haven't talked to him yet but will attempt when he returns) that he wasn't excited but surprised. The arrogance on here of complaining about every little misstatement attitude and personality of anyone who cover swimming compared to the all knowing wise forum regulars here makes my stomach turn. I am not singling you out Hoch, there are many other examples of this arrogant attitude throughout this topic.
Right on! Sitting in your living room waving your cocktail drink American flag is a whole lot different than announcing live sports. I think Rowdy did a great job.
