When Katie Hoff made the Olympics in 2004, she was young, inexperienced, and got overwhelmed. Since then she's dominated swimming in America, done well globally, and in 2008 she has been overwhelmed - again. To me, she just looks the part of the nervous girl, constantly re-adjusting her goggles and plastering them to her face before races, taking deep breaths, etc. You don't see this out of Coughlin, Phelps, Piersol, and the list goes on and on. How is she going to perform at the highest level if she's a nervous wreck before races?
She was the prohibitive favorite in the IM's, and one of few favorites in the 2, 4, and 8 Freestyles. She got 4th, 3rd, 4th, 2nd, and an FTQ, respectively. We should all be so fortunate to be that good, but from a US Swimming standpoint, I think this has to go down as a disappointing performace. The only thing saving her (media-wise) is Phelps. Otherwise she'd have been the spotlight athlete. She was even mentioned as having a chance for 5 golds. She's failed to meet expectations. And it's a common occurrence in US women's swimming since the '88 games. Jenny Thompson comes to mind.
I really don't like threads that are worded this way. Other than the French I specifically avoid criticizing any swimmers in the Olympics. I think you should beat it with this line of thought.
Katie is awesome, bad luck maybe, a few race / splitting errors (400 fr) definitely not choking
did you see her relay split 1:54
there's tremendous pressure at the olympics
there's many excellent swimmers
katie swam many back to back swims
she's america's greatest it's just that a few others touched the wall before she did
she's swimming her heart out
let's support her
When Katie Hoff made the Olympics in 2004, she was young, inexperienced, and got overwhelmed. Since then she's dominated swimming in America, done well globally, and in 2008 she has been overwhelmed - again. To me, she just looks the part of the nervous girl, constantly re-adjusting her goggles and plastering them to her face before races, taking deep breaths, etc. You don't see this out of Coughlin, Phelps, Piersol, and the list goes on and on. How is she going to perform at the highest level if she's a nervous wreck before races?
She was the prohibitive favorite in the IM's, and one of few favorites in the 2, 4, and 8 Freestyles. She got 4th, 3rd, 4th, 2nd, and an FTQ, respectively. We should all be so fortunate to be that good, but from a US Swimming standpoint, I think this has to go down as a "choke". The only thing saving her (media-wise) is Phelps. Otherwise she'd have been the spotlight athlete. She was even mentioned as having a chance for 5 golds. She's choked. And it's a common occurrence in US women's swimming since the '88 games. Jenny Thompson comes to mind.
Former Member
Were the female swimmers not managed correctly when they left the states? I'm wondering if they were some issues with their diet, training, coaching, etc. after trials. I suspect more information will become available when they return.
Perhaps they partied with Amanda Beard.....
Geek - whatever, man. She hasn't met people's expectations. And wookie, she missed her 800m FR time by 8 seconds. The other country's swimmers have shown up and dropped their times. So being at or around her best times isn't getting it done.
"Choke" might have been a bit strong. How's "disappointment" then, for the PC weenies.
Good for you, putting her down. Does it make you feel better about yourself? I'm not down on any of the swimmers, no matter the results.
Except the frenchies relay right? lol
Yeah, what is up with the Frogs this year? Just watched the 50 and they were posing again. They should only pimp themselves out when foie gras is on the line.
You said choking which is entirely different from disappointing. I try to limit my put downs to people on this forum, and only the ones I can either swim faster than or live far enough away from that fire bombing of my home is not likely.
I still think you are somewhat full of yourself to call her a choker.
I am waiting for how the Smiths will somehow pin this on Title IX, it can't be far off.
I am waiting for how the Smiths will somehow pin this on Title IX, it can't be far off.
I don't think they're going for the 9 angle on this one - I think they're gonna dip into the "training foreigners" bag.
I don't think they're going for the 9 angle on this one - I think they're gonna dip into the "training foreigners" bag.
Good point, hadn't thought of that angle.
