“Michael’s vision is to increase swimming in the US"
Former Member
Ok - Phelps is at the top of his career and his popularity - How could he (or anybody else working with him) help to improve swimming in the United States ?
What do we need - grassroot swimcamps ? A Michael Phelps US swimming tour ? Phelps racing various people around the country ?
Can we get 5000 people into a pool + TV coverage for a Lochte + Peirsol vs Phelps showdown ? I am certain Track and Field will have some big money races in Europe following the Olympis. How much would somebody pay to have Phelps race Cavic in 3 weeks ?
a swim camp network for orthopedically challenged kids.
I hope he starts a foundation and uses part of the oomph to keep college swimming programs going, as well as the city pools that are being shut down right and left.
On your first idea, nay. This kind of warm, fuzzy thinking is just the stuff of special olympics, which is killing youth sports. Why? Because there is only so much money and time for recreational activities. How many little leagues are still around? Pop Warner? AYSO has grown, but at the expense of excellence in the sport. Kids need to play hard and learn to lose as well as win. That is the stuff of character.
On your second, an emphatic yes!
a swim camp network for orthopedically challenged kids.
I hope he starts a foundation and uses part of the oomph to keep college swimming programs going, as well as the city pools that are being shut down right and left.
On your first idea, nay. This kind of warm, fuzzy thinking is just the stuff of special olympics, which is killing youth sports. Why? Because there is only so much money and time for recreational activities. How many little leagues are still around? Pop Warner? AYSO has grown, but at the expense of excellence in the sport. Kids need to play hard and learn to lose as well as win. That is the stuff of character.
On your second, an emphatic yes!
