What does it mean when we look at the performance of the US men's swimming team at Beijing without Phelps....... i.e. without the man carrying the team? Is he merely the "Vince Young" of a slightly above average football Team?
We essentially lose the 400 free relay, 100 fly (Ian moves form 4th to 3rd), 200 IM and 400 IM (Lochted moves to silver), 200 free and 200 fly. That's makes 6 less golds and one extra bronze.
The US would effectively only win 2 individual events...... the 200 and 100 back.
Is Phelps a true representation of the state of US men's swimming or and exception?
www.nbcolympics.com/.../index.html
I can't resist.
A lack of depth?
My fear is less about the immediate now and more about near term to long term future. I base this comment looking at the kids' meets I go to and seeing the female/male makeup of the teams. I only have daughters, so I'm not helping the ratio, but the disparity is very noticeable. On our kids team, we'll field A to E relays for the 11-12 girls and maybe field an A and B team for the boys.
If we want a long term, strong men's swimming in this country, we've got to increase the funnel of kids at the entry level and then keep them in the program. My hope is that guys like Phelps, Lezak, Lochte, etc. can really help market mens' swimming as a viable & "manly" sport for our young boys to aspire to.
I can't resist.
A lack of depth?
My fear is less about the immediate now and more about near term to long term future. I base this comment looking at the kids' meets I go to and seeing the female/male makeup of the teams. I only have daughters, so I'm not helping the ratio, but the disparity is very noticeable. On our kids team, we'll field A to E relays for the 11-12 girls and maybe field an A and B team for the boys.
If we want a long term, strong men's swimming in this country, we've got to increase the funnel of kids at the entry level and then keep them in the program. My hope is that guys like Phelps, Lezak, Lochte, etc. can really help market mens' swimming as a viable & "manly" sport for our young boys to aspire to.
