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
Parents
Former Member
Geek,
The question is the growth and onward success of US MEN in the sport...... not the growth of men and women combined.
US swimming represents less than a tenth of a percent of US the population.
It doesn't take much to swing the stats largely in either direction with such a small comparative base.
The sport is not doing well for enrollment for age group boys.
You have still failed to respond to my initial question directly. Absent Mr. Phelp's performance, this years medal haul could be viewed as marginal.
John Smith
Geek,
The question is the growth and onward success of US MEN in the sport...... not the growth of men and women combined.
US swimming represents less than a tenth of a percent of US the population.
It doesn't take much to swing the stats largely in either direction with such a small comparative base.
The sport is not doing well for enrollment for age group boys.
You have still failed to respond to my initial question directly. Absent Mr. Phelp's performance, this years medal haul could be viewed as marginal.
John Smith
