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
If in fact the USA's best men are not much faster than rest of world - is it because our men aren't improving much? Or is that the rest of world is catching up? I haven't looked at the details but I think American records continue to improve.
Other countries, like Japan, have a once in thirty years swimmer too - like Kitajima. Japan is on a resurgence in swimming, but only Kitajima is a WR holder.
France seems to have great sprinters, but do they have IMers and flyers?
No matter what the answers to these questions - I'd like to see USA swimming work harder to recruit more into the sport. I would really like to see more minorities, especially African Americans, swimming. Too many great athletes are playing other sports.
If in fact the USA's best men are not much faster than rest of world - is it because our men aren't improving much? Or is that the rest of world is catching up? I haven't looked at the details but I think American records continue to improve.
Other countries, like Japan, have a once in thirty years swimmer too - like Kitajima. Japan is on a resurgence in swimming, but only Kitajima is a WR holder.
France seems to have great sprinters, but do they have IMers and flyers?
No matter what the answers to these questions - I'd like to see USA swimming work harder to recruit more into the sport. I would really like to see more minorities, especially African Americans, swimming. Too many great athletes are playing other sports.
