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
Don't forget that Phelps set an American record to lead off the relay. Sullivan made him look slow by setting the World record on the same leg. Lezak showed what Americans expect of themselves- never give up. Truly a swim for history.
And more American boys would be an appropriate request for growing the sport. Going down the slippery slope of race based quotas is not in the best interest of the sport, just the way it has not been in the best interest of higher education or any other institution to which it has been applied. More interest on a broad level will give us the basis to excel. More kids (of any color or background) swimming will create demand for more pools and coaches.
USA swimming is starting a new inner city swimming program (my terms, not theirs) which will presumably affect many different races, depending upon the city demographics.
Don't forget that Phelps set an American record to lead off the relay. Sullivan made him look slow by setting the World record on the same leg. Lezak showed what Americans expect of themselves- never give up. Truly a swim for history.
And more American boys would be an appropriate request for growing the sport. Going down the slippery slope of race based quotas is not in the best interest of the sport, just the way it has not been in the best interest of higher education or any other institution to which it has been applied. More interest on a broad level will give us the basis to excel. More kids (of any color or background) swimming will create demand for more pools and coaches.
USA swimming is starting a new inner city swimming program (my terms, not theirs) which will presumably affect many different races, depending upon the city demographics.
