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
If I remember correctly, and I am since I just watched it, Lezak actually won it for us by swimming the fastest 100m split in history (at least I think that's what they said).
:agree:. Jason was outstanding.
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.
Has anyone here suggested quotas?!?!
Look at posts #30 and 31. While not specifically stating quotas, it leaves open a door that should not exist. This country is full of opportunity, it is up to every individual to exploit that opportunity that is of most interest to them. Race is not a qualifier, nor is it a barrier.
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.
Has anyone here suggested quotas?!?!
Look at posts #30 and 31. While not specifically stating quotas, it leaves open a door that should not exist. This country is full of opportunity, it is up to every individual to exploit that opportunity that is of most interest to them. Race is not a qualifier, nor is it a barrier.
Since one of the posts you list is mine....I suggest you are reaching.
I simply believe it would be good for the sport to have more African-Americans competing in swimming. Many gifted athletes choose other sports. I want to see a few more of them choose swimming. I don't think it's going to happen unless USA Swimming or other swimming organization reaches out to these athletes and sells the sport to them.
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. M
What a ridiculous and untrue statement.
:agree:. Jason was outstanding.
I have his autograph. It says "Michael, Dream Big!" I have it framed in my room, and I look at it on the way out to practice. I know that's horrendously cheesy, but I always have big goals for myself, so seeing that helps me focus on them.
I know we love swimming, and there is lot to be said about the positives of are sport. I very much enjoyed my trip to Omaha for the trials. Part of it was just watching courteous and articulate swimmers, fans and the enjoyable conversations I had. I love to tell non swimmers about the benefits of swimming and that you probably have a better then 50/50 chance that the varsity swim team has the highest average GPA of any team on campus. But I ponder, what is really special about swimming versus any other sport and is our sport morally superior to others? Do we think it's just a matter of enlightenment and the outside world will see the light and come?
Let's take a moment think about what others outside are sport may think with some analogy's. Christian Evangelicals think there is the way to heaven until you run into those two Latter Day Saints (LDS) missionary's coming towards your house in there nice white shirt & tie, and they will say they have the truth.. My question is how do you feel when they try to ask you to church or do you shut the door turn off TV volume and hope they go away? Do you think the average Iraqi Sunni, Kurd and Shiite nows think western style democracy is just the best thing ever?
Now I don't know about other cities in this here land of ours, however I can speak to the urban Denver area. I can truly say we have no lack of competitive style swimming pools in both rec centers and our high schools. Complete with kick boards, paddles, pull buoys and state of art timing systems. As a former long time high school swimming official my observation is there simply isn't much interest in competitive swimming in these majority Hispanic and African American high schools, especially from boys. Now for those who feel otherwise, at least in Denver anyway, there is no lack of opportunity for someone who wants to walk the talk, and good luck too ya. However, I know it's hard to think this but maybe just maybe what we find so appealing, other individuals and groups do not. Lets face it theres a lot of other choices in the year 2008 and were not the only sport with outreach efforts. And what about those efforts, are they received with enthusiasm or is it here come those swimming do gooders again quick hide and hope we go away soon so they get back to there Madden football.
