2009 National Championships (World Championship Trials)

Interesting comments on the stroke 50s --- it is for sure a two edged sword. I look at what is happening in Germany - they offer the 50s at all levels - and I think it has for sure contributed to the demise in the Olympic events - especially for the Men. Somebody like Rupprath is a Pro making very good money on swimming all the 50s and short-course --- but if that was not a choice, I am almost certain a would been more a medal contender in the 100 Fly in the last few Olympics. Is that good or bad ? He has won some silly amount of international medals (50+ I believe) - yet his best Olympic place is a final and one relay medal .... On the other hand, the US is CLEARLY losing multiple medal opportunities at Worlds -- R. Bal has been the fastest 50 Backstroker in the World for maybe the last 3 WC - it can not be fair, that he had to watch those races, knowing he could have won.

Interesting comments on the stroke 50s --- it is for sure a two edged sword. I look at what is happening in Germany - they offer the 50s at all levels - and I think it has for sure contributed to the demise in the Olympic events - especially for the Men. Somebody like Rupprath is a Pro making very good money on swimming all the 50s and short-course --- but if that was not a choice, I am almost certain a would been more a medal contender in the 100 Fly in the last few Olympics. Is that good or bad ? He has won some silly amount of international medals (50+ I believe) - yet his best Olympic place is a final and one relay medal .... On the other hand, the US is CLEARLY losing multiple medal opportunities at Worlds -- R. Bal has been the fastest 50 Backstroker in the World for maybe the last 3 WC - it can not be fair, that he had to watch those races, knowing he could have won.