Everyone us has had a race or many races like hers.
1993 USA Swimming nationals. I'm winning the 100 *** for 99 meters then three people had a better finish, leaving me one-tenth away from gold. I'm sitting at home two weeks later while all three of them are racing at Pan Pacs.
Come to think of it, my one race in 1993 was like Rebecca's and Eric's combined. My worst swimming race relived TWICE in one day.
I like to see Soni do well too!! But I don't think taking it out faster than the 100 is smart racing.
Bob, point taken. In '03 at Nats in Tempe I took out the 500 along with my rival Chuck Olsen in a 1:02. I was trying to keep up with him. That was way too fast for me and I died like a dog the last 100 and Chuck beat me by 3 seconds. I swam LCM regionals back in '98 or '99 next to Ernie Leskovitz in the 400 free. I took it out hard and got way in front of Ernie (who is about 15 years my senior). He passed me at 300 meters like I was standing still. Lesson learned. Back in '82 I swam a 200 free where I went out hard..........57.48 I came back in 1:07.89. Yikes!
Lactic acid is a physiological fact. Yes, you need to push the envelope to reach the next level, but if you want to win, and that is the point at Worlds, then you must swim smart.
I think part of racing is knowing how to swim a race. Maybe I have no guts, but I hate the feeling of swimming in molasses at the end of a race and not being able to do anything about the people passing you. You can't win a 400/500 in the first 100, but you can lose it in the first 100.
That said, I think Soni will learn from this and go on to be a great and consistent breastroker.:cheerleader:
Soni will probably go a 1:03 plus in the medley relay. She has got to be pissed off and disappointed. She just let herself get to excited but "Oh what a problem to have" she is a great swimmer with a gold and silver. I think she can live with that. If she had gone out with the pack probably would have gone a 2:19. When lacitc freeze-up hits you are helpless.
That said, I think Soni will learn from this and go on to be a great and consistent breastroker.:cheerleader:
Before this year hasn't she really been known as a 200 breaststroker? Heck she won the 200 *** all four years at NCAAs and was the 2008 Olympic gold medalist and world record holder. I'd say this swim was the sole blemish on a pretty impressive resume in the event.
Glenn- I should'nt be offering opinions on your swimming (since we train together quite often) and you know I have become a "pretender not a contender". As you know I have taken Chad's motto "swim less for success" to heart. I was hoping that technology would carry me for the next 20 years, God willing!!! EOM
Bob,
You very well are welcome to offer opinions on my swimming........in fact I encourage you to do so. There is no way to get better unless you push the envelope and maybe try something different from time to time.
You my friend are still very much a contender!!!:bow:
Knelson,
My bad. Didn't realize Soni had already swum four years in NCAA's. In that case, she should just put this one behind her and kick a## the next time.
