And I thought the suits were killing the sport ...
Former Member
"USA Swimming records largest single-year membership growth"
Parents
Former Member
What ever the stats are on increased membership in USMS, it appears that swimming is not catching fire in terms of gaining the popularity of football, basketball, baseball, or any of the more popular sports.
As for the impact of tech suits on the sport's popularity, swimming is not a "Speed" event that will really keep people's eyes awingly glued to their flat screen. Whether tech suits are - or are not used- the difference in speed is measured by recorded times only and the increase is not visually perceptible.
It's been known for over a century that swimming speed can be increased by using various mechanical aids. Based on the public's rather hooo huuum response to the news that Joe Schmoe set a new WR using a "speed suit", adding technology to swimming seems to be viewed as more of a gimick than something really attractive. :2cents:
Dolphin 2
What ever the stats are on increased membership in USMS, it appears that swimming is not catching fire in terms of gaining the popularity of football, basketball, baseball, or any of the more popular sports.
As for the impact of tech suits on the sport's popularity, swimming is not a "Speed" event that will really keep people's eyes awingly glued to their flat screen. Whether tech suits are - or are not used- the difference in speed is measured by recorded times only and the increase is not visually perceptible.
It's been known for over a century that swimming speed can be increased by using various mechanical aids. Based on the public's rather hooo huuum response to the news that Joe Schmoe set a new WR using a "speed suit", adding technology to swimming seems to be viewed as more of a gimick than something really attractive. :2cents:
Dolphin 2
