Now, Hansen doesn't want to train/compete during non-Olympic years. Well, at least, he is staying in good shape with the triathlon training/competing. I wouldn't like his "Gary Hall, Jr." approach this if he wasn't doing the tri stuff. But, since he is doing some kind of training, it can't hurt to try new things at 28. He has probably tried everything else to win that Olympic gold. Overall, I think that Shanteau is the future of American Breaststrokers. Hansen had his day back in 2004 to 2006. But, who knows what can happen. Dara Torres is America's best sprinter right now and she is in her 40s.
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I would not say that co-existing as a triathlete and competitive swimmer makes one faster in the pool.
True.
Sports are specific. There is a generality to many sports, yet at elite levels, there aren't many who can excell at more than one.
Nolan Ryan may be able to throw a baseball 90 miles an hour but I'll bet a dozen donuts he couldn't throw a football anywhere near NFL caliber.
Remember Michael Jordan's attempt at MLB?
Why aren't the ranks of masters golf filled with ex-pro athletes? Why can't Ion win at swimming? (ok forget the last one).
Specificity of sport.
Hansen will do just fine as a tri-athlete. Chances are he won't be world class, but more power to him for trying. It is triathaloning after all.
I would not say that co-existing as a triathlete and competitive swimmer makes one faster in the pool.
True.
Sports are specific. There is a generality to many sports, yet at elite levels, there aren't many who can excell at more than one.
Nolan Ryan may be able to throw a baseball 90 miles an hour but I'll bet a dozen donuts he couldn't throw a football anywhere near NFL caliber.
Remember Michael Jordan's attempt at MLB?
Why aren't the ranks of masters golf filled with ex-pro athletes? Why can't Ion win at swimming? (ok forget the last one).
Specificity of sport.
Hansen will do just fine as a tri-athlete. Chances are he won't be world class, but more power to him for trying. It is triathaloning after all.
