I agree, Tom. The Aussie men's team is looking pretty weak and these "old guys" feel like they've got a shot given the current situation.
In addition, it will help Thorpe's bank account. I read reports(not sure how accurate) that some of his investments having taking a hit.
In addition, it will help Thorpe's bank account.
I wish swimming could help my bank account too!! I only see my numbers going down and down... :badday:
All of these swimming comebacks remind me of the classic rock groups going back on tour to get a piece of the action. Fortunately, several of those groups still sound pretty good rockin' out in their 60's! :bow:
Dara Torres is an inspiration! As for Janet Evans, I hope she follows through with swimming at USMS Nationals. That will spice up Day 1, won't it? :cheerleader:
White Lightening: That's ( :thewave:) a great Smilie, isn't it? :applaud:
I have started a list of the Top Ten Swimming Comebacks of All Time for an article I am preparing for another swim forum. Its based on the length of layoff and the success of the comeback.
Did you consider Rowdy Gaines? I believe he quit for a while after graduating from Auburn. He then came back to win the gold medal in the 100 free in LA. So, certainly it measures up in terms of success, but I think the layoff was short.
Did you consider Rowdy Gaines? I believe he quit for a while after graduating from Auburn. He then came back to win the gold medal in the 100 free in LA. So, certainly it measures up in terms of success, but I think the layoff was short.
it should at least be higher than Mel Stewart and Summer Sanders's comebacks.
I remember Jeff Rouse competing at the 2004 Trials and getting 5 or 6 something in the 100 back. Did he compete in the 2000 and 1996 Trials. If not, I would rank that higher than Stewart or Sanders?
Next it's going to be Mark Spitz and Dawn Fraser.
Everyone wants a piece of the action. Phelps brought a huge amount of attention to the sport in the 2008 Olympics. Not surprisingly the old retirees want to be in the spotlight haha.
Did you consider Rowdy Gaines? I believe he quit for a while after graduating from Auburn. He then came back to win the gold medal in the 100 free in LA. So, certainly it measures up in terms of success, but I think the layoff was short.
I do remember when Rowdy retired from swimming and it was in the spring of 1981 after the NCAA meet and the 100 Free World Record that he swam in a time trial short after that. He was back swimming by the end of the year and he broke his own World Record in the 200 Free in the summer of 1982. I think he was out of swimming for 6 to 8 months, tops.
That was about 3 months less than Mary T, so maybe he belongs on the list. Unlike Gaines, Stewart and Sanders were out a little more than 2.5 years and they both did not come close to times they did in 1992, where Rowdy actually did in a little over a year from retirement and the 200 Free World Record is proof of that.
Rowdy's real comeback that I forgot about was 1988. With very little training, he was very close to making the 1988 Olympic team in the 400 Free Relay getting 7th at the Olympic Trials and missing making the team by .04 seconds. So this comeback because of the length of time should probably be on the list.
