The open water discussion has been a little boring lately so time to add some controversy. The above quote was affixed to a plaque my swimmers gave me when I retired as Head Coach of the University of Denver Masters Swim Team. Yes, they knew where I stood on the subject. Others share my view. In my day job as a stock broker I came across an article in the Wall Street Journal “Wimp or Triathlete, You Probably Like That New Wetsuit" by Kevin Helliker, published on September 24, 1999. In it were several memorable quotes on the subject. "How pathetic, says Betsy Brennan a Lake Michigan swimmer" "When I see people in wetsuits, I think: wimp." Another Chicagoan Ted Erikson, who did a double crossing of the English Channel without a wetsuit, said on the increasingly use of wetsuit by swimmers in Lake Michigan. "I ask them, 'Why don't you just get a boat? Boats have heaters.”:D
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Hey, if we want to be really pure purists here, I have a suggestion. I say any swim suit at all is an illegitimate departure from the original Olympic Ideal. The Greeks were rough, tough and in the buff when they competed, so let's have an au natural division for open water events!
Besides, if memory serves, other discussion threads have batted around ideas for getting more exposure for swimming. This will definitely generate some press coverage. Think about how many reporters showed up to cover a few flabby peace activists pealing for a protest. Imagine the interest in covering a few buff distance swimmers practicing their sport...
How's that for controversial, oh Tall One.
Matt
Hey, if we want to be really pure purists here, I have a suggestion. I say any swim suit at all is an illegitimate departure from the original Olympic Ideal. The Greeks were rough, tough and in the buff when they competed, so let's have an au natural division for open water events!
Besides, if memory serves, other discussion threads have batted around ideas for getting more exposure for swimming. This will definitely generate some press coverage. Think about how many reporters showed up to cover a few flabby peace activists pealing for a protest. Imagine the interest in covering a few buff distance swimmers practicing their sport...
How's that for controversial, oh Tall One.
Matt
