Losing sponsorships was expected. Too many suits, too-tight-neckties and pants pulled up to high to understand (and forgive) Michael Phelps. All this even after Phelps apologized for his actions.
Apparently, USA Swimming doesn't think an apology and humiliation is enough either. Four days after his apology and its acceptance by the International Olympic Committee, USA Swimming has suspended Michael Phelps for three months.
But really, a three-month suspension is what Phelps really deserved--it's just a little slap on the wrist.
It's nothing to severe. Phelps will miss like one event. It doesn't really hurt him.
It's just that USA Swimming felt like it had to do something, when it really didn't have to.
Showing posts with label USA Swimming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA Swimming. Show all posts
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Friday, August 22, 2008
Revisiting Cavic Versus Phelps
I admit it. I may have been a little soft last week when talking about the whole Milograd (Mike) Cavic being only thismuchslower than Michael Phelps thing.
And, to my surprise, people do remember, at least a week removed from Phelps winning that seventh gold medal enroute to his eight.
And, to my surprise, there is quite the uproar from people who aren't Serbian. Like this website, which looks like it has a photo of Cavic actually beating Phelps (conversely, SI.com has this sequence of Phelps supposedly touching first cause Cavic was like a millimeter from touching the wall).
Phelps breaking Spitz's record is great. It created drama at the Olympics, something that's been missing for some time. People cared. People watched. And Phelps delivered. I argue that if Phelps hadn't won eight gold medals, that tying Spitz would have just been an "ehh" moment in sport. People would care, but no one would care that much.
I mentioned last week that the computerized walls may have failed. That website (100thofasecond.com) argues that it may be a conspiracy.
In this day and age or computers running the show and huge dollars being spent on advertising and the like, I wouldn't put it past Omega, the IOC or FINA if they actually screwed Cavic out of the gold medal.
Yeah, Phelps would have gotten a hero's welcome when he returned with only seven gold medals. He would have gotten some face time. He probably would have still been on the cover of Sports Illustrated two weeks in a row. He would have done all the late night talk shows; all the daytime morning shows. Phelps would have still been a stud if he won just seven medals in Beijing.
But he wouldn't have reached the proportion of uber-mega-star he has now if he only won seven medals, and his sponsors wouldn't be cashing in right now.
Did Cavic get screwed? Maybe. Is Phelps winning eight medals good for corporate America (Earth?)? Of Course. Did Cavic really beat Phelps? From watching it live, I thought so.
That doesn't change, however, the fact that Phelps has eight gold medals around his neck.
Cavic has handled this well. Maybe too well? Who knows? I don't personally know him (though he did go to the most prestigious public institution in the world in Cal), but I wouldn't surprised me if he got paid off to handle the situation in this way.
But maybe that's just how Cavic is; content. He did lose (officially) to the world's greatest swimmer. But maybe in his mind (and in the minds of many) he (unofficially) defeated the world's greatest swimmer.
I know I thought he beat Phelps. I know that in my head, watching that race, I was torn between the two and that half of me really did want Cavic to beat Phelps, only to see the shocked look on the faces of everyone in the Water Cube and for Bob Costas to say some really dumb, smug thing about it.
Just think, would Cavic be on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week if he had defeated Phelps? The Giant Killer they would have called him. The Road Block. The Perfect Storm. The Snag in Phelps' journey to beat Spitz. We would all remember these Olympics as the Olympics that "could have been" for Phelps. And Cavic would have had his place in history has the only man that could be the titan.
But like I said last week, I'll remember Cavic. The Cal community will remember Cavic. Serbia will remember Cavic.
And, it appears, that this one race, that one minute span of time some August morning in Beijing, that will be remembered forever. For it may have been Cavic's night; his time in the spotlight. Instead, all we can ask is, did he?
And, to my surprise, people do remember, at least a week removed from Phelps winning that seventh gold medal enroute to his eight.
And, to my surprise, there is quite the uproar from people who aren't Serbian. Like this website, which looks like it has a photo of Cavic actually beating Phelps (conversely, SI.com has this sequence of Phelps supposedly touching first cause Cavic was like a millimeter from touching the wall).
Phelps breaking Spitz's record is great. It created drama at the Olympics, something that's been missing for some time. People cared. People watched. And Phelps delivered. I argue that if Phelps hadn't won eight gold medals, that tying Spitz would have just been an "ehh" moment in sport. People would care, but no one would care that much.
I mentioned last week that the computerized walls may have failed. That website (100thofasecond.com) argues that it may be a conspiracy.
In this day and age or computers running the show and huge dollars being spent on advertising and the like, I wouldn't put it past Omega, the IOC or FINA if they actually screwed Cavic out of the gold medal.
Yeah, Phelps would have gotten a hero's welcome when he returned with only seven gold medals. He would have gotten some face time. He probably would have still been on the cover of Sports Illustrated two weeks in a row. He would have done all the late night talk shows; all the daytime morning shows. Phelps would have still been a stud if he won just seven medals in Beijing.
But he wouldn't have reached the proportion of uber-mega-star he has now if he only won seven medals, and his sponsors wouldn't be cashing in right now.
Did Cavic get screwed? Maybe. Is Phelps winning eight medals good for corporate America (Earth?)? Of Course. Did Cavic really beat Phelps? From watching it live, I thought so.
That doesn't change, however, the fact that Phelps has eight gold medals around his neck.
Cavic has handled this well. Maybe too well? Who knows? I don't personally know him (though he did go to the most prestigious public institution in the world in Cal), but I wouldn't surprised me if he got paid off to handle the situation in this way.
But maybe that's just how Cavic is; content. He did lose (officially) to the world's greatest swimmer. But maybe in his mind (and in the minds of many) he (unofficially) defeated the world's greatest swimmer.
I know I thought he beat Phelps. I know that in my head, watching that race, I was torn between the two and that half of me really did want Cavic to beat Phelps, only to see the shocked look on the faces of everyone in the Water Cube and for Bob Costas to say some really dumb, smug thing about it.
Just think, would Cavic be on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week if he had defeated Phelps? The Giant Killer they would have called him. The Road Block. The Perfect Storm. The Snag in Phelps' journey to beat Spitz. We would all remember these Olympics as the Olympics that "could have been" for Phelps. And Cavic would have had his place in history has the only man that could be the titan.
But like I said last week, I'll remember Cavic. The Cal community will remember Cavic. Serbia will remember Cavic.
And, it appears, that this one race, that one minute span of time some August morning in Beijing, that will be remembered forever. For it may have been Cavic's night; his time in the spotlight. Instead, all we can ask is, did he?
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Hold Up, She's Really Good Too
I feel a little bad for Natalie Coughlin.
First off, she's no Michael Phelps.
Second, she was overshadowed by a teenager and a middle-aged woman at the start of these Olympic Games.
Third, she's always gotten lost in someone else's spotlight.
I have a great affinity for Coughlin and yes it's because she's not too hard on the eyes and because the summer before I went to the University of California, there was Coughlin, at the U.S. swimming trials, wearing her signature Cal swim cap. And the week I moved to Berkeley to set sail on what would be a typical college career, there was Coughlin, winning five medals at the 2004 Athens Games, but overshadowed by a big-eared teenager named Michael Phelps.
What many don't remember is that Coughlin actually tied the medal count for the most ever swimming medals by an American female swimmer back in 2004. She was heralded as the best female swimmer of our time, and it was pretty damn cool that she went to the same university that I just enrolled in.
Coughlin finds herself lost again after the completion of her swimming program at these (what might be her final) Olympic Games. Before, it was the hype of youngster Katie Hoff (who failed to win gold this year) and 41-year-old sensation Dara Torres (who also failed to win gold this year).
And of course during these Olympics, no one could overcome the bright aura of Phelps.
But lost in the fray is that, win the medley relay silver she won today, Coughlin has taken home more medals in any one Olympic Games than any American female swimmer has ever done before--six.
It was probably bad timing for Coughlin and a little bad luck. I guarntee, if Phelps wasn't so Phelpsian and did the improbable by aiming for Mark Spitz's record at the Beijing Games and by declaring his assault on Spitz at the 2004 Games, Coughlin would have been the United States' top draw in Athens and in Beijing.
But such is the life of anyone who goes to or went to Cal (I guess it's what we get for attending the No. 1 public university in the world). There's always someone doing something a little bit better than what we're doing.
Not to say that Coughlin's accomplishments are nothing. They're amazing. She may very well be the best American female swimmer of all time.
The mainstream media will never pin that on her though. It will take a Phelpsian effort to be able to claim that title in this country.
And that may be a little sad. Coughlin represents everything that a quirky, research oriented, politically active school like Cal represents. She, in her everyday mannerisms in the pool and her training, represents the (I know it's cliche) out-of-the-box thinking expected of students from Cal. For more insight on this, read Michael Silver's book about Coughlin's journey to the 2004 Games, Golden Girl.
In it, Silver tells how Coughlin and Cal coach Teri McKeever have used unorthodox, unconventional training regiments to prepare for the Olympics.
But even with that, with a new style of coaching that has challenged a long tradition of how Americans have been coached in swimming, Coughlin can't get out of Phelps' shadow.
I'm sure she takes it all in stride. I'm sure Coughlin accepts the fact that she can be the one who basks in the shadows of others' greatness, while being just as equally great.
First off, she's no Michael Phelps.
Second, she was overshadowed by a teenager and a middle-aged woman at the start of these Olympic Games.
Third, she's always gotten lost in someone else's spotlight.
I have a great affinity for Coughlin and yes it's because she's not too hard on the eyes and because the summer before I went to the University of California, there was Coughlin, at the U.S. swimming trials, wearing her signature Cal swim cap. And the week I moved to Berkeley to set sail on what would be a typical college career, there was Coughlin, winning five medals at the 2004 Athens Games, but overshadowed by a big-eared teenager named Michael Phelps.
What many don't remember is that Coughlin actually tied the medal count for the most ever swimming medals by an American female swimmer back in 2004. She was heralded as the best female swimmer of our time, and it was pretty damn cool that she went to the same university that I just enrolled in.
Coughlin finds herself lost again after the completion of her swimming program at these (what might be her final) Olympic Games. Before, it was the hype of youngster Katie Hoff (who failed to win gold this year) and 41-year-old sensation Dara Torres (who also failed to win gold this year).
And of course during these Olympics, no one could overcome the bright aura of Phelps.
But lost in the fray is that, win the medley relay silver she won today, Coughlin has taken home more medals in any one Olympic Games than any American female swimmer has ever done before--six.
It was probably bad timing for Coughlin and a little bad luck. I guarntee, if Phelps wasn't so Phelpsian and did the improbable by aiming for Mark Spitz's record at the Beijing Games and by declaring his assault on Spitz at the 2004 Games, Coughlin would have been the United States' top draw in Athens and in Beijing.
But such is the life of anyone who goes to or went to Cal (I guess it's what we get for attending the No. 1 public university in the world). There's always someone doing something a little bit better than what we're doing.
Not to say that Coughlin's accomplishments are nothing. They're amazing. She may very well be the best American female swimmer of all time.
The mainstream media will never pin that on her though. It will take a Phelpsian effort to be able to claim that title in this country.
And that may be a little sad. Coughlin represents everything that a quirky, research oriented, politically active school like Cal represents. She, in her everyday mannerisms in the pool and her training, represents the (I know it's cliche) out-of-the-box thinking expected of students from Cal. For more insight on this, read Michael Silver's book about Coughlin's journey to the 2004 Games, Golden Girl.
In it, Silver tells how Coughlin and Cal coach Teri McKeever have used unorthodox, unconventional training regiments to prepare for the Olympics.
But even with that, with a new style of coaching that has challenged a long tradition of how Americans have been coached in swimming, Coughlin can't get out of Phelps' shadow.
I'm sure she takes it all in stride. I'm sure Coughlin accepts the fact that she can be the one who basks in the shadows of others' greatness, while being just as equally great.
Perfect Eighth
He did it. It's that simple.
Eight gold medals. The most ever one in a single Olympics. Fourteen all-time gold medals. The most ever by anyone in the history of the Olympics. That's what Michael Phelps accomplished today.
It is no longer known as a "Spitzian" effort (as teammate Aaron Perisol noted today). It is now a "Phelpsian" effort when one does remarkable things at an Olympic Games.
And to be surprsied that Team USA won the medley relay today is like being surprised when John Williams gets nominated for an Oscar. The Americans always dominate the medley relay (they've never an Olympic final). So this was partly anti-climatic. It was just the coronation of Phelps as the greatest of all time.
That's how these Olympics have gone for Phelps. Only twice was he tested. And six of his eight victories were so decisive that it makes me wonder why Debbie Phelps (Michael's mom) had to cry after each gold medal win.
Phelps brought a buzz around the Olympics and around swimming, but he was also a buzz kill. It was amazing to watch him defeat swimmers by two or three or four body lengths, to smash world records and to simply destroy competition. But I wouldn't call it exciting.
Eight for eight was the draw. Phelps delivered, but Phelps killed most of the excitement and the drama after the second turn.
But that's how good he is.
And we cannot forget Jason Lezak, who Phelps owes much for this accomplishment. And we cannot forget the epic race Phelps had against Milograd (Mike) Cavic, who came within a fingernail of ending Phelps' run.
But in the end, many may not remember how Lezak swam the anchor in that incredible come-from-behind-relay finish. Most will forget that Phelps touched the wall .01 seconds before Cavic in the butterfly final.
What the people will remember is that Phelps won eight gold medals.
He did it.
Eight gold medals. The most ever one in a single Olympics. Fourteen all-time gold medals. The most ever by anyone in the history of the Olympics. That's what Michael Phelps accomplished today.
It is no longer known as a "Spitzian" effort (as teammate Aaron Perisol noted today). It is now a "Phelpsian" effort when one does remarkable things at an Olympic Games.
And to be surprsied that Team USA won the medley relay today is like being surprised when John Williams gets nominated for an Oscar. The Americans always dominate the medley relay (they've never an Olympic final). So this was partly anti-climatic. It was just the coronation of Phelps as the greatest of all time.
That's how these Olympics have gone for Phelps. Only twice was he tested. And six of his eight victories were so decisive that it makes me wonder why Debbie Phelps (Michael's mom) had to cry after each gold medal win.
Phelps brought a buzz around the Olympics and around swimming, but he was also a buzz kill. It was amazing to watch him defeat swimmers by two or three or four body lengths, to smash world records and to simply destroy competition. But I wouldn't call it exciting.
Eight for eight was the draw. Phelps delivered, but Phelps killed most of the excitement and the drama after the second turn.
But that's how good he is.
And we cannot forget Jason Lezak, who Phelps owes much for this accomplishment. And we cannot forget the epic race Phelps had against Milograd (Mike) Cavic, who came within a fingernail of ending Phelps' run.
But in the end, many may not remember how Lezak swam the anchor in that incredible come-from-behind-relay finish. Most will forget that Phelps touched the wall .01 seconds before Cavic in the butterfly final.
What the people will remember is that Phelps won eight gold medals.
He did it.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Cavic Only .01 Seconds Slower
One-hundredth of a second. That's like a finger nail. That's .01 seconds for those of you who can't conceptualize "one-hundredth."
First, before I offer my opinion on what happened tonight, I knew this kid as Mike Cavic when he swam for California at the collegiate level (I went to Cal when Cavic was was a junior and senior and set Pac-10 and school records). But, at these Olympics (and I guess at the other international events he's swam in) he's known by his Serbian name, Milorad.
That's cool. You swim for the country of your parents, you gotta take the name that they gave you, I guess.
But the guy I knew as Mike almost made everyone take notice as the guy name Milorad. That one-hundredth of a second that I was referring too? That's how much best-swimmer-ever Michael Phelps beat Cavic by in the 100m fly tonight.
.01 seconds.
In my opinion, replays looked inconclusive. Seriously, you're going to watch as Phelps and Cavic touch the wall .01 seconds apart? To the naked eye, Cavic and Phelps touched the wall at the same time. And to some, maybe it looked like Cavic touched the wall first.
It certainly looked like Cavic was going to take the gold. Cavic was beating Phelps for 99 of the 100 meters in the pool. And when it looked like Phelps' assault on Mark Spitz's record was going to end, Phelps pulled off a miracle suitable for an Al Michaels' exclamation.
Coaches always say that sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. I think Phelps, tonight, was lucky. If Cavic takes the same half stroke Phelps does, then Cavic crashes the party and will be forever remembered as the man who saved Mark Spitz's record (and when I say remembered, I mean for like three months).
Cavic's coach and former Cal coach, Mike Bottom, decided to file a protest. FINA didn't look at it, which is blatantly wrong. At least take the time to be absolutely sure that the result was the result; that Phelps in fact touched before Cavic.
Yes, the walls are computerized, but that doesn't mean that they never fail.
It may sound like I'm an apologist for Cavic and a Phelps hater. Untrue. I would have loved for either of these two to win tonight. I rooted for Cavic because he's a Golden Bear (as am I) and anytime that the university can be represented well I will always root for that. I rooted for Phelps because he wears my country's colors. And then there's that record he's trying to break.
Either way, history was made tonight. A history that will probably see Cavic's name forgotten in the near future, over-shadowed by Phelps blazed path to glory.
But I will never forget Cavic and that performance he gave today. Whether his name is Mike or Milorad.
First, before I offer my opinion on what happened tonight, I knew this kid as Mike Cavic when he swam for California at the collegiate level (I went to Cal when Cavic was was a junior and senior and set Pac-10 and school records). But, at these Olympics (and I guess at the other international events he's swam in) he's known by his Serbian name, Milorad.
That's cool. You swim for the country of your parents, you gotta take the name that they gave you, I guess.
But the guy I knew as Mike almost made everyone take notice as the guy name Milorad. That one-hundredth of a second that I was referring too? That's how much best-swimmer-ever Michael Phelps beat Cavic by in the 100m fly tonight.
.01 seconds.
In my opinion, replays looked inconclusive. Seriously, you're going to watch as Phelps and Cavic touch the wall .01 seconds apart? To the naked eye, Cavic and Phelps touched the wall at the same time. And to some, maybe it looked like Cavic touched the wall first.
It certainly looked like Cavic was going to take the gold. Cavic was beating Phelps for 99 of the 100 meters in the pool. And when it looked like Phelps' assault on Mark Spitz's record was going to end, Phelps pulled off a miracle suitable for an Al Michaels' exclamation.
Coaches always say that sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. I think Phelps, tonight, was lucky. If Cavic takes the same half stroke Phelps does, then Cavic crashes the party and will be forever remembered as the man who saved Mark Spitz's record (and when I say remembered, I mean for like three months).
Cavic's coach and former Cal coach, Mike Bottom, decided to file a protest. FINA didn't look at it, which is blatantly wrong. At least take the time to be absolutely sure that the result was the result; that Phelps in fact touched before Cavic.
Yes, the walls are computerized, but that doesn't mean that they never fail.
It may sound like I'm an apologist for Cavic and a Phelps hater. Untrue. I would have loved for either of these two to win tonight. I rooted for Cavic because he's a Golden Bear (as am I) and anytime that the university can be represented well I will always root for that. I rooted for Phelps because he wears my country's colors. And then there's that record he's trying to break.
Either way, history was made tonight. A history that will probably see Cavic's name forgotten in the near future, over-shadowed by Phelps blazed path to glory.
But I will never forget Cavic and that performance he gave today. Whether his name is Mike or Milorad.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
What Went Wrong for Katie Hoff
Michael Phelps has taken all the headlines from the Water Cube at these Olympic Games.
Katie Hoff could have taken some off that spotlight away from the all-time Olympic champ. Hoff swam in the same number of individual events as Phelps did (or will) at these Games. She was also in one relay. That gave her six chances for gold medals, which would have tied the record for any woman at any single Olympiad.
But Hoff will leave Beijing with no gold, just one silver and two bronze medals, after failing to qualify for the 800m today.
What went wrong? Hoff was hyped as being Phelps' counterpart in the pool for the United States women's side. Hyped up after an impressive performance at the U.S. Trials a few months ago.
And then maybe the hype got to her. Some say that it hasn't, as that L.A. Times story I link to says. Some say that it's unfair to link Hoff, who trained at the same Baltimore swimming club as Phelps did, to Phelps.
But when there are flashes of greatness and just one connection to probably the greatest swimmer of all-time, the hype will come. Simply, Hoff didn't live up to it. Where was the girl who won three gold medals at the 2007 FINA World Championships? Where was the girl who dominated the U.S. Trials? Where was she?
Not in Beijing. The best effort I saw from her was when she led the U.S. back to claim bronze in the 800m freestyle relay.
And maybe it did get into the 19-year-old's head: trying to become the best ever.
And then maybe she was just too tired. Six events is a lot for a swimmer not named Phelps.
But she is just 19. She will probably be in London four years from now and she'll probably be more motivated than ever.
And maybe then, she can live up to the hype. Or maybe, the hype won't follow her when London calls.
Katie Hoff could have taken some off that spotlight away from the all-time Olympic champ. Hoff swam in the same number of individual events as Phelps did (or will) at these Games. She was also in one relay. That gave her six chances for gold medals, which would have tied the record for any woman at any single Olympiad.
But Hoff will leave Beijing with no gold, just one silver and two bronze medals, after failing to qualify for the 800m today.
What went wrong? Hoff was hyped as being Phelps' counterpart in the pool for the United States women's side. Hyped up after an impressive performance at the U.S. Trials a few months ago.
And then maybe the hype got to her. Some say that it hasn't, as that L.A. Times story I link to says. Some say that it's unfair to link Hoff, who trained at the same Baltimore swimming club as Phelps did, to Phelps.
But when there are flashes of greatness and just one connection to probably the greatest swimmer of all-time, the hype will come. Simply, Hoff didn't live up to it. Where was the girl who won three gold medals at the 2007 FINA World Championships? Where was the girl who dominated the U.S. Trials? Where was she?
Not in Beijing. The best effort I saw from her was when she led the U.S. back to claim bronze in the 800m freestyle relay.
And maybe it did get into the 19-year-old's head: trying to become the best ever.
And then maybe she was just too tired. Six events is a lot for a swimmer not named Phelps.
But she is just 19. She will probably be in London four years from now and she'll probably be more motivated than ever.
And maybe then, she can live up to the hype. Or maybe, the hype won't follow her when London calls.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Since I've Been Gone
First of all, my apologies for not updating the last couple of days. I'm starting a new job and the work is pretty crazy. It also doesn't help that I don't get an internet connection where I'm staying, but I'll make due.
A lot's happened since the last time I've posted. Here's what I've missed. And don't worry, the Phelps versus the world gold medal count is coming up in just a bit.
A lot's happened since the last time I've posted. Here's what I've missed. And don't worry, the Phelps versus the world gold medal count is coming up in just a bit.
- I guess the USA men's basketball team is out to redeem itself. Or, maybe all the conspiracy theories have been disproved. Whatever the case, Team USA made a huge announcement when it thrashed host China in the opening game of the Olympic hoops tournament. This totally throws out my friend Chris's theory (Chris by the way runs Bear Territory, check it out sometime). Chris thought that at the beginning of the NBA's most recent season, Yao Ming was going to win the MVP, get the Houston Rockets to the finals and then lead China to gold all in a huge conspiracy/marketing ploy. I guess not. (None of those things have happened or may not happen yet, btw).
- Even more impressive was the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team drawing the Netherlands in the second day of group stage. At one point (after a Jozy Altidore score) the Americans were actually leading the U-23 European champions. But I'll take a draw. Team USA still leads its group and with a draw tonight against Nigeria, can secure a spot in the quarters.
- Michael Phelps owes Jason Lezak some money. And so does Cullen Jones. What Lezak did was amazing. And with Phelps winning the 200m freestyle yesterday, he's 3 for 3 in gold medal attempts. Thanks Lezak. That was incredible.
- China's men did their thing in the gym, winning the gold medal that they were supposed to win. But the U.S., without the Hamm brothers, taking bronze? That's a miracle.
- Aaron Peirsol and (Cal graduate) Natalie Coughlin did their thing in the 100m backstroke. Both won gold.
- And everything is alright with the U.S. Women's Soccer Team. They defeated New Zealand 4-0 today. Forward march to the quarters.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
For Americans, It's Phelps and Everyone Else, So Far
Michael Phelps has his gold medal. The rest of his teammates in the water? Well, they'll have to wait still.
Larsen Jensen took bronze in the 400m freestyle. Katie Hoff lost her world record in the 400m IM and also lost the gold, also taking bronze. The heralded Dara Torres and Natalie Coughlin couldn't do enough for the women's 400m relay team to reclaim the gold medal they lost in 2004. They took silver for the second consecutive Olympics to the Dutch. (Ryan Lochte had no other choice but to take something no better than silver in the 400 IM. He was swimming against Phelps).
Now, these results aren't bad, per se. Hoff was a disappointment for sure. Jensen and the relay team? Probably not.
But it does say one thing: in the world of (American) swimming, there's Phelps and then there's his teammates. There was a time when I thought someone like Coughlin or Hoff could be the Phelps of the women's world. However, I think there's too much parity. And, Phelps is just that awesome.
If anyone wants to break out of that huge shadow that Phelps is casting, then someone is going to have to win some gold. My gut says that Hoff, Torres and Coughlin aren't finished yet, especially Coughlin. She looked so pissed that her relay team took silver for the second consecutive Olympiad.
And right now, I wouldn't mind a little anger from the rest of this American swimming squad.
Larsen Jensen took bronze in the 400m freestyle. Katie Hoff lost her world record in the 400m IM and also lost the gold, also taking bronze. The heralded Dara Torres and Natalie Coughlin couldn't do enough for the women's 400m relay team to reclaim the gold medal they lost in 2004. They took silver for the second consecutive Olympics to the Dutch. (Ryan Lochte had no other choice but to take something no better than silver in the 400 IM. He was swimming against Phelps).
Now, these results aren't bad, per se. Hoff was a disappointment for sure. Jensen and the relay team? Probably not.
But it does say one thing: in the world of (American) swimming, there's Phelps and then there's his teammates. There was a time when I thought someone like Coughlin or Hoff could be the Phelps of the women's world. However, I think there's too much parity. And, Phelps is just that awesome.
If anyone wants to break out of that huge shadow that Phelps is casting, then someone is going to have to win some gold. My gut says that Hoff, Torres and Coughlin aren't finished yet, especially Coughlin. She looked so pissed that her relay team took silver for the second consecutive Olympiad.
And right now, I wouldn't mind a little anger from the rest of this American swimming squad.
One Down, Seven More for Phelps
The mystique stays alive, with uber-star Michael Phelps not disappointing by taking the gold in the 400 IM in world-record fashion.
I think that Phelps will break the Olympic record held by Mark Spitz and will grab eight gold medals. It might be the most anti-climatic thing that happens at these Olympics. Kind of like a horse who has won the first two legs of the Triple Crown and the fizzles out at the Preakness.
So, instead of talking about how awesome that race was by Phelps (he destroyed everyone and broke the world record by almost four seconds) I'll be tracking Phelps' success by comparing him to competing Olympic nations.
There are 204 nations competing at these Games, and not all of them are going to have one gold medal, let alone eight.
As of right now, just looking at the gold medal count, Phelps would be tied for fourth in the number of gold medals. He ties the nations of Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, Romania and the Czech Republic. He also tied the United States if you remove him from the American count.
And if you do take Phelps as an individual nation, only China and South Korea have more gold medals than he.
Of course, these numbers will change. However, as of right now, Phelps has more gold medals than 196 if the nations competing in Beijing during these Olympics. Pretty impressive.
I think that Phelps will break the Olympic record held by Mark Spitz and will grab eight gold medals. It might be the most anti-climatic thing that happens at these Olympics. Kind of like a horse who has won the first two legs of the Triple Crown and the fizzles out at the Preakness.
So, instead of talking about how awesome that race was by Phelps (he destroyed everyone and broke the world record by almost four seconds) I'll be tracking Phelps' success by comparing him to competing Olympic nations.
There are 204 nations competing at these Games, and not all of them are going to have one gold medal, let alone eight.
As of right now, just looking at the gold medal count, Phelps would be tied for fourth in the number of gold medals. He ties the nations of Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, Romania and the Czech Republic. He also tied the United States if you remove him from the American count.
And if you do take Phelps as an individual nation, only China and South Korea have more gold medals than he.
Of course, these numbers will change. However, as of right now, Phelps has more gold medals than 196 if the nations competing in Beijing during these Olympics. Pretty impressive.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
My Top 10 Things to Watch at the Games
The opening ceremonies are Friday. Olympic football starts a few days earlier. Beijing is ready to "let the world in" as those really stupid NBC commercials say.
Here are 10 things to lookout for at the Games this year (and of course there's a little bit of an American slant to this).
10. Chinese Regatta: Okay, maybe this one isn't so American. China has been excited for this for seven years, and trust me, they've been breeding their Olympians ever since they won the right to host. One of the more interesting tales of this comes in the world of rowing, where China hasn't done anything. That might all change this year. If there's a Chinese wave in the rowing waters this year, don't be surprised.
9. U.S. Versus China: Continuing on this Chinese versus the world theme, this might be the first time since the end of the Cold War that the United States might be challenged in the medal count. It's those breeding programs in China, trust me.
8. USA Basketball: The women will be a lock for the gold. I'll guarantee that. But the U.S. men, that's a whole different story. The Americans haven't won a major international tournament since 2000. Is the United States' monopoly on global domination waning? With a team full of uber-stars like Lebron and Kobe, anything but gold will be a disaster.
7. Swan Song for Softball and Baseball: The USA dominates softball. Since its inception in the Games in 1996, no one else as tasted gold. It's different for the USA Baseball, which has only won one gold medal since 1992. With baseball gone for the 2012 Games in London, can the Americans capture the gold for their national pastime?
6. Women's Soccer Rivalries: Brazil left a bad taste in the Americans mouth after last year's World Cup. Team USA is ready for a rematch. But the Games are in China, and ever since that 1999 World Cup, China and the USA haven't been the best of friends.
5. How's Tyson Gay's Leg: Gay is the track star for the Americans. But after injuring his hamstring in Eugene, Ore., during Olympic Qualifying, can he still be the fastest American alive, or will Team USA have to look to someone else for Olympic gold?
4. The Next Great American Gymnast: The Hamm brothers are back and are likely to strike gold again. But the women always steal the show. Sixteen-year-old Shawn Johnson now has the chance to put her name along side the likes of Mary Lou Retton, Kerri Strug and Carly Patterson.
3. The Wise Old Master: Can Dara Torres be the 41-year-old sensation and one of the oldest athletes to ever touch Olympic gold? She only has two events to do it in, which is just fine for that body that has to be massaged after every race.
2. Argentina's March to the World Cup: I'm going to make it official right now: Argentina is going to win the World Cup in 2010. The gold medalists from 2004 return with a star-studded side and play with a fierce aggression and creativity that scares the shit out of me. They play fast and any time they touch the ball, they can score. But of course, the Olympics have always been a place for upsets, so I wouldn't be too surprised if someone either than Brazil, Italy or the Albicelestes wins the thing.
1. Believe the Hype: Michael Phelps wants eight gold medals. He can get eight gold medals. Anything else for the American swimmer, then there's goes that title of "best ever."
Here are 10 things to lookout for at the Games this year (and of course there's a little bit of an American slant to this).
10. Chinese Regatta: Okay, maybe this one isn't so American. China has been excited for this for seven years, and trust me, they've been breeding their Olympians ever since they won the right to host. One of the more interesting tales of this comes in the world of rowing, where China hasn't done anything. That might all change this year. If there's a Chinese wave in the rowing waters this year, don't be surprised.
9. U.S. Versus China: Continuing on this Chinese versus the world theme, this might be the first time since the end of the Cold War that the United States might be challenged in the medal count. It's those breeding programs in China, trust me.
8. USA Basketball: The women will be a lock for the gold. I'll guarantee that. But the U.S. men, that's a whole different story. The Americans haven't won a major international tournament since 2000. Is the United States' monopoly on global domination waning? With a team full of uber-stars like Lebron and Kobe, anything but gold will be a disaster.
7. Swan Song for Softball and Baseball: The USA dominates softball. Since its inception in the Games in 1996, no one else as tasted gold. It's different for the USA Baseball, which has only won one gold medal since 1992. With baseball gone for the 2012 Games in London, can the Americans capture the gold for their national pastime?
6. Women's Soccer Rivalries: Brazil left a bad taste in the Americans mouth after last year's World Cup. Team USA is ready for a rematch. But the Games are in China, and ever since that 1999 World Cup, China and the USA haven't been the best of friends.
5. How's Tyson Gay's Leg: Gay is the track star for the Americans. But after injuring his hamstring in Eugene, Ore., during Olympic Qualifying, can he still be the fastest American alive, or will Team USA have to look to someone else for Olympic gold?
4. The Next Great American Gymnast: The Hamm brothers are back and are likely to strike gold again. But the women always steal the show. Sixteen-year-old Shawn Johnson now has the chance to put her name along side the likes of Mary Lou Retton, Kerri Strug and Carly Patterson.
3. The Wise Old Master: Can Dara Torres be the 41-year-old sensation and one of the oldest athletes to ever touch Olympic gold? She only has two events to do it in, which is just fine for that body that has to be massaged after every race.
2. Argentina's March to the World Cup: I'm going to make it official right now: Argentina is going to win the World Cup in 2010. The gold medalists from 2004 return with a star-studded side and play with a fierce aggression and creativity that scares the shit out of me. They play fast and any time they touch the ball, they can score. But of course, the Olympics have always been a place for upsets, so I wouldn't be too surprised if someone either than Brazil, Italy or the Albicelestes wins the thing.
1. Believe the Hype: Michael Phelps wants eight gold medals. He can get eight gold medals. Anything else for the American swimmer, then there's goes that title of "best ever."
Friday, August 1, 2008
Hardy's Dream Over
Jessica Hardy's Olympic dream is done, but her nightmare may not be over.
Yes, she's tested positive for a banned substance. Yes, she's not going to be able to fulfill her dream and say that she was an Olympian. But her dream may be over of ever going to the Olympics. As of right now, Hardy is done with swimming competition. She's banned for at least two years. Yeah, she can train. She can swim exhibitions. But there isn't anything like swimming against the best in the world to see where you stack up.
I know that Hardy is good. I saw her swim at Cal. She works hard. She'll probably be able to bounce back from this, but if she doesn't get her penalty softened, she may lose time to be able to make a splash in London for the 2012 Games.
US Swimming also botched this one badly, and Christine Brennan of the (admirable, but-you-know-its-not-always-there) USA Today agrees that the suits at USA Swimming should have handled Hardy's situation better.
Tara Kirk, Lara Jackson and Amanda Weir should have replaced Hardy in three different events in Beijing, as they were the ones who finished third (or fifth in Weir's case) in their respective events at the trials in July. Instead, current members of the US National Team will swim in Hardy's place.
This probably happened because it was political. And it was political because the coaches probably didn't want to replace Hardy. Especially if you look who is on the coaching staff (current Cal head coach and Hardy's former coach in Teri McKeever). I don't know how much power McKeever wields in the politics of USA Swimming, but when you're star prodigy is Natalie Coughlin, I'm pretty sure you hold a lot of power. (I'll have more on that later, probably after the Games, or maybe during, who knows).
But what I do know is that Hardy is out and her fight to get into the pool has just started. Too bad Kirk (even though she went to Stanfurd), Jackson and Weir don't get to wear the colors in a week or so.
Yes, she's tested positive for a banned substance. Yes, she's not going to be able to fulfill her dream and say that she was an Olympian. But her dream may be over of ever going to the Olympics. As of right now, Hardy is done with swimming competition. She's banned for at least two years. Yeah, she can train. She can swim exhibitions. But there isn't anything like swimming against the best in the world to see where you stack up.
I know that Hardy is good. I saw her swim at Cal. She works hard. She'll probably be able to bounce back from this, but if she doesn't get her penalty softened, she may lose time to be able to make a splash in London for the 2012 Games.
US Swimming also botched this one badly, and Christine Brennan of the (admirable, but-you-know-its-not-always-there) USA Today agrees that the suits at USA Swimming should have handled Hardy's situation better.
Tara Kirk, Lara Jackson and Amanda Weir should have replaced Hardy in three different events in Beijing, as they were the ones who finished third (or fifth in Weir's case) in their respective events at the trials in July. Instead, current members of the US National Team will swim in Hardy's place.
This probably happened because it was political. And it was political because the coaches probably didn't want to replace Hardy. Especially if you look who is on the coaching staff (current Cal head coach and Hardy's former coach in Teri McKeever). I don't know how much power McKeever wields in the politics of USA Swimming, but when you're star prodigy is Natalie Coughlin, I'm pretty sure you hold a lot of power. (I'll have more on that later, probably after the Games, or maybe during, who knows).
But what I do know is that Hardy is out and her fight to get into the pool has just started. Too bad Kirk (even though she went to Stanfurd), Jackson and Weir don't get to wear the colors in a week or so.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Kudos to the Merc for Using the Word "Ripples"
The whole Jessica Hardy thing continues to boil over, especially as Team USA has already left Stanford, Calif., for Singapore for its final prep before the Olympic Games. And of course, Hardy is still saying that she's innocent.
Whatever FINA or whoever makes the decision about whether or not Hardy swims in Beijing, her positive drug test has sent shockwaves around the world, so much so that the San Jose Mercury-News was so excited that one of its copy editors decided to headline a story running today with the word. "ripple."
That story is about Tara Kirk, a former Stanfurd swimmer, who was beat out by Hardy in the 100-meter breaststroke at the US Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb. Seems like Kirk really wants a spot on that Olympic roster, asking for USA head coach Mark Schubert to appeal FINA's rules and add Kirk and UofA's Lara Jackson to the squad. Under the rules, once a national team has sent in its roster, any vacated event must be filled with someone who is already on the roster.
Obviously, this is very fickle. In a true team sport, such as basketball or football (soccer), I would see why a rule like this prevents a team with a deep talent pool from just calling whomever they want to play whenever they want. For example, Dwight Howard gets hurt in that first game, no problem, Brad Miller or Amare Stoudamire is on their way from the States.
But swimming is inherently an individual sport. Is there a team medal awarded for the best swimming countries, a la gymnastics? I didn't think so. So FINA should just let whoever finished third or fourth take the place of finalists who do get suspended or have a freak injury or just decide that the air in Beijing is truly poor and skip out on the whole Olympics thing.
There's no need to punish someone who finished a swim .02 seconds behind someone who is being investigated for testing positive for banned substances.
On a side note, Australia's head coach thinks that this whole episode with Hardy will inspire the Americans in Beijing. Sure it will. I just think that Coach Thompson is just making excuses for his Aussies and preparing the media for the day(s) when the Red, White and Blue kicks their asses in the water. That just me though.
Oh, I did mention that this sent shockwaves around the world and you're asking how? Count them: 1) Australia is talking about this, 2) and Kirk is talking about this from vacationing in Ireland. It wouldn't be the first place I'd go to unwind, but I just wonder if Kirk will have to go back to the United States to pick up her $3,000 worth of Team USA gear if she does make the team, or if USA Swimming will just Fed Ex that stuff to her.
Whatever FINA or whoever makes the decision about whether or not Hardy swims in Beijing, her positive drug test has sent shockwaves around the world, so much so that the San Jose Mercury-News was so excited that one of its copy editors decided to headline a story running today with the word. "ripple."
That story is about Tara Kirk, a former Stanfurd swimmer, who was beat out by Hardy in the 100-meter breaststroke at the US Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb. Seems like Kirk really wants a spot on that Olympic roster, asking for USA head coach Mark Schubert to appeal FINA's rules and add Kirk and UofA's Lara Jackson to the squad. Under the rules, once a national team has sent in its roster, any vacated event must be filled with someone who is already on the roster.
Obviously, this is very fickle. In a true team sport, such as basketball or football (soccer), I would see why a rule like this prevents a team with a deep talent pool from just calling whomever they want to play whenever they want. For example, Dwight Howard gets hurt in that first game, no problem, Brad Miller or Amare Stoudamire is on their way from the States.
But swimming is inherently an individual sport. Is there a team medal awarded for the best swimming countries, a la gymnastics? I didn't think so. So FINA should just let whoever finished third or fourth take the place of finalists who do get suspended or have a freak injury or just decide that the air in Beijing is truly poor and skip out on the whole Olympics thing.
There's no need to punish someone who finished a swim .02 seconds behind someone who is being investigated for testing positive for banned substances.
On a side note, Australia's head coach thinks that this whole episode with Hardy will inspire the Americans in Beijing. Sure it will. I just think that Coach Thompson is just making excuses for his Aussies and preparing the media for the day(s) when the Red, White and Blue kicks their asses in the water. That just me though.
Oh, I did mention that this sent shockwaves around the world and you're asking how? Count them: 1) Australia is talking about this, 2) and Kirk is talking about this from vacationing in Ireland. It wouldn't be the first place I'd go to unwind, but I just wonder if Kirk will have to go back to the United States to pick up her $3,000 worth of Team USA gear if she does make the team, or if USA Swimming will just Fed Ex that stuff to her.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Making Sense of Hardy's Mess
One piece of news that I am very interested that has come out in the last couple of days is potential Olympic hopeful and former world record holder Jessica Hardy's positive test for a banned substance. One of the reasons being is because I'm a huge Cal fan (as I am a graduate of that fine university) and that Hardy swam for the Bears for two years before turning pro last year.
Of course, Hardy's agent and current club coach, Dave Salo, have come out in Hardy's defense. Salo says that Hardy's positive test may have come from "inadvertent consumption."
The OC Register has the great story of how Hardy is an endorser for AdvoCare, a sports supplement company and how a handful of other Olympians have been linked to the company.
After reading that story and reading a couple of other reports, Salo (who currently is the head coach of the USC swimming programs) may be right. There is no knowing what these athletes truly put in their bodies when they take these supplements. Sure, the product may contain substances that aren't banned by sport governing bodies, but they may be contaminated.
My take is why risk such a thing? Why would any athlete risk the chance of losing their opportunity to compete by taking these substances? Do these substances really give athletes that much of an edge?
Salo's statements also remind me of when Barry Bonds was first charged with taking banned performance enhancers. Remember when Bonds said that he didn't know what he was taking?
I feel somewhat sorry for Hardy if she does lose her Olympic roster spot. There's no doubt that she deserves it. But at the same time, athletes need to know what their putting in their bodies and they need to know for sure.
Inadvertent? Doesn't matter to me. She tested positive. I don't think Hardy can get out of this pickle. If she does, then a cloud may hang over her whenever she steps into the pool in Beijing.
And, as a larger point, do athletes really need to these performance enhancers to be jump higher, be swifter and be stronger?
It has also come out now that Hardy's positive test was for a drug that normally treats asthma. To come to her defense, the Bleacher Report has this story that states that: a) Hardy has asthma and b) many athletes take asthma medication and get a pass for it.
However, the asthma medication that Hardy tested positive for is a banned substance. So, not too much to put up as a defense there.
Bottom line: just don't put shit in your body.
Of course, Hardy's agent and current club coach, Dave Salo, have come out in Hardy's defense. Salo says that Hardy's positive test may have come from "inadvertent consumption."
The OC Register has the great story of how Hardy is an endorser for AdvoCare, a sports supplement company and how a handful of other Olympians have been linked to the company.
After reading that story and reading a couple of other reports, Salo (who currently is the head coach of the USC swimming programs) may be right. There is no knowing what these athletes truly put in their bodies when they take these supplements. Sure, the product may contain substances that aren't banned by sport governing bodies, but they may be contaminated.
My take is why risk such a thing? Why would any athlete risk the chance of losing their opportunity to compete by taking these substances? Do these substances really give athletes that much of an edge?
Salo's statements also remind me of when Barry Bonds was first charged with taking banned performance enhancers. Remember when Bonds said that he didn't know what he was taking?
I feel somewhat sorry for Hardy if she does lose her Olympic roster spot. There's no doubt that she deserves it. But at the same time, athletes need to know what their putting in their bodies and they need to know for sure.
Inadvertent? Doesn't matter to me. She tested positive. I don't think Hardy can get out of this pickle. If she does, then a cloud may hang over her whenever she steps into the pool in Beijing.
And, as a larger point, do athletes really need to these performance enhancers to be jump higher, be swifter and be stronger?
It has also come out now that Hardy's positive test was for a drug that normally treats asthma. To come to her defense, the Bleacher Report has this story that states that: a) Hardy has asthma and b) many athletes take asthma medication and get a pass for it.
However, the asthma medication that Hardy tested positive for is a banned substance. So, not too much to put up as a defense there.
Bottom line: just don't put shit in your body.
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