Professional Swimming Squad

[Chris]

Another gem from rec.sport.swimming.

Apparently, Inga de Bruijn and Peter van den Hoogenband (if that's how you spell it!) amongst others, have just been signed up to the new Philips (Dutch electrical company) professional swiming team.

Sounds like an interesting development.

Quite how it's going to work is another thing. Do they get paid to train and compete in ordinary competitions, or will we see more of the 'Skins' format of racing that's happening in Australia (and probably elsewhere.)

Comments on the prospect of swimming turning professional?

My opinion is that it's perfectly justifiable for swimmers to be able to earn a living from their sport - why shouldn't they?

------------------
Chris (Webmaster)
Beau Sejour Barracudas Swimming Club - Guernsey
http://www.barracudas-sc.org.gg/

[Conrad Cawley]

Yes,this is surely the way forward for swimming. As a nation (GB) we should and could lead the way. Swimming needs to be taken seriously as a sport.

------------------
Conrad

[This message has been edited by conrad cawley (edited 06 December 2000).]

[BigFish]

I'd be surprised if the money was available in many other places. Australia - sure, even the US - possibly, but the rest of the world?

Inky and vdh belong to a club that is essentially PSV football club (IIRC), so they have a professional sports background. But how many UK swim clubs could even consider such a move?

First step has got to be to generate more interest in the sport. When people (other than parents) are prepared to pay to watch competitions, then you can start thinking about professional atheletes, not before.

------------------
David Cuthbert (www.dartes.co.uk)
news@DaveC.org.uk