World Short Course 2006

[ringer]

The British Team for Shanghai has been announced on the British Swimming site today comprising only eight swimmers set to compete at next year’s World Championships (25m) in Shanghai between 5th & 9th April 2006.

Representing Britain will be:
Chris Cook (City of Newcastle)
Mark Foster (University of Bath)
James Gibson (Loughborough University)
Liam Tancock (Loughborough University)
Rebecca Cooke (City of Glasgow)
Kate Haywood (Loughborough University)
Mel Marshall (Loughborough University)
Caitlin McClatchey (Loughborough University).

Conspicuous absentees which spring to mind are the high-ranking Davies, Burnett and Davenport?????.....I feel sure there must be others but names are not at forefront of my mind in this holiday haze.



.

[selkie]

American rosters- some big names missing there as well

2006 Short Course World Championships Team Roster
WOMEN
Alicia Aemisegger (Oreland, Penn. / Germantown Academy)
Elaine Breeden (Lexington, Ky. / Wildcat)
Maritza Correia (Valrico, Fla. / Athens Bulldog)
Mary Descenza (Naperville, Ill. / Athens Bulldog)
Jessica Hardy (Long Beach, Calif. / Irvine Novaquatics)
Margaret Hoelzer (Huntsville, Ala. / Auburn Aquatics)
Tara Kirk (Bremerton, Wash. / Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics)
Rachel Komisarz (Louisville, Ky. / Lakeside)
Carly Piper (Grosse Pointe, Mich. / Wisconsin Aquatics)
Kaitlin Sandeno (Los Angeles, Calif. / Trojan)
Rebecca Soni (Plainsboro, N.J. / Scarlet)
Amanda Weir (Lawrenceville, Ga. / Swim Atlanta)
Kate Ziegler (Great Falls, Va. / The FISH)
MEN
Randall Bal (Fair Oaks, Calif. / Stanford Swimming)
Nicholas Brunelli (Mansfield, Mass. / Sun Devil Aquatics)
Jayme Cramer (Westfield, Ind. / Southeastern SC / Stanford)
Matthew Grevers (Lake Forest, Ill. / Scout Aquatics / Northwestern)
Larsen Jensen (Bakersfield, Calif. / Trojan)
Cullen Jones (New Brunswick, N.J. / NC State Aquatics)
Jason Lezak (Irvine, Calif. / Irvine Novaquatics)
Tim Liebhold (Chapel Hill, N.C. / Wisconsin Aquatics)
Ryan Lochte (Daytona Beach, Fla. / Daytona Beach / Florida)
Robert Margalis (St. Petersburg, Fla. / Georgia)
Giordan Pogioli (Peoria, Ill. / Purdue)
Chris Thompson (Roseburg, Ore. / Club Wolverine)
Scott Usher (Grand Island, Neb. / Wyoming)

[lane4]

American rosters- some big names missing there as well Maybe, but there are several Olympic medal winners in the list so it's still a pretty good team!

[ringer]

The British LC event at Sheffield is over the same period so those not selected for SC in Shanghai have a direct alternative competition.
Was the selection process for the Worlds that tough or are some of the missing notables better suited to LC ie not striking SC medal hopefuls?

[Steve]

The British LC event at Sheffield is over the same period so those not selected for SC in Shanghai have a direct alternative competition.
Was the selection process for the Worlds that tough or are some of the missing notables better suited to LC ie not striking SC medal hopefuls?
The policy is here:
http://www.sportcentric.com/vmgmt/vfilemgmt/page/filedownload/1,8202,5026-49221-98583-0-file,00.pdf

The criteria weren't easy but the key seems to be the first sentence:

Subject to Funding, a small, medal-focussed team of selected Commonwealth Games 2006 swimmers will be offered selection for the 2006 World Short Course (WSC06). This will not be a compulsory meet.

[spw]

Links:

Official website of 8th FINA short-course World Championships (Shanghai, China). (http://www.fina-shanghai2006.com/en/)

Coverage of the Shanghai Worlds on the official FINA website. (http://www.fina.org/specialevents/shanghai06/8thFINAWorldSwimmingChampionships.htm)

FINA short-course world records and world championship meet records. (http://com4.runboard.com/bsportsworld.fswimming.t163)

Download the entry list for all events. (http://www.fina-shanghai2006.com/en/competetion/doc/entryList.pdf)

Listing of past short-course world championship medallists. (http://www.gbrathletics.com/sport/swimwcs.htm)

[Sush]

Any thoughts on our performances in todays heats?

[Linny]

There is just no way Tara Kirk's elbows are under the water. She might as well just swim fly and be done with it.

Just my humble opinion of course but I wonder just how far clear they would have to be for it to be deemed illegal? I'm sure they are getting further out as each year goes by.

[ringer]

I think the stand out heat result for the wrong reason is Liam Tancock's 53.90 in 100 back that didn't carry him through to the semi's.
Surprising that his Melbourne form hasn't stood up particularly at short course where his underwater strength might have been expected to give him advantage.

[NotVeryFast]

There is just no way Tara Kirk's elbows are under the water. She might as well just swim fly and be done with it.

Just my humble opinion of course but I wonder just how far clear they would have to be for it to be deemed illegal? I'm sure they are getting further out as each year goes by.
Perhaps she could have some extra bone fused onto her elbows to make them stick out a bit further so she can keep that protrusion below the surface? :)

[Pete]

Oh dear! No 100m Breast finalists for men.

[Bazza]

No British finalists at all on day one - somewhat embarrassing for our 'small, medal-focussed' team.

[Bazza]

Also Craig Lord makes a good point in his article on Swimnews today - it's all very well Speedo coming up with the idea of blogs from top swimmers such as Michael Phelps and Leisel Jones, but instead of talking about the world championships, why aren't they taking part??

Another point Craig makes is that once again the world shortcourse championships have been put in a bad place in the calendar, and the result is a very unimpressive and almost boring world championships, and this is coming from a real swimming lover. FINA need to organise their calendar, sort it out and keep it consistent, so that the likes of the world championship don't keep descending into a farce.

[selkie]

I suspect FINA was hoping that the swimmers coming off of Commonwealth Games and NCAAs would try to stretch the taper out for a second meet, but it didn't work out that way for the most part.

[Bazza]

Yes, same as last time when they had it shortly after the Olympics with the result that many top swimmers didn't bother attending.

[ringer]

In the heats earlier today Mel Marshall and Mark Foster "cruised" into their semi's in 100 free and 50 free respectively.
Evening session (Shanghai time) is due to start shortly says Omega Live Timing..

Just discovered that the UTC/GMT offset for Shanghai is +8 hours.

It seems the next session starts at Noon BST

[NotVeryFast]

Mark Foster just failed to reach the final of the 50 free.

[lane4]

Mark Foster just failed to reach the final of the 50 free.
Not the best of endings to his 50 freestyle career. What a shame he never achieved his potential in the sport.

[KatieBun]

Not the best of endings to his 50 freestyle career. What a shame he never achieved his potential in the sport.
Question, Mr 4, from inexperienced coach to experienced coach. What, in your opinion, is the main reason for Mark Foster not fulfilling his potential?

[Vicki]

Ive always got the opinion that Mark Foster think hes knows best. He obvioulsy has a great deal of experience and knows a great deal about the sport and what suits him best. However, it does sometimes need someone from the outside to guide a swimming - a new perspective as it were. Ive just always got the opinion from interviews and the press that he will just do what he wants to do and thats that. His focus in latter years has seemed to be elsewhere...or maybe they are just his excuses.

[T-man]

Doesn't seem to be a good start for the brits, but what can be expected from such a small team and stupid selection policy? I thought Britain was all for giving experience to swimmers at all opportunities at high level competitions anyway? What were they thinking? This will send out the wrong message completely to younger swimmers - that Britain doesn't take World Championships seriously. Also bear in mind that we are trying to improve public interest in the sport and your average briton probably does care if we're winning medals in 25m or 50m pools at world level. Generally I have to say that I personally don't agree with this 'long course is everything' philosophy and see this as a wasted opportunity for GB to do well at a top meet. It is still the World Championships after all!

[Mac]

If you are going to criticise the British selection policy then you would have to apply that pretty much across the board. How many swimmers are there from, say, France, Canada, South Africa, Germany, Holland, even (albeit to a lesser extent) Australia. The bottom line is that short course champs aren't considered to be as prestigious as long course meets in much the same way as indoor athletics is not considered to be as important as outdoor athletics.

I don't really see it as "a wasted opportunity for GB to do well at a top meet" as we have just done that at the Commonwealths and i think i'd rather all of the swiimmers had come back home, swum at the trials and then got on with training for the European Champs (to which we will be sending a large team)

[Sush]

It's just a shame that we'd labled the team taken out to the championships as a small 'medal focused' group, yet we haven't been doing too well at all. Not that I am saying that is their fault!!! Our swimmers have more than proved themselves at the Commonwealths, but to then go straight into th world SC and not do too well can't be great for morale!

I agree I think it would have been much better to have come back home, take part in the trials and train for the coming Europeans.

Whether people agree with it or not, the SC championships aren't being taken seriously (or being used as a major championships) by a lot of countries, so we wouldn't be missing out - especially when you consider our performances so far. Surely a no show is better than building our team up to be something which they aren't able to be. They must need a rest!!! They deserve one! Commonwealths straight into world champs!!! :speechles

With the competition programme as busy as it is, you almost have to pick and chose which major comp you want to do well in. So if that means not focusing on the world SC to do better in another, especially when other countries are treating it the same, it's a choice that has to be made!

[Martin-Y]

Not the best of endings to his 50 freestyle career. What a shame he never achieved his potential in the sport.Oh come on, considering his age it would have been an enormous mountain to climb to expect to be world champion again especially if injury upset his training as he mentioned at CG. How do you know he didn't achieve his full potential, there is no magic formula and perhaps he did know his limitations best regarding what he could achieve. After all British Swimming is not falling over backwards to help 50m sprinters (isnt that why Zoe Baker left these shores).
It is a shame that he didn't win an Olympic Gold but he has still achieved more than most in a very long career. You may not like his personality but he still deserves the utmost respect. IMHO

[Linny]

Women's 400free looks an exciting prospect although it's a shame Manadou isn't swimming too.:)

From the heats on omegatiming (http://www.omegatiming.com/swimming/racearchives/2006/shanghai2006/index.htm)

1.
2 5 IVANENKO Anastasia 89 RUS 0.90 4:06.89 q

50m: 29.37 100m: 1:00.21 150m: 1:31.53 200m: 2:02.88 250m: 2:34.03 300m: 3:05.49 350m: 3:36.76 400m: 4:06.89

2.
4 4 PELLEGRINI Federica 88 ITA 0.86 4:07.07 q 0.18

50m: 28.44 100m: 59.14 150m: 1:30.55 200m: 2:02.53 250m: 2:33.75 300m: 3:05.46 350m: 3:37.12 400m: 4:07.07

3.
4 5 BARRATT Bronte 89 AUS 0.74 4:07.13 q 0.24

50m: 28.60 100m: 59.24 150m: 1:30.70 200m: 2:02.30 250m: 2:33.74 300m: 3:05.23 350m: 3:36.84 400m: 4:07.13

4.
2 3 MC CLATCHEY Caitlin 85 GBR 0.72 4:07.15 q 0.26

50m: 28.48 100m: 59.81 150m: 1:31.23 200m: 2:02.68 250m: 2:34.02 300m: 3:05.41 350m: 3:36.78 400m: 4:07.15

5.
2 6 BROCHADO Mariana 84 BRA 0.79 4:07.54 q 0.65

50m: 28.80 100m: 59.55 150m: 1:30.97 200m: 2:02.42 250m: 2:33.70 300m: 3:05.13 350m: 3:36.77 400m: 4:07.54

6.
3 4 ZIEGLER Kate 88 USA 0.82 4:07.57 q 0.68

50m: 28.85 100m: 59.70 150m: 1:30.85 200m: 2:02.23 250m: 2:33.61 300m: 3:05.15 350m: 3:36.88 400m: 4:07.57

7.
4 6 TAN Miao 87 CHN 0.81 4:07.78 q 0.89

50m: 29.28 100m: 1:00.41 150m: 1:31.84 200m: 2:03.34 250m: 2:34.71 300m: 3:06.16 350m: 3:37.46 400m: 4:07.78

8.
3 3 VILLAECIJA Erika 84 ESP 0.85 4:08.35 q 1.46


50m: 29.14 100m: 59.94 150m: 1:31.17 200m: 2:02.80 250m: 2:34.43 300m: 3:06.44 350m: 3:37.92 400m: 4:08.35

[Vincent]

Oh come on, considering his age it would have been an enormous mountain to climb to expect to be world champion again especially if injury upset his training as he mentioned at CG. How do you know he didn't achieve his full potential, there is no magic formula and perhaps he did know his limitations best regarding what he could achieve. After all British Swimming is not falling over backwards to help 50m sprinters (isnt that why Zoe Baker left these shores).
It is a shame that he didn't win an Olympic Gold but he has still achieved more than most in a very long career. You may not like his personality but he still deserves the utmost respect. IMHO

Indeed....
These arguments about M. Foster's ability to performance really do my head in! :mad:
Who can swim 22" at 50FS on this f**king message board! Some cannot even swim properly!

He had his time, he has held world record - RESPECT!
V.

[DAK]

Indeed....
These arguments about M. Foster's ability to performance really do my head in! :mad:
Who can swim 22" at 50FS on this f**king message board! Some cannot even swim properly!

He had his time, he has held world record - RESPECT!
V.

Calm down. Mr4 is entitled to his opinion and in this case I agree with him. Foster does deserve respect for his longevity in the sport and for his strong short course performances over a long period of time including world records. It is just a shame he didn't fufil his full potential in the Long Course arena where it really matters at world level.

I agree with Lane4, I think Foster could have acheived more than a few Commonwealth gold medals and a World Champs silver in terms of his pure ability.

[Vincent]

....I agree with Lane4, I think Foster could have acheived more than a few Commonwealth gold medals and a World Champs silver in terms of his pure ability.

Ah yeah....? How do you know..? :)

He could have achieved more...but decided not to do it...yeah, very wise!

[DAK]

Ah yeah....? How do you know..? :)

He could have achieved more...but decided not to do it...yeah, very wise!

I didn't say I knew, I said 'I think', you know, an opinion...

There are many people in many walks of life who do not realise their potential for various reasons, that is a fact. It is my (and others) belief that Mark Foster could have acheived more in swimming as he had the raw potential to do so.

[Pink Paraffin]

Ah yeah....? How do you know..? :)

He could have achieved more...but decided not to do it...yeah, very wise!

Just a few deep breaths and count to 10...

[NotVeryFast]

Wow, Ryan Lochte has broken Laszlo Cseh's 200 IM World Record, I have to admit I totally didn't see that one coming, he took almost 4 seconds off his time from the heats.

[Vincent]

I didn't say I knew, I said 'I think', you know, an opinion...

There are many people in many walks of life who do not realise their potential for various reasons, that is a fact. It is my (and others) belief that Mark Foster could have acheived more in swimming as he had the raw potential to do so.

Where is the raw potential the ASA need to focus on for London 2012? (Sorry I am ruining this thread...promise this is my last post...).

[Linny]

Where is the raw potential the ASA need to focus on for London 2012? (Sorry I am ruining this thread...promise this is my last post...).SwimClub would be very boring if people didn't write what they thought Vincent. I agree with your comments. Thing is we can't really judge potential, we can merely guess based on physical attributes and other innate talents and then using this information to make comparisons and projections. It isn't very accurate, there are too many variables.

Oh and the answer to the first bit? Most of them are probably playing football, tennis or golf. :devil:

[ringer]

What a shame he never achieved his potential in the sport.

So what was Mark Foster's real potential?

"Potential" is not an infinite commodity. It is limited by physiological and psychological considerations in the athlete.

The Champion is the athlete who is limited least by such constraints.

Without being unneccessarily negative Mark Foster may within his many glorious achievements have reached the limit of the extent of his potential so that it was unrealistic for him to expect more from himself.
Whilst an athlete might understand the limits of his potential he is unlikely to truly limit his goals and aspirations.....and so with MF we can be disappointed for him if he did not achieve his ambition of Olympic gold but who are we to be disappointed with him about his "underachievement"?
Mark Foster could not by any stretch of the imagination be considered as a swimming failure.

[NotVeryFast]

Thing is we can't really judge potential, we can merely guess based on physical attributes and other innate talents and then using this information to make comparisons and projections. It isn't very accurate, there are too many variables.
I'm sure at some point in the future we'll be able to sample a person's genes and immediately calculate their potential, like in the movie Gattaca. But even then we may find, as they did in the movie, that there is no gene for the human spirit ;)

If anyone hasn't seen Gattaca, I highly recommend it, it's a very inspiring movie. And it even has some swimming in it (see, I'm not dragging the thread totally off topic!).

[Linny]

I'm sure at some point in the future we'll be able to sample a person's genes and immediately calculate their potential, like in the movie Gattaca. But even then we may find, as they did in the movie, that there is no gene for the human spirit ;) And is this not a talent that constrains potential? I should say so. Limiting factors also include choice and external influences. Maybe Mark Foster could have won Olympic medals had he chosen to be a rower or a high jumper. I think our sport is very lucky that he chose swimming, won his 12 medals in world competitions (only 15 men have won more) and has stayed in the sport for so long. Let's celebrate his career and achievements.

If anyone hasn't seen Gattaca, I highly recommend it, it's a very inspiring movie. And it even has some swimming in it (see, I'm not dragging the thread totally off topic!).Yes it is a good film, and Jude Law is in it too. :)

[DAK]

Where is the raw potential the ASA need to focus on for London 2012? (Sorry I am ruining this thread...promise this is my last post...).

You merely need to look at the teams being sent to events such as the European Junior Championships and European Festival of Youth in the last year and the next couple of years to see where the ASA need to focus.

A look at the results of the current British Championships would also give you a few clues.

On another note Mark Foster finished 30th in the heats of the 50 Fly at the World SC Champs.

[Vincent]

You merely need to look at the teams being sent to events such as the European Junior Championships and European Festival of Youth in the last year and the next couple of years to see where the ASA need to focus.

A look at the results of the current British Championships would also give you a few clues.

On another note Mark Foster finished 30th in the heats of the 50 Fly at the World SC Champs.


I am sure the ASA will spot some raw potentials in those events.

...30th in the heats of the 50Fly.....I wish I could do that!! :flash:

[DAK]

I am sure the ASA will spot some raw potentials in those events.

...30th in the heats of the 50Fly.....I wish I could do that!! :flash:

The ASA have spotted raw potential hance why there is a camp for training in Australia and groups of 13-15yo girls have been competing in events like the US Open LC and Chinese Nationals in the last couple of years.

...maybe you could come 30th...and have just not reached your potential :devil:

[NotVeryFast]

And is this not a talent that constrains potential? I should say so.
I actually think that despite the appealing poetic nature of an intangible human spirit that somehow goes beyond what is in our genes, and allows people to exceed what might be considered their genetic potential, there is probably no such thing in reality. I agree with ringer, really, that a person has limits, both physical and psychological, and I suspect that genetics does indeed entirely determine a person's potential. Nurturing will then have a huge bearing on the extent to which a person achieves within that potential, particularly with regard to psychological aspects.

But every time I get in the pool, I'll continue to delude myself that it doesn't matter that I'm shorter and have smaller feet than Ian Thorpe, and I'll pretend that nobody can tell me what I can and can't achieve :)

[Tara]

The ASA have spotted raw potential hance why there is a camp for training in Australia and groups of 13-15yo girls have been competing in events like the US Open LC and Chinese Nationals in the last couple of years.

I do have to say that these swimmers aren't really "raw potential". This is slightly off topic but spotting raw talent is screening all children regardless of whether they are participating in the sport or not (i.e. everyone aged 11 in the country). This is primary talent identification. The secondary and much easier way to screen talent is to only look at those children who are already competing, and achieving success in the sport. It often fails to take into account the coaching and training that the child has been through or maturation stage.

[DAK]

I do have to say that these swimmers aren't really "raw potential". This is slightly off topic but spotting raw talent is screening all children regardless of whether they are participating in the sport or not (i.e. everyone aged 11 in the country). This is primary talent identification. The secondary and much easier way to screen talent is to only look at those children who are already competing, and achieving success in the sport. It often fails to take into account the coaching and training that the child has been through or maturation stage.

A fair point, 'raw' potential can be fairly subjective. I agree with what you say on the potential not taking into account coaching and maturation stage Vs talent/potential, this can be a very grey area.

[Vincent]

...maybe you could come 30th...and have just not reached your potential :devil:

Maybe...! :)

[selkie]

Wow, Ryan Lochte has broken Laszlo Cseh's 200 IM World Record, I have to admit I totally didn't see that one coming, he took almost 4 seconds off his time from the heats.

Lochte's had a couple of absolute monster short course seasons his last two years of NCAA swimming. Based on his short course yards times and form, the Americans were expecting big things from him this meet. He's been so good in college competition, there was probably a bit of disappointment he didn't get a WR in the 400 IM as well.

[Vincent]

Waiting patiently L4.

:)

[lane4]

Waiting patiently L4.
Well you better keep waiting as it's a long reply that would be required and I don't have the time just now. However, if you and Vincent want to find out as much as you appear to then please come and speak to me over the next couple of days at the Trials in Sheffield and I'll explain all.

I was very saddened to see Mark end his career with a 30th place swim in the 50 fly. I do respect his longevity and am glad he carreid on as long as he did. It's just a shame he couldn't go out on a high.

[Gina]

Lochte's had a couple of absolute monster short course seasons his last two years of NCAA swimming. Based on his short course yards times and form, the Americans were expecting big things from him this meet. He's been so good in college competition, there was probably a bit of disappointment he didn't get a WR in the 400 IM as well.

He swam awesomw at this years NCAAs. He beat Simon Burnett to the swimmer of the meet title and he deserved it too. He is very good in short course yard and metre pools. Hopefully he can master the long course pools and challenge the likes of Phelps and Peirsol's world records.

[Vincent]

....I was very saddened to see Mark end his career with a 30th place swim in the 50 fly. I do respect his longevity and am glad he carreid on as long as he did. It's just a shame he couldn't go out on a high.

Yes I actually second that, but this is saying different to "he should have done better in his past career" which was the point of all the arguments.

[lost_in_finland]

200 bk final today, lochte under 1:50?

[lane4]

"he should have done better in his past career" which was the point of all the arguments.
Well he should have done a LOT better in the major long course meets over the years. Anyone with half decent knowledge of swimming knows this to be the case.

[ruthcp]

200 bk final today, lochte under 1:50?

1.49!!!!!!!!!

[Vincent]

Well he should have done a LOT better in the major long course meets over the years. Anyone with half decent knowledge of swimming knows this to be the case.

Yes indeed, Jedi Master! I obviously know **** all about swimming, we are all idiots, sorry! :banghead:

[ruthcp]

Yes indeed, Jedi Master! I obviously know **** all about swimming, we are all idiots, sorry! :banghead:

Unless you want to give credence to your above rants (at least where it applies to you), you really ougth to chill a bit Vincent - doubt very much L4's comment was meant the way you appear to have taken it, though I'm sure he would correct me should I be wrong. :aarrgghh:

[Vincent]

Unless you want to give credence to your above rants (at least where it applies to you), you really ougth to chill a bit Vincent - doubt very much L4's comment was meant the way you appear to have taken it, though I'm sure he would correct me should I be wrong. :aarrgghh:

We are all friends! :wave: (a hint of latin-ness in my character - sorry!)

[T-man]

Lochte 49.99!!!

[ruthcp]

We are all friends! :wave: (a hint of latin-ness in my character - sorry!)

Plenty of latin-ness here Vincent I can promise you! :)
Glad you're in a better mood! :king:

[ruthcp]

Lochte 49.99!!!

:aarrgghh: :aarrgghh: he's on fire!!!

[Roro]

Awesome ! on the 200 m backstroke, he beat the Esposito's 200 m butterfly WR of more than one second o_O. I spoke about him with aleksandra putra (a French swimmer who swims in NCAA this year), it appears that he is a monster in his underwater swimming after a turn what could explain his incredible performance in short course.:aarrgghh:

[Linny]

it appears that he is a monster in his underwater swimming after a turn what could explain his incredible performance in short course.:aarrgghh:I would like to see FINA revise the rules such that in short course only 10m UW is permitted.

On a different note, from a TV perspective, I love for swimming to get SC coverage! It has more to offer a non-swimmy audience than LC (for all they may miss some of the "aesthetic qualities, perfection of stroke and ...skills" ;)), because outside perhaps of Australia most ordinary folk have no real concept of how bloody long a 50m pool is and as the result cannot possibly appreciate the speed and skills of the swimmers (a bit like watching Holding bowl[showing my age],without knowing the length of a pitch).

[Woodward]

It's not as if Lochte is a short-course specialist. He's an olympic silver medallist in the 200IM.

He was just shaded for silver by Cseh at Worlds in Montreal last year in the 200IM: 1:57.79. Along with a bronze in the 200 back: 1:57.00. His performances in Montreal as good as they were, had been seen as a disappointment for him.

With a few exceptions the meet was rather dull but that had to be expected. Very few of the top names that did show up were at peak form. Maybe it would be better if they scheduled it in latter part of the world cup series season. It will never rival LC but they can certainly do better.

[wendy]

I would like to see FINA revise the rules such that in short course only 10m UW is permitted.

On a different note, from a TV perspective, I love for swimming to get SC coverage! It has more to offer a non-swimmy audience than LC (for all they may miss some of the "aesthetic qualities, perfection of stroke and ...skills" ;)), because outside perhaps of Australia most ordinary folk have no real concept of how bloody long a 50m pool is and as the result cannot possibly appreciate the speed and skills of the swimmers (a bit like watching Holding bowl[showing my age],without knowing the length of a pitch).
Linny, you must be sooo old!! :aarrgghh:
Any snow in 'sunny wing'?

[Sean Piper]

Indeed....
These arguments about M. Foster's ability to performance really do my head in! :mad:
Who can swim 22" at 50FS on this ******* message board! Some cannot even swim properly!

He had his time, he has held world record - RESPECT!
V.

The shy and humble Aussie at the back of the class slowly raises his hand...:thumb:

[Vincent]

The shy and humble Aussie at the back of the class slowly raises his hand...:thumb:

:king: Respect!
V.

[rubberduckie]

yes another shy & humble Aussie agrees.

Mark had an excellent career. As for not winning LC medals - what could you expect of a country that only had a handful of 50m pools until recently?

Rephrase that -what could you expect of 4 countries & their pool building efforts? Perhaps they were waiting for the Romans to return .

[NotVeryFast]

I've just finished editing my recordings of the Eurosport broadcast of the World SC champs, and noticed the strangest thing. Some events are missing. I happened to edit Day 2 (Thu 6th April) last, where the order of events was as follows:

Women's 100m Freestyle Semi-Final
Men's 400m Individual Medley Final
Women's 50m Breaststroke Final
Men's 100m Backstroke Final
Women's 50m Butterfly Semi-Final
Men's 50m Freestyle Semi-Final
Women's 100m Backstroke Final <--- coverage starts here
Men's 100m Breaststroke Final
Women's 100m Individual Medley Semi-Final
Men's 100m Butterfly Final
Women's 800m Freestyle Final
Men's 4 x 200m Freestyle Final

Now, normally when this happened, they went back to show the finals that had been missed when there was a medal ceremony or semi-finals on, but that didn't happen on this day. And at the start of the programme, James Parrack said "And a welcome back, and welcome to British Eurosport viewers who are joining us at the start of the womens 100 backstroke final." This suggests that the broadcast had started earlier on some other channel, but British Eurosport only picked it up part way through :(

Can anyone shed any light on this? Nobody commented on it at the time earlier in the thread, so I was wondering if anyone noticed at the time that these events were missed but didn't comment, or if anyone managed to see them on some other channel :confused:

[Haddock]

There is an International version of Eurosport which carries the English commentary as well as German I think. This is available throughout Europe via the Astra 1 satellites (old Sky position in the sky)
I think you will only get reruns if this channel is running late.
British Eurosport was probably showing something that finished after the start of the swimming.

[NotVeryFast]

Thanks for the info Haddock. As usual it didn't seem to be anything too crucial that was on before the swimming, but that didn't stop them from delaying the start of the programmes for the World LC last year just to show some complete garbage for 15 minutes :banghead: