Apologies to those who aren't fans of the US swim team...but I have been captivated by their speed, endurance and heart!!

OK, so the insane muscles aren't bad either, but that's a topic for a different forum!

I just can't believe how fast ALL the swimmers are swimming and how amazing the US results have been.

really enjoying it!

it is the new suits.....they may be outlawed at future events, it's still up in the air.

Yeah, those suits definitely mimic the scales on fish and probably should be banned. Still, since everyone can use them, at least the finish results are legit. I have to admit, I've been riveted this Olympics. Maybe it's the high definition broadcast or something, but I'm just totally hooked.

Rowdy Gaines said that the pool is designed for speed. something about the depth and reducing waves.

Is it really all the suits? They've been breaking records that were recently set and even ones set in qualifying heats in these Olympics.

Not so sure they should be banned. After all, no one complains when a new track shoe comes out or a better bike is created...

I too am riveted. I even watched gymnastics last night! lol got.to.get.some.sleep.

I listened to an interview with Australia’s head swim coach this morning on times. he made a number of points.

The suits are more effective for some than others. It depends on your body tissue. If you have a lean hard body the suits are less effective. If you have softer tissue the suits help stop vibrations that slow you down.

The lane markers and their ability to stop waves are very important. Apparently at Athens faster times were being swum in the outside lanes due to fewer waves. Also the depth of the pool does help somewhat with this.

He claims that what makes the biggest difference is training methods. Gone are the days of swimming most of the day in training for a 100 meter specialty event. Swimmers now train more intelligently for their targeted event.

he also noted the psychological carrot of having the times come down. If a swimmer knows that the time is achievable, then a number of them will respond and go out and do it!

In an interview one of Australia’s women noted that the journey over a number of Olympics had simply made her a better person and a better swimmer. so much of it seems to be what goes on in the head!

Good points, for sure. I guess the suits are here to stay, regardless.

I'm kind of bummed the basketball games are coming on at weird times. I think we can catch them on USA Network, but I'm too impatient and check the scores beforehand.

I was watching the rowing competitions and before this olympics I has no idea how fast they can move (I new it was fast but had no comparable measure). This year you see the bicyclers on the far bank peddling hard to keep up. Also I am amazed that you see little effort until after the race when you see them huffing and puffing. Amazing.

quote:

Originally posted by mjbarbag:
I was watching the rowing competitions and before this olympics I has no idea how fast they can move (I new it was fast but had no comparable measure). This year you see the bicyclers on the far bank peddling hard to keep up. Also I am amazed that you see little effort until after the race when you see them huffing and puffing. Amazing.

they make it look so easy, right? i probably couldn't run the length of the pool as fast as they can swim it!

If you want to bring some added enjoyment into the room while watching the Olympics try your own variation of this:

We are settled down on the couch watching the gymnastics. While my wife was marveling at the agility of the guy on the high bar, I quietly say “I could do that.”

The thought of seeing me even attempt it had her laughing for a long time.

I’ve since decided it is the perfect comment to make when something spectacular happens.

The only time I’ve come close to being right was while watching the medals being presented.

“I could do that.”

Definitely been enjoying the swimming and the gymnastics. It's so spectacular to watch these athletes. I'm a huge sucker for watching the Olympics, both winter and summer. I could seriously watch all day if I didn't have to work, eat, sleep, or use the bathroom

Thought the Olympics were fantastic. Particularly enjoyed the women's shower shots during the diving competition. Of course, beach volleyball wasn't hard on the eyes either.

I saw this today on CNN -- Kind of cool. I actuall took fencing at a PE in College. It is really really difficult to do.

Olympic fencer inspires new generation

Enjoy
MJ