Talent Pool

7 July 2008



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Torres Qualifies for Record Fifth Olympics

Swimmer Dara Torres first represented the US at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Over the week-end, she qualified for her fifth Olympiad. She won the 100 meter freestyle on Friday, and she set an American record in the 50 meters on Sunday. At 41, she is twice as old as some of her teammates. Her competitive drive seems as sharp as ever; she said, “I can’t sit here and lie and say, ‘Oh, I’m just glad I’m going’. I want a medal.”

The US Swim Team has always performed well at the Olympics. It has quite a lot to do with the weather in places like California and Florida as well as the disposable income that Americans have. The ancient Olympics focused on track and field, and the TV cameras always point at the perky gymnasts. However, it is in the pool that the Americans have excelled.

This time, in addition to Ms. Torres, the team will feature Michael Phelps, who will be making another run at breaking Mark Spitz’s record of 7 gold medals in one Olympiad. Mr. Phelps is entered in 8 events. With 6 from Athens, Mr. Phelps will arrive in Beijing as the man to beat. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Katie Hoff is entered in 5 individual events and a relay, and she has the potential to take the media’s attention away from the gymnasts.

Ms. Torres, though, has to be the sentimental favorite. Some have questioned whether she has had some help of the pharmacological kind, sensing this story is too good to be true. She’s never tested positive for any banned substances. USA Swimming’s coach Mark Schubert said, “She’s been a very spectacular talent since she was 14 years old. And she's never been out of shape a day in her life.”

In just 32 days, the Beijing Olympics begin, and the world will be able to decide for itself whether Ms. Torres’ story is too good to be true or just plain good.

© Copyright 2008 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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