For what it’s worth, I want to preface this post with the following: I subscribe to SwimNews.com, and I respect a lot of what Craig Lord says.  However, in his conversation with Garrett McCaffrey during Split Time, I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to turn off the stream!

“Enough already” or “Get to the point” frequently came out of my mouth, but, Craig, you kept going and going!  Without getting too much into the suit debate (because as far as I am concerned it happened and we are moving on as a swimming community), I understand both sides of the argument.  I understand Craig’s point about the challenge and the stretch that it is going to take athletes to make new World Records, and I value his opinion that it is not “fair” for the coming athletes to compete with those records.

In the same thought, however, as a coach I am inclined to agree with Garrett’s view of the situation.  Being competitive, I will always push for swimmers to break records.  Last year, I had an 8 and under hit a 16.39 on a 25 fly which was fast enough to win Regionals and break our team record.  Yes, I know they are 8 and under and the focus should be fun, but there should be goals for every swimmer and this is one of them.  That said, this is one of those goals that is now set for them to reach.

I think of these world records in the same way!  They are another reason for swimmers to work that much harder.  I would love to be the swimmer who says, “I broke the record that so and so had, AND I didn’t have a tech suit”.  That, to me, is a great accomplishment, and is not only a testament to my training, but also to my commitment to be the best there was suit or no suit.

I invite you to watch this segment (if you haven’t already) and let me know your opinions:

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