A few weeks ago, we examined the decision by the London Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG)’s decision to open the 2012 British Olympic Trials to other swimmers. (Click here to read all about it). We asked our readers what they thought allowing effect allowing foreign swimmers into the British Trials, and thus giving them a sneak preview at the London facility, would have on the British team.
Our voters were pretty well torn amongst the four options, but at the poll’s close, 33% of our readers thought that it wouldn’t hurt the British squad, but would be beneficial to the athletes who got to see the venue ahead of time. While the UK’s team would’ve liked to have had the advantage, if this is how the scenario plays out, at worst-case it will put all competitors on an even playing field. Although, that surely won’t be the only access the team has to the pool, so they should still have a slight advantage.
25% of our voters thought it could affect some swimmers in small ways, 21% thought it wouldn’t make one bit of difference, and the same 21% though it would totally reshape the trials. As you can see, our voters were well-spread across the spectrum from one extreme to another.
In a funny bit of swimming-politics, there was a large group of French and German voters who didn’t want to hear any complaints for their European rivals. In fact, roughly half of the people who voted for “Won’t make one bit of difference” have IP addresses that trace to Germany or France.
