SwimSwam Pulse is a recurring feature tracking and analyzing the results of our periodic A3 Performance Polls. You can cast your vote in our newest poll on the SwimSwam homepage, about halfway down the page on the right side.
Our most recent poll asked SwimSwam readers how much weight they’re giving the medals won next week in Doha:
Question: What value would you give a medal from the 2024 World Championships compared to a normal edition?
RESULTS
- 50% – 37.9%
- 75% – 23.4%
- 100% – 18.1%
- 25% – 10.7%
- Less Than 25% – 10.0%
It’s no secret that the 2024 World Championships won’t hold the same prestige as any other edition.
While the medals won and the distinction of being a world champion will be all the same for the athletes, everyone knows there are a ton of the best swimmers in the world absent, opting to keep a traditional training schedule with the Olympics on the horizon.
Out of the 22 swimmers who won an individual world title in Fukuoka, just seven of them will be in attendance in Doha:
- Cameron McEvoy – men’s 50 free
- Matt Richards – men’s 200 free
- Ahmed Hafnaoui – men’s 800, 1500 free
- Hunter Armstrong – men’s 50 back
- Sarah Sjostrom – women’s 50 free, 50 fly
- Ruta Meilutyte – women’s 50, 100 breast
- Kate Douglass – women’s 200 IM
So knowing that more than two-thirds (15/22) of reigning world champions won’t be competing, and that 24 of the 34 individual events won’t have the defending gold medalist in the field, we asked readers how much value they’re giving the medals won in Doha.
Opinions were split with all options receiving at least 10 percent of the votes, but it was 50 percent leading the way with just under 38 percent.
At half value, that still credits the swimmer with coming out on top of a competitive field with the pressure on, but also recognizes the lack of competition that the swimmer had to face.
A combined total of 41.5 percent picked either 75 percent or 100 percent, meaning they’re giving the medals more weight, with 18 percent believing the medals are full-value, that the swimmers competing shouldn’t lose any credibility for those that aren’t there—you can only race who’s in front of you.
The lowest options, 25 percent and less than 25, earned a combined total of just over 20 percent.
We can break it down this way to get a clearer view on where people stand:
- 75+ – 41.5%
- 50 – 37.9%
- Less than 50 – 20.7%
Or even:
- 51+ – 41.5%
- 50 or less – 58.6%
All of this just shows that people are all over the place regarding how much value these medals hold, but for the athletes, especially those who reach the podium or win a gold medal for the first time, the lack of competition won’t matter at all.
Below, vote in our new A3 Performance Poll, which asks: If it happens, who wins in Paris:
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ABOUT A3 PERFORMANCE
The A3 Performance Poll is courtesy of A3 Performance, a SwimSwam partner.
Has there ever been a World Champs without any WRs set? Could possibly happen in 2024.
I recall this nearly ocurred in 2011, but Lochte came in clutch with that legendary 200 IM.
An excellent illustration of the age old law of supply and demand. Allow the “market” i.e., the fans or readers of this mag, to set a value on a product presented for consumption.
Athletes, especially ones which concentrate on excellence will chose for themselves where and when to compete, while the “consumers” will trade for whatever entertains their needs.
The best can only be in one place at a time. Large venues, colorful lights and Vegas odds do not an athlete make. No one went to the Colosseum without the expectation of blood.
Might this sport be hitting a saturation point with its audience? Doesn’t seem to bother the athletes.
Given the relatively weak fields the time will matter more than the placing.
It highlights the ridiculous issue the Fina has in swimming not communicating with the swimmers / coaches themselves .
They should have asked the question 18 months ago will you go if selected?
Its rare in any sport to hold a world championship and not have your best their , but that’s Fina do whatever they want without any regard for the sport itself
You think some of these elite swimmers made the decision ? Molly what only 20 if Dean said to her I don’t want you going Doha you need to train thru because the 100 trials race for the Olympics will be your biggest test to qualify what you think she going to say… Read more »
“It highlights the ridiculous issue the Fina has in swimming not communicating with the swimmers / coaches themselves .
They should have asked the question 18 months ago will you go if selected?”
World Aquatics doesn’t select the swimmers. They have selection criteria for worlds, but it’s up to NGB to select and send swimmers.
Also, WAQ can’t cancel World Championship just because many top pool swimmers decline to attend. First off all, it’s World AQUATICS Championship, it’s not just POOL swimming championship. There are open water, synchronized swimming, diving which use Doha as a selection phase for Paris. Second, WAQ would have to pay tens of million dollars if not a hundred million to Qatar if they cancel… Read more »
Medal value is the same as any other world championship. The Olympic games are way too far out yet to use them as an excuse not to participate here, because bottom line, even if you do not participate here in Doha, that doesn’t 100 per cent guarantee nor does it mean you will become an Olympic Champion. The championship is taking place. If you are not here participating, that is only and your problem alone. Not being here actually diminishes those who are not and swimming in general.
Completely agree. Don’t diminish the efforts of those athletes that took time and effort to go to worlds. Tired of hearing who didn’t go. Can’t wait to watch worlds this week.
Exactly. Not attending is relying on adjustment and assumption. It’s a poor way to think, regardless of outcome in Paris. Lifelong and in other realms the swimmers who understand the value of competing here are more likely to have greater clarity and make superior choices.
Let me emphasize I’m excluding the NCAA swimmers who are not attending.
The swimmers are not thinking Olympics they are thinking trials !
For some its under 3 months away .
Take the 100 women’s free in Australia whereby most likely 6 swimmers will go under 53 . Do you train thru miss Doha or are you Jack who is going brave move on her part !
Richards not swimming 2free
Summer McIntosh would beat Ledecky and win 800 but only if she drop 200 IM.
Who cares? Enjoy those who go, participate and drop times. You can only race those who show.