Okay, this is not so much about betting, but it just shows the uncertainty of sport.

Unless the Olympic swimmimg selectors show some common sense and bend their ridiculously strict qualifying rules, Ian Thorpe won't be able to defend his 400m freestyle title at Athens this year. I didn't see it, but apparently in his heat today, he overbalanced on the blocks, fell in prematurely and was disqualified!!! Under the rules, that's it. He doesn't get a chance to defend his title, despite the fact that he is obviously the best swimmer in the world over 400m!!! Australia may be lucky in that Grant Hackett will possibly win the event anyway, but I still think it stinks!

[ This Message was edited by: sportznut on 2004-03-27 17:04 ]

Yeh bummer dude! I’ll probably not sleep tonight just thinking about it :smile:

Hmmm, I think that there is more than a tad of sarcasm in that remark! :smile:

Hmmm, I think your getting a tad paranoid! :smile:

Well, personally I think it's ridiculous that Thorpe won't be able to defend his 400m title because of what happened today. The selection process should be all about picking the absolute best possible Olympic team for Australia and that means Thorpe being able to swim the 400m freestyle.

An earlier report I heard said Thorpe was disqualified in the qualifying heat after slipping off his block.

Later I heard his club had appealed against the disqualification on the grounds that the starter held the competitors too long and said Thorpe heard a noise which he mistook for the starter's gun.

The appeal was dismissed by both the meet referee and a jury of appeal - so I guess that's it - rules are rules - one door shuts & another one opens.

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Ta me go maith

Yes, but Swimming is one of the only sports where the selection all comes down to just one race, and besides we're still 5 months out from the Games. Thorpe is about a 6 or 7 seconds better swimmer than Stevens, and I just feel that special dispensations should be made for Olympic Champions and World Record holders. I think it's just stupid that we have the best 400m freestyle swimmer the world has seen and he's not going to represent us!

Hate to see ya stressin out sportznut.

I'll leave ya with a little joke that might bring a smile to ya dial :grin:




Once there was a millionaire who had a collection of live alligators. He kept them in a pool at the back of his mansion.

The millionaire also had a beautiful daughter who was single. One day, he decides to throw a huge party.

During the party he announces, "My dear guests, I have a proposition to every man here.

I will give one million dollars or my daughter to the man who can swim across this pool full of alligators and emerge unharmed!"


As soon as he finishes his last word, there is the sound of a large splash.

The guests all turn to see a man in the pool swimming as fast as he can. They cheer him on as he keeps stroking.

Finally, the swimming man makes it to the other side unharmed.


The millionaire is so impressed, he says, "My boy, that was incredible! Fantastic! I didn't think it could be done! Well, I must keep my end of the bargain. Which do you want, my daughter or the one million dollars?"




The man says, "Listen, I don't want your money. I don't want your daughter, either."


"I want the person who pushed me in that water!!!!" :evil:



Perhaps Thorpe should have used the same excuse :lol:

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Ta me go maith

Good one Paddy. :smile: