Splashbacks 2020 – Jan.-Feb.: Tokyo Postponement Rumblings Begin; Sun Yang Banned
The year started with such anticipation, thanks to the scheduled 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Before long, though, the COVID-19 pandemic made an impact around the world and the sport – like life in general – was thrown for a loop. The Olympic Games were postponed until 2021 and athletes scrambled to continue their training amid pool shutdowns and limitations on social gatherings. As we prepare for 2021, there are a lot of uncertainties in terms of how the year will look.
But before we turn our attention to a new year, Swimming World will look back on 2020 in two-month increments. Our Splashback series, which is an annual tradition, presents the most-read articles from the website. We begin the series by looking at the stories that received the greatest attention in January and February.
1. Tokyo Olympic Games: Cancellation D-Day Late May Over “New War” Coronavirus, Says Dick Pound
Although the COVID-19 pandemic did not start to pound the United States until March, the rest of the world was dealing with it earlier, which prompted discussions about the potential of an Olympic Games postponement. Of course, that is exactly what unfolded, with the Tokyo Games pushed back one year.
2. Sun Yang vs. WADA Verdict: Damning Eight-Year Ban Ends Career Of Chinese Controversy
Controversial Chinese distance freestyler Sun Yang was hit with an eight-year ban after the Court of Arbitration for Sport found him guilty of violating the procedures of a doping test. The length of the ban effectively put an end to the international career of the Olympian and world-record holder, until the ruling was reversed by the Swiss Tribunal in December. Now, Sun’s case will be heard again by the CAS.
3. Adam Peaty Welcomes Eight-Year Ban After Sun Yang ‘Disrespects The Sport’
When word spread of the decision by the CAS to ban Sun Yang for eight years, athletes around the world saw the decision as a victory for clean sport. One of the most vocal swimmers was Great Britain’s Adam Peaty, who has long argued for strict penalties against those taking illegal paths to success.
4. 5 Strength Training Exercises to Improve Swimming Performance
Readers of Swimming World enjoyed an article that focused on specific weight-training exercises that could help build muscle and, as a result, improve performance in the pool. The feature continued to be a popular article throughout the year.
5. The Big Deal About a Swimmer’s Nutrition
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay, @silviarita
Like the previously mentioned strength-training article, readers appreciated a piece about fueling the body with proper fuel. The article discussed the importance of eating well and giving the body the boost necessary to handle heavy training.
6. 2020 NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships Official Psych Sheets Released
With anticipation building for the NCAA Division III Championships, Swimming World followers scoured the psych sheets for the D-III champs, eager to see who had the advantage for the team title or to see where someone they knew was seeded in a specific event.
7. Cate Campbell Breaks Her Silence to Shed Further Light on That Fateful Night in Rio
Cate Campbell – another year, another crown. Photo Courtesy: Swimming Australia
At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Cate Campbell was heavily favored to capture the gold medal in the 100 freestyle, only to finish off the podium. Nearly four years later, Campbell revisited that night in Brazil and discussed what transpired and how the night affected her moving forward.
8. Kieran Smith Blasts New American Record With 4:06 500 at SECs (RACE VIDEO)
Establishing himself as a mid-distance standout in the United States, Florida’s Kieran Smith put together a superb effort in the 500-yard freestyle at the SEC Championships. The American record by Smith made him the favorite for the NCAA title, but that meet was canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
9. David Curtiss Goes 19.42, Sets National Prep Record in 50 Free (Video)
A North Carolina State recruit, David Curtiss turned heads at the Eastern Interscholastic Championships when he set a national prep-school record in the 50-yard freestyle. Curtiss blazed through his two laps in 19.42.
10. Michael Phelps Slams USOPC For Silence In Face Of His Revelations Of Depression
Although retired after winning 28 Olympic medals during a storied career, Michael Phelps stayed in the headlines by speaking about depression and the need to support athletes with mental-health issues. As part of his push, Phelps criticized the USOPC for not doing enough for American Olympians.