Splashbacks 2020-July-August: Iowa Program Is Axed; Arizona State Goes Redshirt Route
The original schedule for July and August was for Swimming World to bring its readership coverage of the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Of course, that plan was short-circuited by – all together now – the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of coverage focused on world records and sizable medal hauls from the biggest stage in the sport, we continued to monitor the Coronavirus situation, the elimination of the University of Iowa program and the decision of Arizona State to redshirt its entire team for the 2020-21 season.
Previous Splashbacks
Here is a look at the top Swimming World website stories for July and August.
1. Strip Iowa of NCAA Champs Now! Disregard For Eliminated Programs Grows
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
After Iowa announced it was eliminating its swim program due to financial struggles, Swimming World ran an editorial that called the the school to lose its hosting rights to the 2021 NCAA Men’s Championships. With school showing disrespect for the swimming program, it didn’t deserve hosting status.
2. 16 Unspoken Swimmer Laws
There are many unwritten rules in sports, and swimming is no different. This article examined some of the understood rules for the pool, such as not pulling on lane lines and leaving at least five seconds after the previous swimmer has left the block during a set. Not surprising, these laws elicited passionate responses.
3. 10 Things That Should Not be Said to a Swimmer
There are certain comments that swimmers just do not want to hear, especially if they come from someone who is uneducated about the sport. For example, telling a swimmer that “a second is nothing” is unwise. Swimming is measured in fractions of a second, and a hundredth of a second matters – a great deal.
4. YMCA of Central Florida to Disband Competitive Teams Indefinitely due to COVID-19, 22 Clubs Affected
In early July, a major blow was dealt to more than 20 clubs in Central Florida when it was revealed they would cease operation. The decision was said to be related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but individuals noted that the Coronavirus was being used as a reason to cut the programs.
5. University of Michigan Swimmers Return to Pool, Causing Confusion Around State
While the rest of the state was blocked from using indoor pools, the University of Michigan used social media to reveal its return to practice at Canham Natatorium in mid-July. This revelation caused surprise and confusion around the state and the school was left to explain the situation.
6. Greg Louganis, Joey Cifelli Guest Star on ABC Game Show
Photo Courtesy: Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Olympic diving legend Greg Louganis appeared on the reality television show, Holey Moley II: The Sequel, and his presence caught the eyes of Swimming World’s readers. Louganis served as a diving judge on the show, which included a diving competition during one of the episodes.
7. What Makes the Perfect Swimmer’s Body?
Whether it be Michael Gross’ wingspan or Michael Phelps’ hull-like torso, the sport has long focused on specific body advantages. This article investigated the various benefits that can be found in a swimmer’s body, such as height, flexibility and fast-twitch fibers.
8. All Arizona State Swimmers to Redshirt 2020-21 Season, Bob Bowman Announces
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 2020-21 NCAA season unknown, Arizona State made the bold decision to redshirt its entire team for the year. The move came as a shock, but took away some of the uncertainty of the season, including how practices would be impacted.
9. The Age-Old Debate: What is the Hardest Event in Swimming?
Readers had a lot of fun with this piece, as there were many opinions about the question. Some individuals argued for the longest events on the program, such as the 1500 freestyle, while those who raced the 200 butterfly were passionate that no event was more strenuous. The back and forth was terrific!
10. University of Iowa to Cut Swimming & Diving After 2020-21 Season (Updated)
The news that a Big Ten Conference program was cutting its swim programs was major news and obviously didn’t sit well in the sport. The COVID-19 pandemic was again used as a shield for the decision, since salaries within the football program were off the charts and it didn’t cost much to run the swim programs.