FROM THIS ISSUE ... TREADING WATER

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What if Carmelo had wanted to become the Baltimore Bullet?

After watching the Olympics, the question arises more and more often, especially for parents of young athletes: What if we lived in China, or Norway, or Brazil or &hellip name a country here? It's a worthy question. If, say, you have a child who is unbeatable at badminton, the obvious problem quickly arises. Who else is there to beat?

In the current issue of ESPN the Magazine, our own Tom Farrey examines who we are, and how we might be able to better prepare future Olympians. Just how does the United States prepare our athletes for Olympic competition? Naturally, it depends on the popularity of the sport. Carmelo Anthony grew up in a tough part of Baltimore, Michael Phelps a more affluent section. They are both world class athletes.

But what if they each desired to play other's sport? Could they have been given the chance?

READ "TREADING WATER", A LOOK AT HOW WE NURTURE OUR FUTURE STARS, HERE.

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