SportsNation Blog Archives
Swimming
On Wednesday, "First Take" debated Michael Phelps' rank among all athletes. This comes on the heels of Phelps winning his Olympic-record 19th medal in a team event on Tuesday. Skip Bayless wouldn't put him in his top 100 athletes of all time, because of swimming's smaller talent pool compared to, say, basketball. Stephen A. Smith thinks there's something to be said for absolutely dominating your sport in a way that Phelps has, regardless of the competition involved, though he puts Phelps below someone like Carl Lewis. What's your take?
Every four years, Olympic viewers get to see sports that otherwise don't draw much attention. Some seem like a lot of fun -- who doesn't love bouncing on a trampoline? Some, however, look like pure torture. Water polo players swim the entire match and do things that would get you kicked out of the Y. Open-water swimming comes with open-sea hazards (sharks, jellyfish, the Kraken). And what could be more cruel than a race in which you're disqualified for running? So we'll turn it to you: Which non-traditional Olympic sports would you like to try -- or avoid? And which do you enjoy watching? Vote below!
Rough water

As Stepanka Hilgertova of the Czech Republic shows, it's a challenge just to stay on course when you're fighting the rapids. Is this a sport you'd like to try or one you'd rather avoid?
On target

Chien-Ying Le of Chinese Taipei takes his sport seriously, as you'd expect at the Olympics. But they offer archery at summer camp, so it must be fun, right? Or would you prefer something more athletic, like springing tricks on a trampoline?
See for yourself

Chen Xu of China, left, with mixed doubles partner Jin Ma, shows how much speed and athleticism goes into Olympic badminton. Do you like watching the birdie? Or is fencing more your speed?
Go ahead ... admit it

If you like "Glee," maybe you also enjoy synchronized swimming, which is like a musical in a swimming pool, as shown by Team China. Or maybe dressage is more your thing. Which sport is your Olympic guilty pleasure?
Ryan Lochte has won his latest matchup with Michael Phelps in Olympic qualifiers. Will Lochte top Phelps in London?
- utmcw71689fan: "It's not surprising to see this. Phelps essentially took 3 years off from serious training after Beijing and Lochte has been a training warrior over that same time period."
- PowCsonka: "If I'm Lochte I'm starting to worry. Phelps is closing the gap in a hurry on Lochte's times and could be peaking at the right time, like most of the greatest athletes do, to swoop in and take the prize when it matters most at the Olympics. I would not be willing to bet against Phelps in London."
- John7234797: "Lochte is the best swimmer in the world although Phelps is still great. No way Phelps wins as many Golds as he did in China."
- ejgarnica: "Lochte obviously has been training for this event that Phelps has dominated for the past two Olympics, and Phelps just committed to the event, and so although he lost, taking second place at the trials, you have to consider that Phelps hasn't been training for this even for the past three years, and look where he is now. "
- dnasty3499: "Lochte is just better than Phelps at this event. Mike has no chance at all to ever beat this guy. "
- psahni: "Either way we all win but my money is on Lochte. We don't know if he's peaking or holding back because he's never been this good before let's see in a few weeks. "
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