Joel from the17thman posted a quote by Australian swimming hero and bodysuit proponent, Ian Thorpe, in which the Thorpedo states he does not think records set in bodysuits should require an asterisk next to their times. Joel goes on to provide a colorful quote of his own on the topic of bodysuits:

“Dear press, before you bitch about swim suits I offer you the challenge of 1 year in USMS or FINA Masters or Competive Swimming. Otherwise your views are pointless and well [expletive deleted]!” (source)

Joel touches on an important point: shouldn’t those in a position to make decisions (or provide views and analysis) about the sport’s future be active participants in the sport itself?

This got me thinking more about athlete representatives. I remember some talk about it in the heat of the suit debacle this past year, but I don’t remember anything substantial being released. After some digging I found the USA Swimming Athletes Committee Manual online. This provided some information about the type of athlete representation that is currently in place.

As stated in the manual, the purpose of the Athletes’ Committee is to promote the athletes’ best interests. I found a list of the Athletes’ Executive Committee members (below) but couldn’t find any publications or minutes about their activities. Then again, I didn’t attend the United States Aquatic Sports Convention where the committee meets annually – so maybe there is more information out there somewhere.

Athletes’ Executive Committee members
Tyler Storie (2010), Chair
Linda Riker (2010), Vice Chair
Maddy Crippen (2012)
Tom Dolan (2009)
Jake Grosser (2010)
Tim Liebhold (2010)
Ann Marie Mayers (2010)
Blake McKay (2010)
Zach Niles (2010)
Trent Staley (2010)
Chris Thompson (2010)
Kicker Vencill (2010)
Stacy Michael-Miller, Staff Liaison
Lindsay Mintenko, Staff Liaison

Why isn’t this more public? Can the athletes release a statement or is their opinion rolled in with Board of Directors’ statements?

Related: Rob Aquatics USAS Convention Coverage