Originally Posted by
Brian Ratliff
It's also a mistake to think that track racing needs to be a spectator sport again for the sport to thrive. Pools all across the US have almost no spectator seating and we are the strongest nation in the world at swimming events. Guess what: most of our pools are 25 yards, not 50 meters. Most are too shallow at one end, too deep in the other, and the water temp is too hot. You don't need spectator seating, you don't need standardized tracks and you don't need to cater to middle-aged athletes. You need to cater to middle-aged parents and their kids.
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Not to derail the thread but there is a lot to think about here. One of my nephews is a very good swimmer at both HS and USA Swimming Events (often at the same time). Go to a swim meet and see hundreds of kids of all ages and abilities competing hard. Parents spending all of their spare time (and a lot of cash) going to practices, paying for pool time and coaching.
I've been to some very nice facilities around San Antonio (we still don't have a Track), our city Schertz is just finishing a new Natatorium to add to the list. All for a sport that as Brian mentions has no spectators other than friends and family. No significant TV following or revenue outside of olympics, and very little Professional opportunity. There is a decent amount of scholarship money out there, that is a motivation for some families. From the perspective of someone involved in our sport it's mind boggling.