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Kieran Smith on Rampant US Trials DQs: “It would be one thing if there was consistency”

2023 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Day 3 prelims of the 2023 US Trials saw a big number of DQs during events with breaststroke (400 IM, 50 Breast), including Florida’s Emma Weyant (Olympic medalist in the 400 IM) and Minnesota’s Max McHugh (would have been top seed coming out of prelims in the 50 breast).

When asked about the DQ’s, Weyant’s teammate Kieran Smith commented on the consistency of these DQs, noting it would have been far less jarring if this kind of scrupulous behavior were to have been implemented is the US Open and throughout the Pro Swim Series as well. But as it stands with this metaphorical magnifying glass feeling relatively new, swimmers may have a bit more to fear than normal heading into the 100 breast tomorrow.

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Bulldog
1 year ago

I feel a lot of official at this level of meet let their egos get the best of them.

Fairbear
1 year ago

Consistency and uniformity in enforcing rules is the issue. Do you really believe Emma Wyant was trying to cheat in a grueling 400 IM? She has an Olympic silver and Worlds bronze. She was well on her way to these Worlds but for some arbitrary enforcement of this nebulous rule. ENFORCE RULES CONSISTENTLY. This DQ was a travesty. And yes, let us please see this violation so other swimmers can better understand what movement will result in a DQ? We are all on the same team correct, USA? Let’s prepare these swimmers. Show them what will get them DQ’d before you strip them of their hard work and dreams? Why make these calls in the shadows? Show the video and… Read more »

Falcon
1 year ago

2016 Olympic Trials was the first big meet with the Lochte Rule. Women’s 400IM 11 were DQed, in one lane by one judge. They replaced the judge.

Troyy
1 year ago

If they don’t get DQ’d here they’ll probably get DQ’d at worlds so you can bet USAS will be paying extra attention in the 100 breast to ensure their medley relays are safe.

Anonymous
Reply to  Troyy
1 year ago

I think it’s a great disservice to swimmers when infractions are not called at every level. At least for br, I think swimmers know when they are not legal. Getting away with it over and over might seem to justify their illegal extra fly kicks to them. Only one fly kick per length at a specific part of the swim. Any more than that should be called I think.

Anonymous
Reply to  Anonymous
1 year ago

Coaches seem to know and allow it too. It’s also on them.

ZThomas
1 year ago

Leon would/will likely be DQd if they are calling it this tightly. But this is going to be fixed by NBC. They will not allow these ridiculous delays and DQs of top seeds to spoil something they spent so much money on. And before anyone says they don’t have that kind of power…I present morning finals at the Olympics to accommodate us audience.

Mik
Reply to  ZThomas
1 year ago

NBC has nothing to do with it

Andrew
1 year ago

The fact that the literal second human dolphin Reece whitley retires they begin to enforce this is kind of sad

chickenlamp
1 year ago

I think it’s ridiculous that they don’t release the underwater footage when they DQ someone, especially if the DQ is initiated from the video. If the officials/USA Swimming stand by the DQ they should have no problem releasing the video clip

Mik
Reply to  chickenlamp
1 year ago

They didn’t show ANY uw footage tonight on breaststroke opposed to the morning

Troyy
Reply to  Mik
1 year ago
swimz14
1 year ago

Does anyone know if the same underwater call system will be used at Worlds?

Mark Usher
Reply to  swimz14
1 year ago

Yes. USA Swimming is doing it to come into compliance with FINA.

About Coleman Hodges

Coleman Hodges

Coleman started his journey in the water at age 1, and although he actually has no memory of that, something must have stuck. A Missouri native, he joined the Columbia Swim Club at age 9, where he is still remembered for his stylish dragon swim trunks. After giving up on …

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