Pooling Talent (eBook)

Pooling Talent highlights relay teams, squads, and programs spanning nearly a century of competitive swimming. From the 1976 U.S. Women’s 400 Freestyle relay to the 2001 Australian squad, and even including the North Baltimore Aquatic Club that has trained some of swimming’s top athletes, Matthew De George details these amazing assemblages of talent. De George delves into the intricate interplay between team and individual success, how four opponents can mesh quickly into a team and meet the challenges of performing as one. Certain accomplishments, even by some of the most illustrious names in the lexicon of swimming greats, can only be explained through the lens of the teams supporting them—Michael Phelps would never have earned a record eight gold medals in the 2008 Olympics were it not for his teammates’ world-record setting efforts in the 400 freestyle. Each chapter in Pooling Talent examines a separate relay team, national squad, or program, profiling the top swimmers, detailing their best moments, and examining what made that team so successful. Extensively researched, this book takes a novel look at swimming accomplishments old and new, casting the accolades of individuals in a fresh light.

---

Swimming is primarily an individual endeavor, yet certain accomplishments, even by some of the most illustrious names in the sport, can only be fully appreciated when considered alongside the contributions of their teammates. After all, Michael Phelps would never have earned a record eight gold medals in the 2008 Olympics were it not for his teammates' world record-setting efforts in the 400 freestyle relay. In Pooling Talent: Swimming's Greatest Teams, Matthew De George highlights the top relay teams, squads, and programs in the history of competitive swimming. Each chapter describes in detail the history surrounding the team, the crucial races, and the key swimmers. Part I examines relay teamssuch as the 1976 U.S. Women's 400 Freestyle, the 2000 Australian Men's Freestyle, and the 2004 U.S. Men's Medleyshowcasing how four opponents in the individual events can mesh seamlessly into a team. Part II explores the national squads, spanning from the 1924 U.S. Olympians to the 2001 World's Australians, revealing the interplay between team and individual success. In Part III, the top developmental programs around the world are featured, including the 1930 Japanese Men's program and the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. Together, the relay teams, squads, and programs provide constant motivation, pushing individuals to achieve much more than they ever could in isolation. Extensively researched and rich in detail, Pooling Talent takes a novel look at swimming accomplishments old and new, casting the accolades of individuals in a fresh light. Fans, coaches, athletes, and researchers alike will find this a unique and refreshing history of swimming's greatest teams.