2008 Beijing Olympic Swimming Finals in the Morning Looks to be a Reality

A recent press release from the IOC, well in advance of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, combined with a press release from USA Swimming seem to confirm it. The swimming finals in the 2008 Olympics will be in the morning, something not too well received by many swimmers and coaches. USA television viewers will be happy, but will it provide the best possible swimming competition for the swimmers that have trained for years to reach the Beijing for the Olympic games?

Excerpt of a Press Release From the International Olympic Committee (IOC):

Beijing 2008 Olympics: On track with bid assurances materialising
26 October 2006

The IOC also announced that, as part of its zero tolerance approach to fighting doping, the number of tests will be significantly increased. Final numbers are to be confirmed, but are expected to be around 4,500, a 25 per cent increase on Athens 2004. The IOC also confirmed that the IOC Executive Board has agreed to the competition schedule for the Beijing Games. Hein Verbruggen noted that, “After a thorough consultation process, the IOC Executive Board has approved a final version of the competition schedule which sees a spread of events throughout the day, with some finals in the morning, and some in the evening. There can never be a perfect ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution which suits each and every stakeholder equally, but the IOC decision has endeavoured to find the best balance for the Olympic Movement as a whole.”

A Statement from USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus Regarding the IOC Decision to Change the 2008 Olympic Swimming Schedule in Beijing:

New Schedule will Feature Prelims in the Evening and Finals in the Morning Local Time in Beijing
26 Oct 2006

This is a great opportunity for our sport to be showcased to the North American television audience during the first nine days of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.The live prime time exposure is something that can only benefit the sport of swimming, and enhance the public profile of our sport’s top athletes. The IOC’s decision to announce this nearly two years prior to the Olympic Games ensures a level playing field for all athletes. No matter what the schedule, our athletes will be ready to swim their best when their best is needed.

What do you think? Will this be good or bad for swimming - or does it make no difference? Voice your opinion!