by Adam Mania

Like a two-beer cure, the post-Olympic hangover is no more. We’ve seen some shockingly fast swims out of Chartres, Berlin, Moscow, Rio, and all within 6 weeks of the conclusion of the Games.

Feats that push lane lines to their tightly drawn limits and touchpads getting their best Ivan Drago treatment. There have been 3 World Cup stops so far, filled with SCM fireworks and huge dollar sign purses. Vladimir Morozov (WR), Katinka Hosszu (winning almost EVERYTHING), Alia Atkinson (WR), Katie Meili (AR), and now we’re knocking on Singapore’s door.

But, so far this season, USA’s in involvement is looking a little slim, seeing only the likes of Katie Meili, Breeja Larson, Tim Phillips and Michael Andrew. The World Cup schedule is arduous - no argument there. And expensive. Katie Meili struck while the iron was hot, coming off of an Olympic Bronze medal to break the American Record in the 100 Breast. Breeja Larson and Tim Phillips doing their respective damage as well. Also, Michael Andrew is no stranger to a lot of racing, so it makes perfect sense for him to participate in this style of battle. Silencing his USRPT haters this summer, he came within striking distance of making the US Olympic team in the 100 Breast. Most importantly of all, doing the World Cup tour is so much fun. An opportunity to see more of the world, race against new opponents, and maybe re-write some record books. I did a lot of World Cup racing back in the day, and not only did I have some of my best swims ever, I probably had the most fun that I’ve ever had in swimming.

So why isn’t there more support from USA swimming at these events? Well because it ain’t cheap. Even as a National Team Member it is very difficult to get much reimbursement. Hotels are expensive and flights are difficult when stringing 4 destinations together in a matter of weeks. In past situations, USA Swimming has flown athletes straight from either World Championships or the Olympics direct to Chartres or Eindhoven, or wherever the first Cup might be. Makes total sense. Probably saves some money too. The swimmers are at the top of their game, they’ve wrapped up their final meet of the season, and zero pressure. Perfect recipe for success. Maybe knock out an American Record. Who knows, right Katie Meili???

But then support fades. USA Swimming tightens their coffers and swimmers are left on their own. Several years ago, Randall Bal and Peter Marshall, both World Cup Aces, would empty their accounts to fund these excursions and only survived by winning. All without the financial support of USA Swimming. But, my oh my did they win. However, to at least break even, you better find yourself atop that podium, and last time I checked there’s not much real estate up there. If you want to do three stops on the tour, plan on it costing $5-10,000.

Anthony Ervin a few years ago, launched a kickstarter to successfully fund his trip, but now thankfully we have wonderful people like Emily White, who started DreamFuel to help athletes in this situation.  

Back to my point. USA Swimming should push more World Cup involvement. In the past they have sent National Junior teams to one or two of the stops, but that doesn’t always happen. We get it. It’s expensive. It’s numbers. But let’s take a look at these numbers:

USA Medal Count - 2016 Olympics

16 Gold, 8 Silver, 9 Bronze = 33 total medals.
16 US Gold vs. 17 Rest of the world Gold.

USA Medal Count - 2014 Short Course World Championships

2 Gold, 6 Silver, 5 Bronze = 13 total medals.
2 US Gold vs. 44 Rest of the world Gold.