In the press room, it's all about Phelps. Other athletes come through, but the questions they're asked are framed for more Phelps news.
I'm ashamed to say, I did it too, like everybody else. Peirsol came in after his 100 back win, as low-key as ever, despite his spectacular 53.3. Elbowing reports from all over the globe, I rushed out a question in reference to something Michael's mother said after the '08 Santa Clara Swim Meet.
Aaron, last June, in Santa Clara, Debbie Phelps almost cried thinking that might be the last time you and her son race. Seems odd now, doesn't it, in light of today?
Those weren't my exact words, but it went something like that... Peirsol took the question in stride, and answered gracefully. I felt like tool.
I love the Phelps phenomenon, but I want to spread the love around. Interestingly, you can tell that Michael does, as well. He talks up his peers, praising them whenever he can.
I personally feel lost in the shuffle, the overwhelming wave of reporters and media outlets pouring out news. I'm trying to give a unique point of view. I'm trying to cover all the swimmers, but it's so hard to do.
Fred Bousquet is a star and very giving of his time. Cullen Jones is the same, and coming on fast too.
Cullen, as an ambassador of diversity, is a dream. We couldn't find anyone better for USA Swimming.
I'm off to Houston after the meet's over. I'll be there with LaBi and I'll be there with Cullen. In the meantime, here's what I've shot at the Ultraswim meet. I know it's hard to find between all the other content:
I couldn't concur more with the comments above. And while Rowdy and Summer were fine, it would have been nice to have you interviewing swimmers after their races. You've brought something new to the sport, and you have an obvious rapport with the athletes. You ask questions for the hard-core swimmers, and for the swim fans. The athletes seem far more comfortable and open with you than they do with any other interviewer/host. Any chance you'll be in the next broadcast?
Posted by: Terry | May 18, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Mel, I have been meaning to comment on your blog for so long now, and so I'm stopping everything I'm doing right now and getting this posted. I have been saying this all along, Mel, you are an absolute asset to the swim community. From your blogs, videos, and commentaries, you have played such a vital role for bringing swimming and swimmers into the homes and hearts of many people.
I as so many, have been a Phelps fan for a long time. I was aware of other swimmers, but it almost always was in relation to Phelps. Now I find myself glued to practically every heat and every final because I'm so engaged in other swimmers. I want to see how Lochte, Grevers, Shanteau, and all of the Vanderkaays perform and not just in events they are up against Phelps in. And from being interested in other male swimmers, I'm following more female swimmers too! From Mary Descenza and Elizabeth Beisel to being highly interested in how things go this summer and beyond with Dagney Knutson. And I find myself so very grateful for everything you do to bring swimming and swimmers to everyone. You provide insight and personality to swimming in a way that every one can be excited by it, not just other swimmers or the swimming community.
I was reading part of this blog entry out loud to a roommate (all of my roommates have had swimming thrusted upon them in the last months) and even she was saying how much she appreciates your thoughts on swimming. You do so much for bringing swimming to everyone, and for showing off the swimmers as incredible, funny, devoted, and loving people. So I think you can allow yourself to get caught up in the media tornado that is Phelps once in awhile. For all the other hours, days, weeks and months, you spread the love around rather generously. So thank you Mel, for all that you do!
PS Sorry this got so long!
Posted by: Leidy/UnblessedSelkie | May 17, 2009 at 08:17 PM
Clarification: It's Lisa S./Calidreamn
Posted by: calidreamn/Lisa | May 17, 2009 at 03:18 PM
Mel, seriously. You are the farthest thing from "a tool." If anyone is "fair and balanced" here it's you. We've discussed this, at length, on DR. It's got to be hard. You want to cover the story of the "return of the greatest swimmer ever." A once in a generation phenomenon. Yet there are scores of other swimmers who work so hard, are so talented and are great stories in their own right they deserve attention, too. It's kind of great that there is this problem in swimming. Too many stories? How awesome! You do a great job, Mel. Everyone who follows swimming knows you are an ambassador of the entire sport and all it's brilliant athletes. Take good care.
Posted by: lisa | May 17, 2009 at 02:45 PM