DISAPPOINTMENT AT 2008 SWIMMING FINALS SHIFT
British Swimming has voiced its disappointment over an International
Olympic Committee decision to shift swimming finals from their
traditional evening slot to morning sessions for the Beijing
2008 Games.
The announcement ends months of speculation and debate between
the IOC and broadcasters following requests from American
broadcaster NBC to move swimming finals in order to benefit
its U.S. audience.
British Swimming Chief Executive David Sparkes made early
representations about disruptions to the swimming programme.
"We're really disappointed by the IOC's decision,"
said Sparkes. "It's clearly one the IOC may come to regret
in time.
"However, I'm sure that Britain's athletes will respond
to the challenge as will all swimmers worldwide.
"I now look forward to sharing British success in 2008
with the British public over their breakfast cereals."
British Swimming National Performance Director Bill Sweetenham
echoed these views and is confident the British swimmer can
overcome the significant change.
"Common sense sometimes doesn't prevail but whatever
the conditions we have a group of athletes and coaches that
can meet them head on," explained Sweetenham.
"We'll adapt to the environment as a team and I'm confident
this won't effect our Olympic performance."
NBC, the biggest Olympic rights holder, paid £1.88bn
for the North American rights to screen the Games between
2000 and 2008.
The IOC also announced that diving finals at the Beijing
2008 Games will be held in the afternoon.
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