PARIS (AP) — Before Tokyo three years ago, U.S. Olympic swimming coaches were grappling with how best to support their athletes and help them get motivated before a race, given that there were no family, friends or fans in the stands.
They turned to the sound of cow bells.
As spectators return to the pools in Paris on Saturday, American women’s coach Todd DeSorbo and his team are determined to continue what has worked so well, even if it doesn’t sit well with the Australians and others. Given that most people at the pool have heard about the Australians’ disdain for noise, the rivalry could reach new decibels at these Summer Games.
Australian star Cate Campbell, who is rarely afraid to speak her mind, called the Americans “very sore losers” after Australia won more gold medals at the world championships last year in Fukuoka, Japan, and expressed her disgust at all the bells ringing.
“I’ve never wanted to punch someone and steal the cowbell so badly, and I really hope someone did,” Campbell said in an interview on Australia’s “Today” show last year.
It seems that Americans have heard about this and are taking notice. Michael Phelps hopes that Campbell’s complaints will only further motivate the United States, saying: “I would watch this thing every day, I would treat myself to a little treat.”
American Abbey Weitzeil said last month at the U.S. trials: “We all bring the cowbell.”
“Anytime there’s comments about your country or your work, it’s always competition. I think we’re all competitive, our competitive side comes out, so we all ring the bell, really loud!”
DeSorbo had no idea that this motivational tactic would provoke an international outcry.
“It was interesting,” he said. “I think without the fans in the stands, you had to create an environment to help them get excited, to get motivated. I think if you can’t get motivated with the opportunity to win an Olympic medal, then I don’t know what would motivate you, but the fans and the spectators certainly help. Being in an environment where we as coaches had to create that excitement for them, I think the bells probably rang louder at this Olympics than they ever have before because of that.”
“And maybe that’s part of the reason why there’s a bit of trash talk about it, because it was really loud in 2021 and probably since then, it’s still the case.”
Indeed, the noise of the balls is not always appreciated by certain athletes from opposing countries.
American Hunter Armstrong spoke about the 4x100m freestyle relay quartet chasing a world record in Paris, while being careful to stress: “We certainly want that world record, but more importantly, we need more bells.”
Campbell shared how excited she was not to hear the U.S. national anthem as regularly at the world championships last year.
“It’s one thing to see Australia win, but it’s even sweeter to beat America,” she said. “There were a few nights, especially the first night of competition, where we didn’t have to hear the Star-Spangled Banner ring out in the stadium and I can’t tell you how happy that made me. If I never hear that song again, it will be too soon. So, on to Paris. That’s all I have to say, USA, stop being sore losers. …
“When we’re side by side in the warm-up areas, the Americans have this hellish bell that they ring and when someone goes to the competition pool, they yell, ‘USA! USA!’ and I’ve never wanted to punch someone so much.”
It turns out Campbell won’t be competing and may not be as bothered by those bells at Paris La Défense Arena.
Yet these thoughtful gestures from the American coaches – however loud – meant a lot to their swimmers.
“Since I’ve been a part of Team USA, we’ve always been very proud and interested in the success of our teammates. When they come into the prep room before a race, there’s usually a big commotion,” Ryan Murphy told The Associated Press. “Whether it’s a bell, USA chants or a raised fist, we know we have the whole team behind us when we step on the cones.”
DeSorbo and men’s coach Anthony Nesty bring the last two head coaches as key support: Stanford’s Greg Meehan on the women’s side and University of California-Berkeley men’s coach Dave Durden.
“I don’t necessarily know if it was something specific or particular that we really intended to do or tried to do,” DeSorbo said of establishing the bell factor in Tokyo.
This Olympics has presented plenty of challenges with COVID-19 protocols, so everyone is looking forward to a more familiar experience in Paris. DeSorbo recalls that the other coaches were sorry that this was his first Olympic experience in 2021 — and while there were no complaints from him, DeSorbo is looking forward to getting started here.
“It’s going to be amazing,” he said.
Together, they will continue to find ways to cheer on the athletes, even with fans back in the arena.
“I’m looking forward to having fans back at the Olympics. They add a whole new level of excitement to the pool,” Murphy said. “Our trials were one of the fastest events ever and the fans made our performances better. I hope the fans are loud and enthusiastic.”
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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
