No Elite Swimmers From Africa?

Question

Why no Olympic swimming teams from African nations? Can't be a training opportunity issue. A pool is a pool no matter what country you're in, no? Africa produces the world's elite runners and track stars...no swimmers? Not even one?

Answer 1

That's not true!  Kristy Coventry is an INCREDIBLE backstroker and won a gold medal at the 2004 olympics in the 200 m backstroke.  Also what about Penny Heyns?  Famous breastroker who won a gold in both the 100m and 200m breastroke at the 1996 olympics.  

Training opportunities ARE issues though, not just due to training facilities.  Swimmers constantly search to find that one coach that is right for them.

Answer 2

Does South African not count as part of Africa? You might want to read up (link provided below) before you make unfounded assertions.

Off the top of my head I know that Jonty Skinner held the world record in the 100 freestyle for nearly 5 years, but was barred from competing in the Montreal Olympics. Perhaps he wasn't an Olympian, but I believe that qualifies as one of the "world's elite."

Answer 3

Let's face it, there is some limits on different ethnicities and different events. There are far many more blacks competing at the olympic level running than there are swimming. If different races have slight differences in physical stature, skin, body structure, etc. it makes sense that they are generally build slightly different too. That slight difference hinders them at a level so elite as the olympics.

yes, a pool is a pool, but you also have to figure in other things like the fact that a majority of africans cannot afford, money or time, to spend 10 hours a day swimming.