Why do the swimmers get so much attention from and opportunities within the Australian media?

Question

The volleyers, basketballers, hockey players, tracksters, etc seem far more like fit but normal women

Answer 1

Despite physique and mentality, it's about performance.

Put a few gold medals, or even bronze around someones neck, and all of a sudden they are 's**y' and worthy to promote anything from shoes to nursing homes.

Michael Phelps is a GREAT example of this. He doesn't look better then Ryan L, or even Ian, but he KICKS butt in the pool, and he is loved.

Answer 2

Swimming is the thing that Australia usually excels at over all other events. It gets attention because they hold so many records and are expected to do that well all the time. There isn't anything abnormal about the physique or mental status of a swimmer, no matter where they are from. Each sport has it's traits that you can look at someone and go "they do ___". Swimmers think of different things than a volleyball player does because of the different circumstances they compete under. It's not easy to count and breath and remember to not do a wrong kick in the middle of your set. Unless you are a swimmer or know a swimmer (my brother swam and some of my best friends do as well), it's difficult to understand how they think when in the water.