Why don't you see dark-skinned people in swimming events at the Olympics?

Question

Is there some bias going on? Like keep em out of the pool in Colleges and point them to track and field? Like overall they are superior in running (men and women) so why can't they also be superior in swimming, diving etc.

Answer 1

It comes down to money.  In the USA and many other countries it cost a lot to have someone trained in water sports.  They have to get the right trainers, right pools, go to meets etc and most blacks do not have the financial resources as yet.  This is changing though in the US.  Also, most black people are channeled into areas because of their natural ability eg their strength and endurance.  If they want to do do one thing many times they are directed to a sporting event that requires strength and speed because they have those two qualities naturally.  Look at football in the USA, they will rarely give the black man a position as a Quarter Back because every time he is put in another section because of his strength and speed so most times those are kept for the white players.  Even though they try to discount it and make it look like something else, that's the truth.

Answer 2

They cant float

Answer 3

black people...especially black people who live in the city..doverall dont swim that well. Swimming takes a greater budget to sustain compared to others sports like basketball and track, so inner city kids are more likely to pursue those sports.

Also, the chlorine in pools is actually extremely damaging to black people's hair , so you almost NEVER see black women n pools actually swimming

Answer 4

Good question. I only saw two black swimmers the entire time. I don't think there's a bias. I just don't think there are as many black people who are into swimming as there are white people who are into it. I can't remember the exact number, but black people are at least twice as likely to drown when compared to white people. It may even be higher than that.

Answer 5

Because they are too busy in all the running competitions.

Answer 6

No, this is not a matter of bias. The answer has to do with both biological and environmental factors and is something that cannot be adequately answered here (in any serious manner anyhow) without writing at least a chapter of a book. If you are interested, I highly suggest that you take the plunge and do a little bit of research yourself.

Edit: I want to add that even if there is bias in the United States regarding this issue, I answered the way I did because the bias does not apply to all countries that are represented in the Olympics.