Before Tokyo three years ago, the US Olympic swim coaches pondered how to best support their athletes and help fire them up before a race, given there were no family or friends or fans in the stands. They turned to clanging cowbells.
While spectators return to the pool in Paris, American women’s coach Todd DeSorbo and his staff plan to continue what worked so well — even if it’s not popular with the rival Australians.
Given that most everybody at the pool by now has heard about the Aussies’ disdain for the noise, the rivalry could reach new decibels at these Summer Games.
Australian star Cate Campbell, who is rarely afraid to speak her mind, referred to the Americans as “such, such sore losers” after Australia won more gold medals at the World Championships last year in Fukuoka, Japan, and expressed her disgust with all the cowbells ringing out.
“I’ve never wanted to punch someone more and steal the cowbell, and I really hope that someone did,” Campbell said in an interview with Australia’s ‘Today’ show last year.
You better believe the Americans heard about that and took notice. Michael Phelps hopes Campbell’s complaints only provide more motivation for the US, saying, “I would watch that thing every single day, give me that little extra.”
American Abbey Weitzeil said at the US trials: “We’re all bringing the cowbell.
“Whenever comments are made about your country or your jobs, it’s all competitive. I think we all are competitive, our competitive side comes out, so we’re all bringing the cowbell, extra loud!”
DeSorbo didn’t realise the motivational tactic would cause an international uproar. “That was an interesting thing,” he said.
“I think that not having fans in the stands you had to create an environment to help them get excited, to help them get motivated. I do 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 a coaching staff had to create that excitement for them, I think probably the cowbells were probably rang louder at that Olympics than ever before.”
