
One: The marathon swim of 6.2 miles may not happen because the Seine River where it is supposed to be contested is quite polluted and the water is rushing so fast that it may be too much of a current for the athletes to contend with. (Plus the Olympic Opening Ceremony may have to be adjusted because the boats carrying the athletes down the Seine may not be safe for them to stay on.
Rough river currents could make the Opening Ceremony a situation where the boats capsize so all the athletes -even if the non-swimmers such as weightlifters and shot putters, will have to swim to shore. Not likely but definitely possible. I want to see shot putters swim for some reason. You with me?
Two: The biggest male swimming star at the games will be Leon Marchand from France rather than an American swimmer. Of late he’s broken some major records at certain distances and may bring all kinds of glory to the host country of France. To celebrate he may take a dive in the Seine. Not likely but we need to be open to surprises through the Games.
Three: The biggest female star may not be Katie Ledecky of the United States but rather Summer McIntosh of Canada. She’s got a shot to win Gold in a few events and could be the biggest female star of the games. Oh, Canada. You can hear them singing it across all the Canadian provinces in unison. You can’t? Well, I can.
Four: Tattooed-up Adam Peaty of Great Britain is expected to win the 100-meter breaststroke for the third consecutive Olympics. But there’s a guy from New Jersey, 31-year-old Nic Fink, who has a solid chance at upsetting him in that race and finally taking away Peaty’s dominance in this event. It could happen. I see Fink doing the unthinkable, out-touching Peaty and kissing his new baby afterward. A national photo that warms us inside. I mean all of us.
Five: Ryan Murphy didn’t win Gold in the backstroke at the Tokyo Olympics as he did the Olympics before those wherever they were (forgot). But he’s so ferociously determined to get back the Gold that he will win first in either the 100- or 200-meter backstroke and possibly both. I sense – and I think you should too – that Murph is on a mad dash mission and will eradicate his feelings about not winning Gold in Tokyo by climbing atop the backstroke kingdom once again.
Nothing like not winning Gold after winning Gold to motivate you to win another Gold. This dude is a backstroking beast who’s ready to feast in France.
Six: Kate Douglass will win the 200 IM and 200 breast Silver Medals, at least, and probably Gold in one of the two. Count on this. The talent is there. She’s great. This is her time. You can just feel it, can’t you?
Seven: Lilly King will win at least a Silver Medal and possibly a Gold in the 100-meter breaststroke. She was born to do this race. She is to 100 breast what Caitlin Clark is to the logo three.
Eight: If Shaine Casas wins an Olympic Medal in the 200-individual medley, it will be one of the greatest of all Olympic moments. This guy cried when he made the U.S. team a few weeks ago because of relief and joy and overcoming obstacles to finally make the team.
Tune in to this potentially fantastic story of triumph. Have your box of tissues with you in case he wins because if he does you will tear up. I will, anyway.
Nine: Crying will be a big part of the Paris Olympic swimming. Winners will cry; those who don’t medal will cry. Parents will cry. Random Americans watching from their couches will cry. I will cry.
You may not know about all this crying that’s going to happen which is why I’m telling you now. Don’t be sad. Crying is good for all of us.
Go U.S. swimmers. Make us all cry.
We all love you and you should know that right now, during your races, and for the rest of your lives.
Author Profile

-
Sammy Sportface, a sports blogger, galvanizes, inspires, and amuses The Baby Boomer Brotherhood. And you can learn about his vision and join this group's Facebook page here:
Sammy Sportface Has a Vision -- Check It Out
Sammy Sportface -- The Baby Boomer Brotherhood Blog -- Facebook Page
Latest entries
BonusFebruary 2, 2025You Know You’re Getting Old When…
BonusJanuary 27, 2025Full Day of Yardwork, House Cleaning This Afternoon
BonusJanuary 26, 2025Perplexity Predicts Sportface’s Perplexing Blogs For Skins Super Bowl Berth
BonusJanuary 24, 2025Deluge of D.C. Fellas Flock to Skins Super Bowl Party