There have been constant complains from the online swim community about how we are not seeing enough race coverage this season. This is due to the Wasserman/SwimNetwork/USA Swimming partnership which restricts broadcast rights. We’ve already shared our stories about having our Nationals prelim footage pulled from YouTube, even though it wasn’t available anywhere else…

Many have tried to share footage from grand prix meets and been shut down. SwimNetwork was on the scene at the Ohio State Grand Prix, however no races were recorded. Some brave fans added some races to YouTube, and so far they are still there. *knock on wood*

To its credit, SwimNetwork is allowing fans to upload race footage to the SwimNetwork website. From there you can grab an embed code and share it elsewhere (a la YouTube). So, now there is at least a place where you can share it without wondering if “the man” is going to come after you or take your video down. That’s definitely a step in the right direction.

Another step is FloSwimming kissing and making up with USA Swimming & Co. We all really need to get along. After all, we all want the same thing; to promote the sport!

So another positive step is the announcement that this weekend’s Santa Clara International will be available on-demand on SwimNetwork.com. This includes interviews. From what I understand, Garrett from FloSwimming may be aiding in this effort. I was beyond thrilled when Swimming World Magazine made NCAAs available live and on-demand, and this is no different; especially since I was unable to make the trip out this year.

Yay for progress.

And kiwi - who will be covering Santa Clara fo Swim Stars this weekend - would like to make it known that she will not be doing her own installment of Tales From The Deck, like I did for the Ohio State meet. She is still a student and says:

I do not write for fun

Funny girl, that kiwi.

Also, more on the Aussies invading our shores can be found here. Cate Campbell v. Nat Coughlin is going to be a great race!

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