Pooling Talent

Swimming is primarily an individual endeavor, yet certain accomplishments, even by some of the most illustrious names in the sport, can only be fully appreciated when considered alongside the contributions of their teammates. After all, Michael Phelps would never have earned a record eight gold medals in the 2008 Olympics were it not for his teammates' world record-setting efforts in the 400 freestyle relay.
In Pooling Talent: Swimming's Greatest Teams, Matthew De George highlights the top relay teams, squads, and programs in the history of competitive swimming. Each chapter describes in detail the history surrounding the team, the crucial races, and the key swimmers. Part I examines relay teams-such as the 1976 U.S. Women's 400 Freestyle, the 2000 Australian Men's Freestyle, and the 2004 U.S. Men's Medley-showcasing how four opponents in the individual events can mesh seamlessly into a team. Part II explores the national squads, spanning from the 1924 U.S. Olympians to the 2001 World's Australians, revealing the interplay between team and individual success. In Part III, the top developmental programs around the world are featured, including the 1930 Japanese Men's program and the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. Together, the relay teams, squads, and programs provide constant motivation, pushing individuals to achieve much more than they ever could in isolation.
Extensively researched and rich in detail, Pooling Talent takes a novel look at swimming accomplishments old and new, casting the accolades of individuals in a fresh light. Fans, coaches, athletes, and researchers alike will find this a unique and refreshing history of swimming's greatest teams.

Matthew De George is a reporter for the Delaware County Daily Times, for which he covers live events, including the 2012 U.S. Olympic swim trials and other sports. De George was previously a contributor to SportsGrid.com.

Acknowledgments
Introduction
I. Relays
1. 1976 U.S. Women's 400 Freestyle
2. 984 U.S. Men's 800 Freestyle
3. 2000 Australian Men's Freestyle
4. 2000 U.S. Women's Medley
5. 2004 U.S. Men's Medley
6. 2004 South Africa Men's 400 Freestyle
7. 2008 U.S. Men's 400 Freestyle
8. 2012 France Men's 400 Freestyle
II. Squads
9. 1924 U.S. Olympians
10. 1950s Hungarian Women's Olympians
11. 1968 U.S. Olympians
12. 1973 East German Women's World Championship
13. 1976 U.S. Men's Olympians
14. 1980 U.S. Olympians
15. 1992 Unified Olympians
16. 2001 Worlds Australians
III. Programs
17. 1930s Japanese Men
18. 1950s Australians
19. Indiana University Men
20. Mission Viejo Nadadores
21. Stanford University Women
22. University of Texas Men
23. North Baltimore Aquatic Club
24. U.S. Men's Backstroke
Index
About the Author