Pursley Knocks “Junior Olympics” Proposal

COLORADO SPRINGS, Co., Oct. 4. DENNIS Pursley, National Team Director for USA Swimming, Inc., added his voice today to the list of American swimming spokespersons opposed to the idea of a quadrennial "World Youth Games" or "Junior Olympics," complete with the pomp and circumstance of the Olympics.

In Paris yesterday, the Association of National Olympic Committees proposed such an event, noting that it believed the proposal would be supported by the IOC.

Yesterday, however, John Leonard, Executive Director of the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) attacked the idea as "madness," and Phil Whitten, Editor-in-Chief of Swimming World characterized it as "a very bad idea."

Today, Pursley commented: "I believe that providing the kids with a pseudo Olympic experience (and
recognition) will lessen their resolve and commitment to attain the real thing. It's the 'been there and done that' syndrome.

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