American swimmer Alex Walsh was disqualified from Saturday's women’s 200-meter individual medley final for not completing the backstroke leg fully on her back, a World Aquatics representative confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
The disqualification was a result of Walsh's turn from backstroke to breaststroke. She flipped onto her stomach going into the turn, rather than finishing the leg on her back, video replay also shows. This move, commonly known as a crossover turn, is considered illegal under FINA rules, which require swimmers to maintain contact with the wall while on their back during the transition.
The controversial decision sparked debate among swimming officials and fans alike. Some argued that the rule is too strict and that Walsh's turn, while not ideal, did not give her an unfair advantage. Others defended the call, pointing to the importance of maintaining a level playing field and upholding the rules of the sport.
The DQ was a major blow to Walsh, who had been a medal contender in the 200 IM. Her younger sister, Gretchen Walsh, who won gold in the mixed 4x100-meter medley relay, expressed her disappointment for her sister, stating, “I think that Alex deserves so much. She’s worked so hard. And I don’t really know how to put that into words. It’s really sad, but I know that she’ll be back and better than ever.”
The disqualification also impacted the overall standings of the race. Kate Douglass, who finished second, was elevated to silver, while Australia's Kaylee McKeown received the bronze medal.
Swimming Rules and the Crossover Turn
The backstroke-to-breaststroke transition is one of the most challenging parts of the 200 IM. It requires swimmers to quickly change their body position while maintaining contact with the wall and adhering to the rules of both strokes.
There are several ways swimmers can make this transition. Some swimmers opt to touch the wall while on their back and then pull their knees to their chest to push off the wall on their stomach. Others choose to perform a backflip to flip around to their stomach. The crossover turn, however, is the most risky and potentially controversial option.
The crossover turn requires the swimmer to start rotating to their stomach while touching the wall, then flip to their stomach. The swimmer must not rotate past 90 degrees until their hand touches the wall. It is a complex and technical maneuver that requires precise timing and execution.
The rule surrounding the crossover turn is meant to ensure fair competition and prevent swimmers from gaining an unfair advantage. However, the subjective nature of the rule has led to inconsistencies in its application, resulting in confusion and frustration among swimmers and officials.
The Importance of Consistency in Rule Enforcement
The disqualification of Alex Walsh highlights the need for consistency and clarity in the enforcement of swimming rules. The crossover turn is a difficult technique, and swimmers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is allowed.
Officials must have a clear understanding of the rules and apply them consistently across all competitions. This includes being able to distinguish between legitimate turns and violations.
The importance of consistency is crucial for maintaining fairness and integrity in the sport. When rules are enforced inconsistently, it undermines the credibility of the results and can create a sense of unfairness among athletes.
Looking Ahead
Alex Walsh's disqualification was a disappointing end to her 200 IM campaign. However, her strong performance throughout the competition demonstrated her talent and potential.
This incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of consistency and clarity in the enforcement of swimming rules. As the sport continues to evolve, it is essential to ensure that the rules are clear, fair, and applied consistently across all competitions.
The world of competitive swimming continues to be a fascinating space to watch. While the debate about the crossover turn may continue, one thing is for sure: the pursuit of excellence and the drive to push boundaries will continue to inspire generations of swimmers to come.
