I'm being told that at least one of the 3 Olympic sized pools at the Greensboro Aquatic Center actually measures 7 inches shorter than Olympic regulations require. If true this would mean that any records set in that particular pool are no longer valid. It would also mean the pool is not eligible for competition.
I'm also being told that Butch Simmons, who recently retired from the City of Greensboro, and Matt Brown who manages the Coliseum and Aquatic Center complex, both knew about the problem before the first event was held at the Greensboro Aquatic Center.
Myself and others will attempt to contact the United States Olympic Committee to verify.
Update: Wednesday evening I got the following reply from the US Olympic Committee. We'll see if anything more comes of it:
"Thank you for contacting the U.S. Olympic Committee. Your email is important to us and we look forward to taking the opportunity to read your message and respond accordingly.
Thank You,
U.S. Olympic Committee Representative"
Update 2: Thursday Afternoon I sent the following e-mail to the Facilities Department of USA Swimming:
"There is a rumor about City of Greensboro employees that the Greensboro Aquatic Center pool was built 7" too short.
Does USA Swimming check these things?
http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2014/12/greensboro-aquatic-center-rumors.html
Thank you -Billy Jones"
Update 3: Friday morning, rumor put to rest. From Mick Nelson at USA Swimming:
"Hi Billy - Thanks for contacting USA Swimming,
The pool has been measured and certified by an engineer. It is proper dimensions not short.
The list of all certified pools is on our web site at:
Happy Holidays
Mick Nelson
Facilities Development Dir. - USA Swimming
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
www.usaswimming.org/facilitiesOur thanks to Mick and USA Swimming for clearing this up.
