Josh Bey made a splash at the Big Ten Championships, becoming the 5th fastest freshman ever in the 400 IM with a time of 3:36.92. But here's where it gets controversial... While some might attribute this achievement to his natural talent, others argue that it's the result of the guidance and support of his college coach, Ray Looze. This is a common phenomenon in college swimming, where coaches like Todd DeSorbo, Bob Bowman, and Braden Holloway have a proven track record of helping swimmers reach new heights. But is it possible that Bey's success is a result of the system rather than his own abilities? And this is the part most people miss... As a freshman, Bey's splits in the 400 IM show a significant improvement over his senior year with the Highland Hurricanes/Hindsdale Central Delta team. His breaststroke split, in particular, dropped by 2.89 seconds, which could be a result of the efficiency-focused technique he's developed under Looze's guidance. So, while Bey's achievement is undoubtedly impressive, it's important to consider the role of his college coach in helping him reach this level of success. And this is where the debate begins... Do you think Bey's success is a result of his own hard work and talent, or is it the system that has helped him reach his potential? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
