Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
The top end talent is the same (or better for some sports like hockey where regular seasons affect things), so that equals out.
But in many events you have countries with entries that wouldn't make in in a WC but can go to the Olympics and can have an impact, through upsets in qualifying rounds. And there are more qualifying rounds so chances of getting bumped are greater. In track, for example, an extra qualifying round = an extra chance to have an off race.
|
Interesting, I guess I look at it the other way. At the WC the margin of error is smaller. Take track, in a race with a diluted field (Olympics) you can afford to have a miss-step. At the WC the field is tighter and therefore the repercussions of a miss-step can be greater. In short at the WC you need to be “on” for every race, at the Olympics you can take an early race “off” or “easy”. Also, in my mind, back to back or three time WC Gold is more impressive than an Olympic gold. The ability to reach and maintain a level of completion across multi years in amazing. At the Olympics you can get someone that peaks at that time, but can’t maintain that level.