Quick and Schubert feel there is, although history is not on the Americans' side. The last time the U.S. held its swimming trials so close to the Games was in 1988. That year in Seoul the men's and women's teams had their worst showings since 1960, winning only 18 medals. However Quick, who also coached the team in 1988, blamed that poor showing on bad team chemistry and distractions caused by holding a training camp in Hawaii. This year the team will be training in Pasadena, Calif. and Brisbane before the Games.
American athletes thrive in a team atmosphere.
Believe me they'll do it. They respect each other. They're fierce competitors, but now they'll be fierce competitors against the rest of the world.