Cowbells and Controversy: US Swim Team's Unique Motivation

As spectators return to the pool in Paris, US Olympic swim coaches plan to continue using cowbells to motivate their athletes, despite rivalry tensions with the Australian team. Notably, Australian star Cate Campbell has vocally expressed her dislike for the noise, adding fuel to the intense competition.

As spectators return to the pool in Paris on Saturday, the American women's coach Todd DeSorbo and his staff plan to continue what worked so well in Tokyo—using cowbells to motivate their athletes, even if it's not popular with their rivals, the Australians.

Australian star Cate Campbell has been vocal about her disdain for the cowbells, calling the Americans 'such sore losers' after Australia won more gold medals at last year's world championships in Fukuoka, Japan. 'I've never wanted to punch someone more and steal the cowbell,' Campbell admitted in an interview.

DeSorbo, unaware of the international uproar the cowbells caused, stated, 'We had to create an environment to help our athletes get excited and motivated since there were no fans in the stands.'

Despite the controversy, the cowbells have become a unifying and motivating factor for the US team, with swimmer Ryan Murphy adding, 'When we step up on the blocks, we know the whole team is behind us.'

With the return of spectators, Murphy is excited for the amplified atmosphere fans will bring. 'I can't wait to have fans at the Olympics again; they add a whole new level of excitement,' he said.

(With inputs from agencies.)