I swam with a woman that placed fourth in her event on the second or third day of the at the LA Games and was back home training for US Nationals less than 36 hours later. I thought she was crazy not to spend the whole two weeks there, but maybe that kind of dedication to training is why she did as well as she did.

But, competing in the Olympics is the highlight of a lifetime, and it's a real shame that the athletes can't march in opening ceremonies and stay in the Olympic Village for the whole time. There are certainly missing something significant by doing it any other way even if it improves their chances at medals.