Rice Scores Second, Americans Frustrate

In the women’s two hundred meter individual medley, Stephanie Rice set the world record. Kirsty Coventry scored silver. Natalie Coughlin bagged bronze. Katie Hoff finished fourth. This event was stacked. The competitors were stellar. With this second victory, Rice has publicized her prominence.

For the United States, Coughlin and Hoff are emblematic. While American men have excelled, American women have strained. Yes, Michael Phelps is iconic. Yes, Coughlin has won. However, their difference is obvious. America’s men have owned the conversation. America’s women have wanted the conversation.