The Herald Sun obtained a copy of the letter sent by Ian Thorpe, Grant Hackett, Pieter van den Hoogenband, Laure Manaudou and Michael Klim:

"We, the Olympic swimmers, concerned about the commercial influence to our sport, aiming at fair competition and great competition results want to swim finals at night in Beijing."

"We believe, based on competition experience, that we can swim faster at night."

"We understand that there are certain commercial advantages to the American market," the letter to the IOC said. "But we appeal to the integrity of our sport and the integrity of the Olympic spirit to hold the Games as is, in the best interest of the athletes. For the integrity of the Olympic Games! For world records! For finals at night!"

Update: According to a new copy of the letter, a number of athletes have signed, included with those named above were: Roland Schoeman, Otylia Jedreyzak, Arkady Vijatchanin, Kosuke Kitajima, and Markus Rogan.

Ian Thorpe

"I won't make a habit of posting annoyances here but this one just blew my mind. Anyone else think it irritating that NBC is putting pressure on the IOC to change the swimming schedule to only benefit the US prime time audience? That's nice but what about the rest of the planet, who last time I checked, were also involved in the Olympics."

Pieter van den Hoogenband

"Do you see the big athletes of the 100 metre sprint, the Powells and Gatlins, running their final in the morning? Come on. Be serious. For one time, one tournament, they alternate the programme, because of American goals. Without knowing the opinion of the men to swim: we, us. This is worthless. For me especially. I am not a morning person. To be at my best at ten o'clock, shortly after breakfast, is impossible ."

Liesel Jones

"I think it would mean poor performances and not many world records," she said. "I don't think the swimmers would be able to get the performances they could at night. You'd have to get out of bed at 2am to be awake properly."

Chen Yibing

"Time change? Of course it's no problem for me. It is Olympic Games, it is the dream of my life. I am 100 per cent OK even competing during the mid-night."

Sergei Bubka

For sure, especially when you know two years in advance, you are able to adjust to any time. From my personal experience, some records I set around midday, some records in the afternoon or late evening. I don't see the problems and also we had opportunity to discuss with different athletes, we see there is no problem for them. I remember myself competing in Seoul, I believe this issue is no problem, especially for athletes. They are so professional, they are so focused. The most important thing is they compete in equal conditions. This is most important.

(China Daily 10/31/2006 page15)