Nine world records were bettered in Omaha, during the eight day USA Olympic Trials. The depth of talent and the close races were a tribute to the strength of USA Swimming. Nikki Dryden went to Omaha to experience her first American Trials. Her coverage includes event-by-event reports, and features on two surprise team members, as well as her commentary on those who missed selection by the narrowest of margins. Hayley McGregory bettered the 100 backstroke world record in her heat swim, but it would be short lived as in the immediate next heat Natalie Coughlin bettered the time, improving further in the final, where McGregory finished third.
During mid July the second World Junior Championships took place in Monterrey (MEX). Now a six-day competition with three rounds in the 50s and 100s, and direct final in the 200 events and longer. The boys are 18 and younger, while the girls are 17 and younger. This is one year older than the first edition of this competition two year ago, when it was called World Youth Championships. In 2006 Canadians missed out on medals, but this time they won eight, including two silvers, with the girls medaling in all three relays.
Auburn University has been a sprint hotbed for many years, and Cesar Cielo (BRA) is one of their fastest ever. His preparation by Brett Hawke (AUS) in charge of the sprinters, is told by Justin Finney.
No Canadians will swim in the 10 K open water Olympic competition. Jesse Jacks reports on how the last chance competition in late May held under very cold-water conditions, did not allow any Canadians to qualify. It is expected that most of the experienced veterans will now retire.
Richard Hortness, won the 50 free at the Canadian Trials, from Medicine Hat, and attending the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, has benefitted from their program. His story is told by Jeff Grace.
A great Canadian swimmer in the late 1950s and 1960 Olympic finalist in the 100 free, Richard Pound is better known for his work in the Olympic movement, in Canada and the IOC. Karin Helmstaedt interviewed Pound recently and his thoughful answers will explain his renown.
Etobicoke Swimming has been one of the most successful Canadian clubs for the last half century, current coach Kevin Thorburn talked with Lauren Beard, about the challenges ahead to remain a top club.
The top swimmer at ESWIM Alex Komarnycky, won the 400 IM at the Canadian Trials, and Lauren Beard writes on her preparation under coach Kevin Thorburn.
Australian coach Michael Bohl talks with Jeff Grace on his preparation of Stephanie Rice, and her double world record swims in the two individual medleys at the Australian Trials in late March.
Keith Beavers, a two-time Olympian, answered 20 question with fellow Olympian Adam Sioui. He is on the cover, a fitting tribute, for this accomplished student-athlete, completing a degree in cardiovascular physiology. He qualified in three events for Beijing: 200 back, 200 and 400 IM.
Cecil Colwin talked with legendary coach Peter Daland, who has really done it all. One of the most interesting characters in the sport, with a life-long list of outstanding accomplishments, and a great fan of SwimNews.
Tobias Oriwol has a great story, and Lauren Beard writes on his 15-year quest to reach the Olympics. Once considered the best age grouper during the 1990s and compared to the great Alex Baumann from the 1970s. His Olympic spot was in the 200 back, where he finished second but with a FINA A time.
Craig Lord concludes his great moments on Olympic history covering the individual medley.
TAG times include all the provincial championships and Junior Worlds.
Next issue in September, we will report on the Olympics, with Nikki Dryden, Craig Lord, Adam Sioui and others.