GMM News, Dec 3rd: More Questions for Star Swimmers!

Thanks for posting your questions! I'll be downloading and transcribing them today. I leave for Short Course National Championships in Atlanta tomorrow. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to post them throughout the weekend...

My Facebook page is still acting squirrely. I can't return emails. Comments take many, many tries. It's frustrating, but Fackbook Support is moving faster to fix the problem. My updates work at Twitter, and my site here works fine. At Short Course Nationals, I'll be working off of this address to get the NEWS of the ACTION out.

Facebook is still working in the rights ways. Friends of friends keep finding me: 

I just added MARY PLANT (aka Mary T. Meagher, or just Mary T to the indoctrinated), the greatest female butterflier of all time. She held the world record for over 25 years in the 200 fly... When I swam, Mary T was like a big sister to me. Her advice and support made the stress of international competition almost easy.  

Nadia Comaneci just found me on Facebook. I know her through her husband, 1984 Olympic Gymnast and super-star gold medalist, Bart Conner. Nadia's considered the greatest gymnast of all time. She got a perfect 10 at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. 

That was 1976. Check her out at the USA House this past August in Beijing. She's only in the beginning of this GMM vid (a/Gary Hall), but it gives you a glimpse of how much she's changed. She's a beautiful woman now, and a mother, and a highly sought-after Olympic speaker:   

Bringing Olympians and Olympic fans together is my goal. If you're not a fan of Mary T or Nadie Comaneci, do a little web-trot and research their stories. 

Everybody knows Ryan Lochte, aka Reezy, and coming up on Short Course National Championships, I think it's OK to look back at a video tribute I made for the man. It's pre-Olympic, but it captures the odd urge why many of us feel the need to follow him...

 

For all swim-fans looking farther ahead, I'm sure you've seen this promo for FINA's WORLD SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS. If you haven't, here it is:

 

That was the long version, sent to me by one of my subscribers on YouTube. (I'm sorry, but I forgot the person's "handle" because I accidently erased their message. If you, my subscriber, see this, please comment and take credit for pointing this promo out. Thank you so much for keeping me informed!)

Now here's the short version of the promo for FINA's WORLD SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS:

 

Pass these video promos around! Get the word out! With Short Course Nationals this weekend, everyone should be thinking about where their favorite swimmers will end of placing or winning! 

I plan to go to Rome with my wife. I can't go to Italy without Tiffy!!!  If you're planning to attend WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, get your tickets at (of all places) TICKET MASTER. If you're not, as always, I'll do my best to bring you the action................. 

Comments

[Megan]

Crystal, that *would* be EPIC. It's offical, I've decided I'm going in 2012. It WILL happen. ;)

[crystal]

@ megs...
i think there's a few people trying to save for 2012. how epic would it be to a) travel across the pond, b) go to the games, c) see mp at his last 'big show' o_o

hells jeah, we gotta make it happen! :)

you should def. find out about the rap for the montage. that would be great!

[peridot100]

i think i sent you the roma 09 preview vid.

[Megan]

Olympic freaks unite! LOL

Ah ha! I should know that...you learn something new everyday. ;) Reezy making a US Open Record would be awesome. A particular event you're thinking of? And any other predictions?

[goldmedalmel]

Megan, I'm w/you!!!! World Records? Not in yards. They call it a US OPEN RECORD, which essentially means the fastest "yards" (25 yards as opposed to meters) time in history.... I have high hopes that Reezy will pop a US OPEN RECORD....

Crystal, no rap albums coming any time soon, but FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK, because my brother-in-law does rap. And HE'S GREAT!!!! I want to use one of his raps for a Reezy montage video.... Gotta talk to Reezy a/it though.....

[Megan]

I'm an Olympics freak. Not just swimming (though it's my favorite) but gymnastics, snowboarding, speed skating, water polo...you name it, I'm glued to the TV the entire 2 weeks of any Olympic Games. It's great to see different Olympians interacting and I love learning about past Olympians!

God, I wish I could go to Rome...you have no idea. I had this crazy idea a couple weeks ago to start saving up for London 2012...I've got 4 years to work with and it would be the most epic event ever. At least in my life. ;)

I don't have any specific question for any athlete, but I do enjoy the more random questions. As a fan, I hear interviewers ask the same questions time after time. It gets to the point where I know exactly how the athlete will respond. We need some variety! Learn more about the person, likes, dislikes, favorites, and just have fun with the questions!

Good question Crystal, regarding Reezy. I'm wondering if certain swimmers "lurk" in other lj comms as well...that would be interesting...

Have fun in Atlanta--I'm looking forward to hearing all that goes down! Any WR you think??

[crystal]

geeeez @ Nadia's 76 routine :o

that lochte love video is so funny! i especially liked the part where you broke into rap. any thoughts on cutting an album? :)

man, i wish i could go to rome. you will just have to keep me updated on the whole ordeal over there. i'm happy i'm going to the austin grand prix though. even have plans to attend trials in IN, in july. rome is just too far out of reach, especially for my pocket.

a few more questions:

for GWG - did you hit the times that you were aiming for? if not, what are some of the changes to your work out that could help improve?

for mr lochte - are you aware of the daily reeze, and do you ever visit (aka "lurk"). if not, will you? :P

and i have one for you Mel, is there a way to watch the races? i know some vids filtered in through the MN grand prix, but is this the same thing or a completely different animal (when it comes to being broadcast).