GOLD MEDAL MEL

Olympic Shame and Selflessness, 2008 and 09 Resolutions

Below was my 2008 resolution. It was simple and concise, and may surprise you:

Writing about resolutions is boring, and tackling the topic two days before the new year may be too late. But it’s never a bad idea to strive to improve one’s self no matter the time or date.

     Olympians make resolutions like everybody else. They promise themselves to sleep more, drink less alcohol (if they’re of age), and to always, always hydrate. Resolutions are often self-serving. The act of pursuing the Olympic dream, for some athletes, is arguably a selfish endeavor. Most great champions though, at their core, are truly kind and selfless. (I wish I could say I was one of them, but I can’t.)

     At the 2004 Athens Olympics, Michael Phelps famously gave up his relay spot so his teammate could swim and win. Michael’s buddy had been sick days before and he didn’t want him to go home without any gold medallions.

     At the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics, an Italian bobsledder removed a bolt from his rear axle so the British bobsledders could use it. The Brits ended up winning. The Italians got the bronze. Eugenio Monti, that incredibly gracious Italian, received the first Pierre De Coubertin Medal for sportsmanship, named after the founder of the modern Olympic Games. That award is now considered the highest honor any athlete can achieve. 

     Most Olympians do the right thing. They’re compassionate and giving. Olympians are always quick to point out their weaknesses and maladies. Gail Deavers suffers from Graves Disease, and Gary Hall Jr. has diabetes. You name the health issue and I assure you there’s an Olympian with a personal testimony. It’s important for the public to know we’re also susceptible to life’s stresses and strains, that we suffer human frailty.

     I didn’t suffer disease. What I did experience was probably more common. Most of my life, training for the Olympics, I held on to and suffered from my anger and resentment:

     My family life was dysfunctional. My parents had problems, like most parents do, but theirs were magnified by overwhelming pressures that were mostly external. As a child I didn’t understand and hated that they couldn’t overcome their issues. Interestingly it didn’t infringe on my swimming. My parents were always involved. 

My mother actually coached me when I kid. She taught me a philosophy and a work ethic that I used all the way to the end. Unfortunately, by the time I got to the Olympics, I resented my parents for all their perceived problems. Sadly, I didn’t separate them from the personal sacrifices they made, and regrettably, I kept them from coming to the Olympic Games. It was a terrible mistake, a selfishly immature choice for which I still feel shame.

     So when you’re watching athletes at the Beijing Olympics this summer, remember that they’re like everybody else at the end of the day. It doesn’t hurt anyone to make a resolution to sleep more, drink less and to always hydrate. And I know it’s right, and good for your health, to let go of hate.

     My resolution this year, as it has been in so many past, is to call my mother more and to say I love you and I’m sorry and forgive me all over again. (I wish I could tell my father, but he is now dead.) I have a feeling that’s not exactly a rare resolution, especially in a country where 75% of the families (according to the American Mental Health Association) experience dysfunction.

     Disease and genetic deficiencies and emotional hurdles are not insurmountable. More often than not, in the 21^st century, you can overcome them and be healed wholly, and who knows; if you’re young enough and hungry enough, maybe you could even go on to achieve Olympic glory.

For 2009, my resolution remains the same. However, I'd like to add that I feel I've learned from my past mistakes. I know people have problems, and I know I have many, many more. I know patience and forgiveness should come as soon as possible, if not immediately. I also know forgiving one's self is of supreme importance.  

When I was about eight, my dad told me that if I didn't really love myself (and that I'd be surprised about how many folks feel that way), that I'd never be able to truly forgive myself...in the right way. 

I asked him, "How in the right way?"

"Little Melvin," he said (as a child I was Little Melvin and he was Big), "Little Melvin, you've got to love yourself enough to know that you will be loved back. That way, no matter what you've done, people will have enough faith in you to know you're worthy of their forgiveness."

I didn't understand what he was saying, not until I did the unthinkable, 

many years later: keeping my parents from coming to the Olympic Games. 

When I realized my mistake,  I agonized over it. In simple terms, all 

of my hate was coming back on me. It wasn't until I remembered what 

dad had told me that I was able to start healing.

Love is patient and love is kind. That's what I learned watching 

my dad live, and that's what I tried to apply to my own life. I can't 

quantify, exactly, how well I did, but I started to feel good. 

It took years for me to genuinely forgive myself for keeping 

my own family from the Olympic Games. By that time, dad was 

dead and mom had been alone for nearly eleven years. I had 

broached the subject with mom, but she had always dismissed it. 

Looking back, being honest with myself, I allowed her to because 

I felt so much shame.  

This year, back in June, I finally settled down and dug in 

on my apology. I told Mom, "I am so, so sorry." She said she 

knew, and that it was all okay. She said:

"Melvin Jr., (Mom has always calls me Jr. and dad Sr.), 

seeing you swim as child was far more rewarding. Just let all 

that hurt go. I love you and that'll never change."

For my family, for '09 and beyond, I want 

more than a resolution. I always want to be in a state of 

striving to love more. I know I love my wife more than 

when we got married. It's been ten years now, and I expect to 

love her even more at years 20 and 30. 

Loving my daughter goes without saying. I can't express 

how lucky I feel that she's been born in an age with so much 

feminine-power and possibility. It would break my heart if she 

had been born a generation or two back. I can't imagine her 

missing out on opportunities because she happens to be 

one particular sex. At the same time it frightens me. I know 

my job's tougher. I have to prepare her for a world of 

competition with everybody... But really, I just want her to 

be okay. I want her to be happy, and to love herself, 

no matter what, and know that I love her...the way my 

parents loved me.

Friends Made in 08, and Old Friends Revisited (3 videos)

I meant to post more videos from my NYC Birthday Party. Unfortunately I got too busy. I did manage to cut together this quick highlights vid. The overall vibe is as "faded" as it appears. Shooting at the end of the night isn't always the best idea. I do care about my friends looking and sounding their best. Instead, to be true to the moment, I'm only giving a glimpse.  It should be noted that everyone had a good time, packing a life-time of catching up into only one night. Then we all took cabs home--as responsible adults.

Dean Hutchinson, my old roomie from the 1994 Goodwill Games, came (with his wife) to celebrate. Dean's a great guy, a father of three, and a swim coach at Rider University. Back in the day, he was a National Team athlete. He's also a proud alumnus of Auburn University: 

As a member of the US National Team alumni, we've stayed in touch through these vlogs. Specifically, that's how the vlogs got started. The idea was simple: Record trips to swimming meets where the National Team traveled. Go behind the scenes. We wanted to give alumni the feeling of being there, making new friends with the "present" National Team Members and their coaches. (These relationships are life-long, life-defining--so meaningful.)

Back at the Olympics, when LaBi and I vlogged, we were giving insider information to an audience of very knowledgeable viewers, athletes who had traveled and represented their country abroad. Of course our content dealt with food, how the events were run behind the scenes, the feeling of the crowd and the media and how it effected the athletes. We also talked about the little tit for tats between the athletes. We were honest about the hardcore sense of competition between the swimmers... What we learned is that a lot more people were tuning in to get the inside scoop. We actually pulled back a bit on the info out of fear that we were giving up too much insider stuff. 

One thing we did do was act out the swimmer milieu. (Swimmers who swim in tiny suits aren't modest. They're very open and free and can come across too much so for many people.) In short, we vlogged in bathrobes and shower-caps, swim-caps, fighter-pilot helmets...we did what swimmers would do among friends having fun... 

The results of the above has been overwhelming. Swimmers, master swimmers, swimmer-parents and swimming fans have tuned in, and continue to come back for more information. A lot of the info is serious, but we try to keep it fun...  If you're new to this blog, don't be afraid to ask any questions. I try to answer each and every one.... 

As for the "man-panties" Dean Hutchinson was referring to in the vlog above, my daughter is new to the swimming world (only joining a team this year), and she is just now realizing her dad ran around half-naked most of his life.  

****The video above was shot by the Chris Michael and Mike Gustafson, from the SWIMNETWORK show Chlorination. Swimnetwork is the leading voice of swimming in partnership with the national governing body. They do a fantastic job reaching out to all types of swimmers, encouraging participation, fun and fellowship******

Obama & Rev. Al Sharpton, Back to the Future in 2016 (video at the end)

Exactly one year ago, Chicago got riled up because of the Reverend Al Sharpton. I love Reverend Al, and I loved writing the column below. I love it even more now that Barack Obama's about to enter the White House. I think it confirms a feeling, one we've all felt for a very long time: We've got a ways to go to heal racism, but we've got the energy to get there and we certainly know our destination. 

****This GMM column appeared on Dec 26th, 2007****

GOLD MEDAL MEL “An Open Letter to Rev. Al Sharpton”

     Unless you’ve been under a rock or can’t read, then you know Al Sharpton has threatened to derail Chicago’s bid for the Olympic Games in 2016. Al’s mad about the Chicago Police Department’s alleged brutality against ethnic minorities. And Al should be. The CPD has already paid out twenty million dollars in claims because of the situation, so the whole ordeal reeks of racism. Al wants concrete steps to insure these injustices don’t continue, and if he doesn’t get them by the end of December, he plans to take his case globally, in essence alerting the IOC.

     Chicago’s mayor and his political wonks are acting slightly annoyed, if not nonchalant. But don’t be fooled. They have unsheathed their knives, deflecting the issue, claiming Al Sharpton’s out for himself and his celebrity.

     I must admit a tiny bias before I go on. I truly admired the Civil Rights stud, Reverend Al Sharpton. He was a hero to me, even back when he wore day-glow track-suits and all those gold necklaces. I always love it when Al exposes injustice and wins the day. So, as an admirer, I have written an open letter hoping to appeal to his sense of honor concerning our Olympic history:

     Dear Al,

     You’re awesome! Few can stir the hearts and minds of so many with so few words of coercion. However, threatening the Olympic movement was not the best move. I can’t speak for the U.S Olympic Committee officially, but I can say the athletes and our history is already with you. Our legacy is rich in the ethnic community. Forget Major League Baseball and the National Footage League, the USOC got it right long before those monopolies. Lest you forget, our mission statement is all about participation no matter your color, sex or creed. Also, the greatest moment in sports history is without a doubt the greatest testimony to the human spirit and equality. And we own it! It’s ours, Al! I’m talking about Jesse Owens netting three gold medallions at the 1936 Nazi Games in front of Adolph Hitler.

     What I’m trying to say, Al, is that you’re leveraging the Olympics the wrong way. Go ahead, pressure Chicago on the race issue. Just use the Olympic ideal to make the mayor take a hard look in the mirror. Preach about Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph, and reference the 1968 Mexico Games when black gloves were raised in power. Those are seminal moments in our nation’s on-going education and maturity. Historians write about it with sugar dripping from their pens. They make everyone appreciate and respect the color of each individual’s skin. That’s the Olympic ideal of the human spirit, which is yours too. So use it with wisdom, my friend, and preach it with a full heart. Don’t derail Chicago’s Olympic bid, make it your bid for human rights. Stand with our ethnically diverse athletes and be a part of the Olympic Movement.  

     Sincerely yours,

     Gold Medal Mel

I am a passionately proud member of the Olympic Family. We are not perfect, but our ideals are noble and precise. The Olympic Movement is about peace, participation and equality.

Working for the Swim Foundation, I am on the knife's edge of the battle for equality. Swimming, historically a very vanilla country-club sport, has been reaching across all racial barriers. We support "learn to swim" programs in urban and minority communities. (Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of injury related death, and if you're of color, you are 3-times as likely to drown!) Fighting this epidemic hasn't been easy, but our forces have gotten stronger since Cullen Jones exploded onto the scene. 

Cullen Jones, the 2008 gold medalist in the 4x100 Free Relay, is African American, and charismatic, and compassionate. With stars like him and our new President, 2009 will be the year to celebrate color and the strength diversity! 

The USA Swimming Foundation hosts the Golden Goggles every year to honor the best in swimming. However, it is, first and foremost, a fundraiser for the fight against drownings in minority communities. What I'd like to known is how we could make it a better evening, a more entertaining even, for the participants? How can we make the most of this wonderful opportunity to bring together the best in swimming to celebrate and raise money for this cause?

Here's a glance back at the 2008 gala event. It's my behind-the-scene glimpse with Christopher LaBianco (my partner and friend):

*****Note: In '07 my GMM column was licensed to The World Championship Sports Network, now Universal Sports. It's where I got my start as GMM. I still check them out every day. They cover global swimming incredible well. WIthout them I would not have gotten all my coverage of the World Cup Series*****

Holiday Happiness Starring Ryan Lochte

Here you go, my gmm holiday gift to all the social-networkers who have supported swimming this year:

Now that I have your attention, I want to thank you all for your support of my life-defining sport.

When I swam, no one paid much attention, except at the Olympics, and even then it was only for the proverbial fifteen minutes. This year more than two billion tuned in to see Michael Phelps, and supporting stars like Lochte (aka Reezy), Aaron Peirsol, Matt Grevers, Katie Hoff, Dara Torres, Natalie Couglin and Cullen Jones.  It confirmed something I already knew. Billions swim. Billions go to the beach. Billions understand the appeal of good health through swimming and its rewards, aka "The Swimmer Body," illustrated perfectly by Ryan Lochte. 

Conservatively, more than 180 million people swim 3 times a week on the planet. Our numbers are huge. In terms of media-attention, I hope the interest in swimming will hold, but I'm positive it can and will with the support of bloggers and social-networkers around the globe. 

I've been asking since August how to make the most of this "tiger-by-tail" situation. I've gotten great feedback, and I've passed it along to the powers that be inside of USA Swimming. 

A CONFESSION: I used to be indifferent about my Olympic Governing Body. (FYI: swimming, track n field, and gymnastics operate under the US Olympic Committee). When I swam I was convinced they did absolutely nothing.  This year I worked for the USA Swimming Foundation (raising money for "learn to swim" programs), which gave me a peek inside the hallowed halls of power. What I saw surprised me. They work nonstop. They're forward thinking, always looking for opportunities to marketing swimming. 

ON DECK FOR 2009: USA Swimming is already prepping for Olympic Trials in 2012! Golden Goggles ended mere weeks ago, and they've already met in LA to set up the '09 gala weekend. And unless you've been hiding under a rock, you know NBC Sports will be broadcasting World Championships in Rome.

Rumors have been flying about a pro-swimming circuit. What I've learned is that USA Swimming intends to beef up the Grand Prix Series. What that amounts to is creating a series of competitions that are more audience and media friendly. Old ideas about the long three-hour finals-format may change. The old guard is listening! They know we need a new schedule to better present our stars in swimming. 

I will be on deck all year, and I will continue to follow stories that entertain. (I'm particularly interested in a new star, Dagney Knutson, from America's northern plain.) I'll also be doing ON THE ROAD, a show with my partner, Christopher LaBianco. Chris, or LaBi, is the Chief of the Swim Foundation, and he's all about everything swimming.  

I know Lochte's about to blow-up with his PR company PMK. I know Matt Grevers, Christine Magnuson, Gary Hall Jr., and many other star swimmers under David Arluck's banner, Arluck Promotions, will be tackling social-media in '09 brilliantly. (More news on that in February.)

David Arluck, the uber Olympic agent based in Miami, has surprised many this year. He continually creates marketing platforms for his athletes with a socially conscious background. 

Evan Morgenstein, based in Raleigh NC, reps almost everyone else, and I know he's always booking his swimmers on NBC prime-time shows and other media-outlets. Evan reps Cullen Jones, one of swimming's greatest assets. There are rumors about a major news network's interest in covering him monthly. (More news on that in March.)

For me this holiday season, I'm happier than I've been in 15 years. (I normally get down around December, with the shorter days, but not as much this year.) My daughter, Bay, has been swimming, and my wife, Tif, has been swimming (and I should also mention that she's been supportive of my work all year long). As a couple, with a young daughter, we're happy, but always looking to the future slightly concerned. We hope Bay continues swimming. We hope she benefits from all the positives of the sport. It's helps kids, especially young girls, develop so much confidence and discipline. 

In the meantime, while Bay is only 8 years old, still believing in Santa Claus, we'll celebrate her innocence. It goes without saying that I love swimming, but she's my greatest joy of all.  

SWIMMING NEWS TODAY, DEC 24TH:

My column GOLD MEDAL MEL: Merry Seasons Greetings just posted on swimnetwork.

US Masters Swimming nets partnership with Blueseventy. In his ongoing march toward making US Masters Swimming a force in the market, Rob Butcher, the executive director, signs a deal with the swimwear company, Blueseventy (considered by many to have the fastest suit on the planet). 

Michael Phelps' agent, Peter Carlisle, is overwhelmed by the Phelps Media Phenomenon!

Ous Mellouli and Kristry Coventry are named Male and Female African Swimmer of the Year! 

Michael Phelps & My Magic Ball

11 months ago, I posted this column on THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SPORTS NETWORK (now Universal Sports). It's a bit out of character for me -- snarky to the point of being mean -- but I got so upset because so many of my peers were saying Michael Phelps couldn't go 8 for 8 in Beijing. Here's what I wrote, January 29th of 2008...

GOLD MEDAL MEL: Thorpe v Phelps, The Facts

Ian Thorpe’s mantra has always been that Michael Phelps won’t break Mark Spitz’s Olympic record of seven gold medal wins. Yesterday, January 28^th, 2008, according to Reuters, Thorpe was at it again.

     From Beijing, surely on a fat-cat corporate tour to line his pockets, Thorpe told reporters Michael wouldn’t make history in 2008 because “there’s a thing called competition.”

     I’ve never been a big fan of Thorpe, a.k.a “The Thorpedo.” He lacks the edge I like to see in my swimming heroes. In his defense, he is witty, and face-to-face, he’s nice, but I always hated how he presented himself as an aquatic Rockstar, because at best he’s rockstar-light.

     Winning three gold medals at the 2000 Aussie Games, Thorpe boyishly waved to the hometown crowd, smiling. But at the 2004 Athens Games, he bristled when the media cast Michael Phelps as their darling.

     Thorpe was supposed to be eternally sweet, or at least that was the propaganda his P.R. handlers were pushing. I think he came off catty, then surly, and ultimately whiny. Lest we forget, Thorpe was under immense pressure to equal Mark Spitz’s haul of seven gold medals in Athens, and his chances weren’t farfetched considering his six wins at the 2001 World Championships. Thorpe was “The Thorpedo” back then. No doubt. But three years later, at the 2004 Olympics, he lacked the edge I’m talking about.

     Thorpe is, how should I put this, a cosmopolitan type of dude. He likes media, and money, and being a paid ambassador for Armani suits. That’s all fine and well in the world of athletic endorsements, but to transcend Olympic history, you have to do the unthinkable. To be a true athletic rock-star, you have to be “the balls.” Thorpe wasn’t in Athens. Thorpe hedged. He focused on his core swims instead of competing in seven events.

     Bottom line: Thorpe didn’t go for it. Michael Phelps did.

     Watching Michael win six gold medals and two bronze in Athens probably chapped Ian Thorpe where the sun don’t shine. Thorpe had to know he was watching the greatest swimmer of all-time. Of course Thorpe was congratulatory in front the cameras. But in the maelstrom of his mind, I assure you Michael Phelps had taken up residence.

     The "tipping point" was the bold challenge Michael made in Athens in the 200 free. That was undeniably Ian Thorpe’s best event, his baby. Michael lost to Thorpe in that race. But Michael was “the balls.” He ran down the Aussie on the last fifty charging into the final wall. Had there been five more meters, Michael would have won. Ian Thorpe knew that, and he knew his was career done.

     Ever since 2004, Ian Thorpe has been waffling about his swimming. Meanwhile, Michael turned in another fast 200 free at the 2005 World Championships in Canada.

     “When I’m able to stand up against Thorpe (and Hoogenband) again, then it will be a better challenge,” Phelps told a reporter from the Baltimore Sun. Then he added, “I’m sure if they’re (Thorpe and Hoogenband) like me, they’re watching all the results. They’re great competitors, and hopefully I’ll have my chance to race them.”

     That was the nail in Thorpe’s coffin. The subtext of that quote wasn’t lost on him: I am King Michael, the consummate gentlemen, but I am coming for you, Ian.

     Michael’s coach, Bob Bowman, even saw the writing on the wall. “Thorpe was the greatest middle-distance swimmer of all-time,” he said graciously. I don’t know for sure, but I think Bob was offering Thorpe an olive branch so he could expire with dignity.

     For the record, Thorpe retired November 22^nd, 2006, sighting aquatic apathy. Yeah. Apathy for silver. I don’t buy it for a second.  

     There are reports that Michael and Ian Thorpe are friends. I’ve asked around and most people confirm them. I believe it. Michael would never even allow friction between him and any swimmer.

     That’s probably the scariest characteristic of Michael. In many ways, you could describe his career as absolute control. For competitors, that must be frightening. Michael’s almost like a programmed computer around the pool. He swims his swims and recovers so rapidly, he’s like an indifferent hit-man; his wins are eerily cool and mean.

     I know. I’m gushing, and I know what you’re thinking: Michael’s a US citizen, so I’m partial. And to be perfectly honest, I have to admit I have a man-crush on Michael.

     He’s the true rockstar.

     Ian Thorpe is not.     

     And if you doubt Michael chances of beating Mark Spitz’s record in Beijing, you’re not only blind, you’re ignorant about the present state competitive swimming.

***Feels good to read that column again. I don't hate Thorpe, but MP's my hero, and that's how I've always felt about him*****

 

Olympic Gold Medalist, Garrett Weber-Gale: "Driven To Succeed"

2008 Olympic Gold Medalist, Garrett Weber-Gale (or GWG for those who know his blog and his life as a foodie), has produced a new DVD. 

Driven To Succeed: Freestyle Insight with Garrett Weber Gale is NOT just another boring swimming instructional.  Garrett opens up and infuses the narrative with his real-life drama; all his reasons why stroke efficiency, superior starts and turns, and mental preparation are supremely necessary for him to compete and win. 

"I'm not as tall or muscular as other world-class swimmers," Garrett told me. "To be honest, I don't have the talent really. I've had to work to shave every tenth of second. I'm like a lot a swimmers out there, swimmers who weren't born to succeed." 

Garrett didn't come out and say it, but he was alluding to his health challenges. He suffers from high blood-pressure, which might be an understatement. When he was diagnosed in 2005, his doctor told him not to practice or compete, that he'd be at risk for a stroke or heart-attack.  

Garrett was faced with a future that looked bleak.

Not competing wasn't an option for Garrett, so he formulated a game-plan. He was prepared to do anything to continue his swimming-life as he'd always known it.

"I had to take medication, which was scary," Garrett said. "Four of the seven drugs were on the ban-list. I take Benicar, which isn't bad. It has few side-effects. But taking medicine wasn't nearly enough. I had to change the way I lived." 

Garrett tried to control his salt in-take and used meditation to lower his stress. It helped, but only slightly. Garrett knew he needed to do something drastic.  

"I radically changed my diet," Garrett told me. "That's a big part of my DVD. While I suffer from high blood-pressure, the truth is, all swimmers have to have proper nutrition if they want to be great athletes."  

Nutrition is part of the entertainment in Garrett's DVD. He takes you into his kitchen to whip up one of his favorite dishes. 

"My salmon recipe's in it. You could say my DVD's part cooking show too," he laughed!

Garrett sounds like he had a lot of fun making his DVD. So if you're a swimmer, or swimming fan, or a mother and father of one, Driven to Succeed could be the perfect stocking-stuffer this holiday season. 

Go to here to order DRIVEN TO SUCCEED. And checkout Garrett's commercial for a glimpse of what you'll see: 

And for those who don't know Garrett, the champion, check him out in action:

USMS Nets Endorsement Deal, Milorad Cavic sets sights on Beating Michael Phelps

US Masters Swimming is 50,000 members strong, and with their new Executive Director, Rob Butcher, at the helm, they're moving, shaking, and signing new deals! 

Chattem Inc., already a proud sponsor of US Masters Swimming through its UltraSwim Shampoo product, is apparently very pleased with the relationship. They're renewing their support, and adding new products to the partnership.

“We developed a grass roots sampling and brand activation plan for UltraSwim to better take advantage of its sponsorship with the U.S. Masters Swimming membership, and it became apparent to both Chattem and us that the activation plan could naturally be extended to their BullFrog, Icy Hott and Gold Bond brands,” Rob Butcher said. 

I bet Rob did. Rob's a smart guy. In any relationship, he always looks for the win-win. Since he took over at USMS, he's been on the road extolling the virtues of the best kept secret in swimming, something he calls "the circle of life." I've hear him say it over and over, and I understand. There's no reason to stop swimming, no reason not to extend your love of the sport, no matter what your age or level of fitness. Simply put: Swim.

I've drunk the cool aid. My wife and I are back in to water as well. We've benefited from Rob's mantra since we started hearing it two years before he became USMS's Executive Director.

IN OTHER NEWS

Milorad "Mike" Cavic, fresh off of his 100 fly win at the short course meters European Championships, is already setting his sights on World Championships in Rome next year:

"There is still room for improvement," Cavic told Blic Online Sports. "I don't know how quick Michael Phelps is going to be, but I believe I can swim the 100m butterfly in under 50.3 seconds, which is the current world record."

Cavic burst on the world stage when he was touched out by one-hundredth of a second in Beijing, by Phelps in the 100m fly. Here's a look back at Cavic moments after the dramatic loss:

Rebecca Adlington, Britain's Olympic gold medalist in the 400m and 800m free in Beijing, is snubbing her homeland's sport agencies, according to Jim Wilson of Australia's Herald Sun. 

Adlington, the 19 year old media sensation on English soil for being the first Brit to win Olympic gold in the pool since 1988, has signed with Aussie agency, Elite Sports Properties, or ESP. 

"Nationality was irrelevant and didn't even come into the equation and I thought ESP gave a very professional presentation and that was the clincher in the end," Adlington said.

ESP also reps high-profile sprint freestyler, Eamon Sullivan.

(Thank you to Mikayla Cooke for pointing this article out!)

Olympic Gold Medalist, Megan Jendrick, parts ways with Octagon!

Three-time Olympic Medalist, Megan Jendrick, has amicably parted ways with long-time agent, Peter Carlisle of Octagon. (Carlisle, thrust into the limelight as Michael Phelps' representation, has also recently lost Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte.)

Megan, famous for gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine, won two gold medals at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. In 2004, she narrowly missed making the US Olympic Team by 11 one-hundredths of a second in the 100 meters breaststroke. Many in the swimming community counted her out, until the 2008 Olympic Trials, when she made the US Olympic Team and went on the win silver in Beijing. 

Megan, who is presently taking meetings with sports management companies, is by no means waiting on the sidelines. She's working on a line of skincare products and frequently books swimming clinics through her online site, acquaswim.com.  She's also a successful author (along with her husband, Nathan Jendrick). Her most recent book, GET WET, GET FIT, promotes fitness, and outlines different training regiments that work for anyone, from the beginner to the elite athlete. (I know. My wife used GET WET, GET FIT to start swimming this past year. Now she's cranking workouts as a masters swimmer.) 

Megan's latest endeavor should be an easy one. She's writing a column for FitnessRxmag.com.  I, personally expect great content. Megan certainly has a long dramatic career of experience to draw from.  

I know Megan, and her husband, Nathan, like a lot of people do; the young married couple NBC chronicled with the heavy subtext of, "aahhhh, aren't they cute." Well, they are. But that's an oversimplification. They're very real, and hard-working, and wise beyond their years because of life's ups and downs. I've had the pleasure of getting to know them better than most over the course of this year, at the Olympic Trials, The Games, and during clinics for the USA Swimming Foundation. Essentially what you do in their company is laugh. They're pure fun, whenever I'm around them...even when it's at my expense. (Megan and Nathan offered moral support when I "finally" got my Olympic Rings tat. Mostly they tagged along and laughed at me, which made the whole experience painless and easy.) 

Checkout the Megan Jendrick tribute, and see her in the water, in action:

105th World Record Falls Amid Swimsuit Technology Fears...

At the European Championships, Italy's Federica Pellegrini eclipsed the 104th world record of the year, blasting the 200 short course meters freestyle world mark with a 1:51:85...

Here's a glance back at Leveaux's 100 free world record, the milestone 100th of the year. (NOTE: This video's covered by English commentary.)

And American Peter Marshall's world record in the short course meters 100 back was clipped by Russian, Stanislav Donets. His 49:32 cut Marshall's mark by three tenths, a huge margin for a 100 meter sprint. 

Stanislav's swim was, dare I say, the mind-numbing 105th world record of the year.

I love world records. I love the attention they bring. Between Michael Phelps' historic Beijing haul and the 100 plus world records, swimming has exploded onto the world stage!

It is realistic? Or is all one big cheat! Is it fair to the history of the sport, to our past heroes who rarely saw world marks achieved?

Swimming governing bodies and high-profile coaches are demanding a roll-back on the technology. Many have gone public, like Aussie Head Coach Alan Thompson, and many have whispered about it on deck, shaking their heads as they almost seethed in disgust. I witnessed it as recently as Short Course National Championships in Atlanta. One coach of a world-class swimmer actually cursed: 

"F--- these d--- suits. They're screwing over our sport." 

Until I heard that coach curse, a coach I've known for over 25 years, I didn't really want to consider the downside of 21st century swimsuit technology. I've kept my head in the sand, like an ostrich, fearful of the obvious.

Since short course Nationals in Atlanta, I've considered this topic nonstop. I hate to say it, but I feel swimming's damned if you do and damned if you don't...though I seriously hope not.

The upside of suit technology is tremendous: More world records every year, and media, and money. The downside is swimming's integrity: Can anyone take an athlete seriously if he or she drops so much time annually? Will world records become meaningless? Will they lose their fan-currency? 

They will in time. It's inevitable. And if we continue on this current path, it might become painful... 

I absolutely love dark chocolate, 86% pure, but if I eat it all day long (which I've done a time or two), I suffer mind-crunching headaches, serious brain-pain. The result of my bingeing is always the same: I avoid dark chocolates until I forget about my love for them, and then the cycle starts again.  

The Olympic cycle is much the same for the world beyond the swimming family. They binge on us, and often grow sick. Add our world record tear to the mix, and we might be adding fuel to this cyclical fire. I hope not, but I fear it a lot... I'd like to hear if anyone else feels the same? 

There's more on the downside, and as a former Olympian who lived off of a swimwear contract (Speedo), it scares me to death. Swimsuit manufacturers are threatening to pull out of the high-tech swimsuit race, or have already done so, to a degree.

Adidas is threatening to pull out. Nike Swim is taking a "let see" position. And TYR? They've been trying for years, and succeeding, but even they've called "uncle" in the wake the Speedo juggernaut, opting for litigation.

For a competitive swimsuit market, we need, well, competition. Speedo can not be the only brand in mix, and I say this knowing that Speedo has been exceptionally good to swimming. For some people, Speedo, in the aquatic world, is almost a religion. Speaking out is a sin...although I don't really buy into that assumption. I believe competition is also in Speedo's best interest. 

Forget the last point for a moment. Consider the impact a one-suit industry would have on world-class swimmers; fewer endorsement contracts, loss of much-need subsistence monies, talent being forced to retire, a weaker Olympic swimming team. 

Back to Speedo's best interest: Competition drives companies. It focuses their energies. They're forced to produce better products. Ultimately, they must create and hone a sustainable corporate model.

Something must be done! FINA must set limits on suit technology!

If they don't, I'm starting a new swimwear company, and selling a super-slick product. I'll shrink-wrap swimmers in cellophane, and watch them slide on to multi-world record performances while I make millions of dollars. 

****A big thanks to Stanford Swimming Alum, Rich Roll, for pointing out Craig Lord's November 30th article. It was eye-opening as well as frightening. I am thankful for guys like Rich Roll, who are a part of my social-swimming network******

Michael Phelps Creating a New Series of Video Games

Michael Phelps is at it again, making swimming cool anyway he can. 

As reported by shacknews, 505 GAMES has cut a deal with Mr. Swimming to create a video game series which will "celebrate active lifestyles, the spirit of competition and the inspirational dream of becoming a champion."

Ok. I'll buy it. But will anyone other than "swimming geeks" like me pony up the money to watch digital swimming? I hope so. Michael Phelps, in his continuing support of swimming, is giving a portion of the profits to his foundation. 

505 GAMES is calling the Phelps endorsed-series the "first-of-its-kind video game," and it could include other swimming stars... That's sounds tight! Phelps and friends, hanging out in another digital dimension is something I'd like. My question is: Will it only be Phelps' friends who are repped by Octagon, MP's agency?  

Michael Phelps is isn't new to the gaming industry. He played a part, along with high-profile pros, pitching the video game GUITAR HERO:

Leveaux lowers 100 free World Record again! First man under 45!!!

Amaury Leveaux, who lost to Alain Bernard at the French Nationals in the short course meters 100 freestyle, clearly had more in the tank. Leveaux's turned in four world best times now at the European Championships. Check out his sub 45 second 100 free:

Leveaux's on Facebook, and a friend (along with over 4,100 other friends). I'm also a new friend of his brothers, Aurelien Leveaux, the Junior French Champion in 50 butterfly... Speed in the water obviously runs in the family...

It should be noted that Amaury Leveaux turned in all four world best times wearing a TYR suit (the same suit American Peter Marshall wore when he broke the 100 back world records in mid November).

I don't know Leveaux, yet, but I will make his acquaintance in the future. He seems to have a rock-star quality. Check out his photos and decide for yourself.  

I'm a lover of Olympic tats, but Leveaux has taken the swimmer-tat to a new level. Checkout his back!

Rolling into 2009 World Championships in Rome, Leveaux is clearly a man to keep your eye on......

Lovin' Ryan Lochte & Video of Leveaux's new WORLD RECORD!

Lochte (aka Reezy) is easy to like, even love. If you don't know him, or only know him through his interviews or races or fan-videos, you might think his mien is a rouse. 

No one could really be that laid-back? That's what I assumed.

He really is like what you see. He lives in the moment. The guy's emotionally free...

Women, of course, love him, because he's Reezy eye-candy. But I should point-out that he's exceedingly serious about his swimming.

Coming off of an Olympic performance, particularly Lochte's performance in Beijing, is emotionally draining. The fact that Lochte's back in the water shows fierce determination. Every day out of practice costs you two to get back into shape. We're only 4 months away from the Olympics and Lochte's back in top form! I think he's going to shine at next year's World Champs in Rome!

Matt Grevers, the gentle giant, is another example of a laid-back athlete. Don't be fooled, though. Grevers has only recently come into his own--and at the age of 23. I think the giant's going to be ravenously hungry. This year he's just gotten a taste of what it feels like to truly be a world-class athlete. The more he wins, the more I think he'll become mean--as a competitor I mean.

Out of the water, Grevers is gregarious, media-friendly, another rising star. Check him out, unveiling his new tat:

Tyler Clary is USA Swimming's new Olympic hope. Only 19, he got 3rd at Olympic Trials in the 200 backstroke. Tyler's a clutch swimmer. He can do anything;  200 & 400 IM, 200 & 400 free. Tyler can even swim fly... He really can do anything...  

IN SWIMMING NEWS:

Head Coach of Aussie Swimming, Alan Thompson, wants FINA to ban all new racing suits. (Thanks, Mikayla Cooke, for pointing this feature out.) Alan's a good guy, and obviously a brilliant coach. Some folks are intimidated by him. I don't know why. Alan's a sweetheart. Checkout my interview with him, earlier this year in Santa Clara.

Garrett Weber-Gale, one of my favorite Olympic bloggers,is back in the news. Check out this great feature on him where he explains the story behind his high-blood pressure, and why he's such a strict health foodie.

Michael Phelps pitched his new book on The Colbert Report. If you missed it, here's a hulu link.

Kevin Van Valkenburg, reporter for the Baltimore Sun, probably knows Michael Phelps better than anyone (save Bob Schaller and Alan Abrahamson, co-authors of Phelps last two memoirs). Kevin reviews Phelps' second memoir by Abrahamson, putting the book into perspective. Kevin essentially says "What can be revealed that hasn't already?"  Kevin goes on to explain that, while Alan is a great writer, choosing to write Phelps' memoir in the 1st person wasn't the best idea. Alan's older and eloquent, much more so than a 23 year old star Olympian. (I'm buying Phelps' memoir just to have a copy. Bad or good--which I'll determine for myself when I read it--I want the book for memorabilia.)

/got chains on my neck like Michael Phelps/ 

Michael Phelps continues to take-over the world, including the rap world, thanks to Lil Wayne & Young Jeezy! (Jamie Cail, my Facebook friend, you're awesome! Thanks for pointing this vid out!)

Amaury Leveaux's WORLD RECORD in the short course meters 50 free is finally on youtube. He broke it at European Championships, Dec 11th:

Cullen Jones: Swimming's Greatest Asset

Cullen Jones is only one athlete, with one Olympic gold medal. 

Swimming's Greatest Asset? 

Sure, my title is bold in the aftermath of Michael Phelps' 8 for 8 performance in Beijing. I'm sticking by it, though. In the long run, when swimming history is written in a social context, I know Cullen Jones will be king. 

If you considered the face of American today, you can't deny all of the colors and shades. We're a multi-racial nation, and we're better because of it. When different cultures flow together, we all benefit from a creative energy. I believe is it empowering, even life-sustaining. In our on-going story it is what makes us great.

Cullen Jones is aware of his role in this narrative, and he is graciously following in the footsteps of other great athletes who have broken the color barrier. While Cullen is only one color, he recognizes the rainbow as well. Cullen encourages African Americans to swim, but his message encompasses everyone.  

If swimming, as a sport, is ever going to reflect the face of American society, it will be because of Cullen's testimonial, and his cross-country promotion of diversity. Cullen Jones is the key. Without him, our story remains the same: near-absence from urban and minority communities. 

Sometimes images are more telling! Checkout this kid who is so emotionally connected:

Just because Cullen is a man of color does not mean he qualifies for this role as king. It takes a unique mix of intelligence, charisma, compassion and patience. Fortunately, for us, Cullen has it all. He's a true star. I know. I've been privy to a few conversations, and I've heard about all the companies and media networks clamoring for a piece of his image.

Checkout this commercial and you'll see why:

Additionally, Cullen has sex appeal. I've heard it from many different women, often described the same way: "Cullen's not arrogant. He's sexy and attractive, in a completely approachable way." 

Check Cullen out in this video making a connection with a Candace Brooke Silva, a big blogger who follows swimming (among many other things on her show OH YES THEY DID):

  

Here's Cullen connecting with Heather Lettieri (one of my favorite Facebook friends):

Is Cullen swimming's greatest asset? 

It's a tough question when you consider it. Granted, Michael Phelps is the reason we've drawn in fans beyond our niche community, but if we want to sign up kids who have traditionally gravitated to basketball, football and baseball, I believe Cullen, in the long run, will have the greatest impact.

French Swimming Nationals Coverage Continued

***Thanks to my friend, Guillaume Deutsh, we have a first person account of all the action. While English is clearly Guillaume's second language, I have elected to keep his "text" mostly as is. I think it adds a flair and authenticity to his coverage of the French Short Course National Championships***

What a first day we FRENCH had!!! The pool closed with Fred "Tattoo" Bousquet winner in 50 free over Amaury Levaux and Alain Bernard. So for this second day, we all wait for 50 fly duel between Fred Bousquet and Amaury Leveaux. And we were not disappointed. The pool of Angers was fire on Saturday!

In the morning, Amaury Leveaux swam his 50 fly in 22.73, a new FRENCH RECORD! That make crowd stand up. FRENCH fans were PASSIONATE! Only a few minutes later, Fred Bousquet answer back in the next heat with a 22.72. Both 50 fly swims looked very easy, so people and fans start to speak about something even greater in the finals of the 50 fly that evening.

FRENCH FINALS, SATURDAY, DAY TWO:

The first French Olympic Gold medalist, Laure Manaudou, won 100 back in 57.99, followed by her rival, Alexiane Castel, in 58.85. Laure took control of race from beginning for her first victory in Angers.

Then the men's 100 back was the game of Camille Lacourt from Marseille, who won with 50.94. Lacourt is now first FRENCH swimmer under 51 seconds in that event!

Breastroker, Hugues Duboscq, swam also fast in the 200, in 2.06.00, 

the 6th best performer ever in that distance!

Diane Buy-Duyet, a short course specialist, swam 25.56 to win the women's 50m fly, in new a French National Record! And Diana got "mise en bouche" before the men's 50 fly duel between Frederick Bousquet and Amaury Leveaux.

MEN 50 FLY BATTLE:

As all men wait behind blocks, the man from Mulhouse, Amaury Leveaux, remove ad panel between line 4 and line 5, throwing it in the way of Fred Bousquet. At that moment, Amaury Leveaux had "EYE OF TIGER." Leveaux was starving for victory!

And in only 22.29 Amaurg Leveaux blasted Matthew Jaukovic's world record! All fans were passionate, standing up for world record! And that was not it. Raphael Munoz, from Spain, also swam under the world record, in 22.37, and third was Fred Bousquet in 22.63!

Here is video of race end:

What a race... And the pool could not cool down after that. The pool was still fire!

On next race, Coralie "Coco" Balmy swam a 1.53.18 to remove the 2005 Lisbeth Lenton World Record ( 1.53.29), and by the way, the Laure Manaudou European Record (1.53.48).

Here is Coralie in video story of her life as swimmer:

FRENCH NATIONALS, DAY THREE, SUNDAY (the day of Alain Bernard's WR)

Those two first days were fantastic! It looks like we FRENCH are finally self-confident. That's pretty new, and we all expect even
more now... WE ARE STARVING FOR VICTORY!

WOMEN 400 FREE:`
Coralie "Coco" Balmy, the new world record holder in 200 free yesterday, can expect, WE CAN EXPECT, something great in 400 free. The fan stood for her, standing ovation for her... "GO COCO!" 

In line FIVE, Romanian, Camelia Potec, was good help (good competition). It took long time for Camelia to be on the blocks (meaning she had a slow start), and Coco took the lead in 27.63 from the first 50 meters. At the 100 meters Coco was a 57.38.  At the 150, Coco was 1.27.38, just off world record pace, but Coco love to finish strong. At 200 meters, 1.57.23, at 300 meters, 2.57.27. And this, with 100 meters left, was where Coco started her race. WOW!!!! At 350, Coco was a 3.27.38.  Every fan was behind her! And Coca tried more! The fans stood up for Coco! Coco's time: 3.56.35. 

The world record was not broke. World Record still belong to Laure Manaudou. Second was Camille Muffat, also under 4 minutes, in 3.59.80.

Does Coco love the sevens, or what? 

27.63, 57.38, 1.27.38, 1,57,23, 2.27.16, 2.57.27, 3.27.38

MEN 400 FREE:

It was yoyo race between Clement Lefert, Sebastien Rouault, Nicolas Rostoucher.  

Sebastien and Nicolas shared the lead position after each turn. Clement Lefert was strongest at end. Clement win: 3.43.59.

WOMEN 200 FLY:
Aurore Mongel, European Champion in Debrecen arrive, a smile on the face, with no stress after she gets the national best this morning in 2.06.27.
Aurore enjoy the race final, with fantastic finnish in 2.04.97, cutting French record by more than a second.

MEN 200 FLY:
Yes! You see? We have several WORLD RECORDS now, and 200 fly is the
oldest, a 1.50.73 It belongs to Franck Esposito (set December, 2002). Franck is now coaching Christophe Lebon from Antibes. Chris breath on the side (not straight ahead like traditional butterflyers). Franck breath on the side also. Christophe win with 1.52.36, the second best 200 fly in European this year.

WOMEN 50 BACK:
Laure Manaudou was faster than Alexianne Castel. Laure win with 27.30. The question was: will Laure swim in Arena or something else? And the answer was: BLUESEVENTY.

MEN 50 BACK: 
23.60 for Camille LaCourt, a new French record. Laure Manaudou watched 

race, supporting her little brother, Florent, who was fourth with 24.95. Laure's smiling mum and dad were at the award ceremony. We FRENCH love to see Laure with glory and victory... that correspond to her so well.

WOMEN 50 BREAST:
The Angers' pool showed the main French weakness, the woman
breaststroke. 31.80 for Fanny Babou to win the title.

MEN 50 BREAST:
Hugues Duboscq was disturbed this morning, losing his French Record to Giacomo Perez Dortona in 27.18. We FRENCH all support both swimmers.( I am not uncommitted saying that). A late start for Hugues, but good turn. It was very close, but a bad touch at the end for the guy from le Havre (Hugues), 27.09, new national best. James Gibson, from UK, was first in 27.04, swimming with no branded suit. (Gibson can be French Champion. He is from the UK.) So Hugues was the winner. Perez Dortona took silver.

WOMEN 200 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY:
Camille Muffat, just out of her 400 free final, win race in 2.07.94, a new French Record! Camile took a long time to recover before her TV interview.

Camile say to TV: "We can count on one hand the race with no record falling"  She's right! 

Did I mention that French Nationals are live on Eurosport TV? They are! :)

MEN 200 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY:
Christophe Soulier win in 2.00, very far from the 1.51.56 of Ryan Lochte. (We cannot be too fond of good swim.) The French best still belongs to Xavier Marchand, silver medalist in PERTH (World Championships) in 1999. 

AND FINALLY, 100 FREE...

LADIES FIRST:

Alena Popchenka won with 53.68. 

NOW THE MEN:
It is not Beijing here, but the race must be fast!

In the morning (prelim), Leveaux swims 46.41. Gilot swims 46.74. Alain Bernard swims 46.99. Mallet swims 47.15. Fred Bousquet swims 47.25. In the morning, all men swam raising foot in the last 25 meters (meaning they all kicked hard on the last lap). 

Alain Bernard swam under control, 21.96 in the first 50, and 24.28 in second 50, knowing he had to win the heat to be in final.

The pool was ready now.

FINAL, MEN 100 FREE:

From the start, Leveaux, Bernard, Gilot, and Bousquet are hot! They are fast. First 50, Bousquet is 21.68. At the finish, Alain Bernard is 45.68! 

A NEW WORLD RECORD! BERNARD IS BOSS!

"It can be possible..... I thought it was possible.... I just do it..." Bernard tells Eurosport TV.

Here is Bernard's 100 free on video:

 

****Thank you, Guillaume! I am awed by your bravado. I can barely speak English. I can't imagine reporting the US National Championships in another language*****

If you read Guillaume's first report and liked his photos, go to his flickr account and view dozens of photos from French National Championships.

Ryan Lochte Signs w/ PMK, the WORLD'S BEST PR FIRM

Short Course Nationals ended Saturday with a NEWS BANG! 

Ryan Lochte confirmed to me that he had parted ways with Octagon. This "legal separation" has apparently been an ongoing process. Ryan had nothing negative to say about his former agent, Peter Carlisle (who also reps Michael Phelps). We didn't get into the details, but I'm guessing Lochte is appreciative of his high-dollar contract with Speedo, which was brokered by Carlisle. 

Lochte is presently taking many, many meetings with talent agencies. WILLIAM MORRIS and CAA were mentioned, the top two Hollywood agencies repping every A-list star imaginable. 

Lochte's first order of business after leaving Octagon; signing with PMK, the best PR firm in the entertainment industry. Here's Ryan Lochte being Reezy, confirming the fact in this vid:

Ryan Lochte was Reezy on deck, but he was also all business. Lochte easily won the 200 backstroke the third night of National Championships. He followed up immediately with an effort in the 100 freestyle. The two races were so close together, Lochte didn't have time to assemble and parade out with the 100 free finalists. Lochte rushed through his warm-down, then hid away in the "pool-side change-room cubby" with me. I was back there with my Panasonic HVX200 grabbing high-quality footage. (The video above is quick and dirty, shot on my NOKIA N-Series. I shot the HVX200 b-roll to appease all fans of Reezy, going for pure eye-candy.) 

Capturing Ryan Lochte in his pre-race mind-set is very telling. He's still exceedingly nice and funny, but there's a moment when he shuts out the world, getting intensely focused. Hanging out on deck with him, you almost forget he's a fierce competitor. Lochte didn't win the 100 free, but he swam faster than most people could've ever believed--right after going a 1:38 in the 200 back!

For readers, what do you think about Lochte's aspirations for a clothing brand? What's his market? What would it take for him to be successful? And what about his modeling aspirations? A Calvin Klein Underwear campaign (or something like it) makes sense to me. My wife, Tiffy (who many of you have met), thinks Reezy would be great in a Diesel Ad. 

MORE REEZY NEWS: Expect him to piggy-back appearances (already booked so they don't interfere with his training) in cities where he can also hang with rap-stars. Additionally, Reezy will be doing more work with GQ Magazine. I have a funny feeling this is the beginning of REEZY WORLD DOMINATION.

MARK SCHUBERT, who was in the opening of the vid, is the OLYMPIC COACH and HEAD COACH OF THE USA NATIONAL SWIMMING TEAM (meaning he makes all decisions regarding the World Championship Team, Pan Am Team, Pan Pac Team, etc.). Anyone in the know knows Schubert is the man. Under his reign USA Swimming has shifted to a completely "performance-based" national governing body. 

Schubert, the GODFATHER of all US coaches, is feared by many. I absolutely love the man! Schubert makes great things happen!  CASE IN POINT:

DAVID MARSH is the head coach of Swim MAC, the man behind CULLEN JONES' Olympic success. Schubert was instrumental in moving Marsh from the collegiate world to the national and international world of swimming. Marsh is considered the greatest collegiate coach of all-time, wining 12 NCAA Swimming Championships at Auburn. Schubert moved Marsh to Swim MAC in Charlotte, NC, where Marsh now heads up the USA SWIMMING CENTER OF EXCELLENCE. Schubert was also instrumental ushering Cullen Jones under Marsh's command. Here's Marsh in a vid talking about Cullen:

Cullen Jones is in excellent hands. I know. I swam for David Marsh one summer. In nine short weeks he changed my stroke. I was resistant at first (perhaps a young arrogant ass). At the time, the twilight of my career, I had been number one in the world in the butterfly for many years; however, I did not own one record. Not an American Record, US Open, NCAA or World Record. I had no toe-hold on history. Here's what happened 5 months after Marsh coached me:

MARY DESCENZA was the female overall winner of the USA Short Course National Championships. Mary, always a great interview, did not make the 2008 USA Olympic Swim Team. It must have been a huge disappointment. She certainly has the talent to be a multi-Olympic-medalist. To see her so successful, so soon after all the Olympic hype, makes me believe she will have a place on the 2012 Olympic Team. 

Until the next the competition, I will be blogging about all things swimming (and/or Olympic), doing my best to get the inside scoop.