The year's underway. One Grand Prix competition down and many more to go until World Championships in Rome! After all the great swims I saw Saturday night, I can't wait for the next Grand Prix in Missouri, Feb 13th!
In the vlog above I mentioned meeting Zane Grothe in September for the first time at the American Swimming Coaches Association Convention in Las Vegas. He was just walking around, and he had that look in his eye. Despite being a 16 year old slight slip of guy--tall and very thin--he was absolutely fearless. I really believe he's going to be on the National Team soon representing the USA in the distance freestyle events. 2012 could very well be his Olympic debut. There! I said it! On the record! Check him out for yourself in this swimnetwork interview from September '08.
GOLD MEDAL MINUTE, my new web talk show, is cranking along. I have three more Olympic interviews in the can, and I'm capturing two more today. One is with the only National Team member who has ever gone on to be a minister, and the other is with a multi-Olympic medalist, a huge star. The next episode will be with B.J. Bedford (Miller), who is animated and always fun. NBC Sports said just following her around was like capturing a sitcom.
Don't miss my swimnetwork interviews from the Grand Prix, 7 total. Two have posted already:
Mary DeScenza reacts to her new 200 yard fly American Record.
And Ryan Lochte hangs with Lisa Yee of the Daily Reezy.
Mel, your interview with Lindsey Mintenko was interesting. I would have guessed that the national team coaches/staff would only be around at international meets, but that obviously is not true. What kind of role does the national team play at a Grand Prix event? Do they actually coach the swimmers that are part of the national team? What about the swimmers' personal coaches? Do the national team coaches override them? If you can shed light it would be appreciated. I love learning more about how the sport works.
Posted by: Kris | January 20, 2009 at 07:59 PM
Robin, I think Mary D's gonna be tough to beat for the overall high-score. I think they get 20 or 25k for the top prize...
Posted by: goldmedalmel | January 20, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Atlanta loves you, Mary D! Glad your hard work is paying off, and pulling for you to take the big prize at the end of the Grand Prix!
Posted by: Robin | January 19, 2009 at 08:26 PM
Bianca, thank you! It was great seeing the swims!
Posted by: goldmedalmel | January 19, 2009 at 10:42 AM
thank Mel.. this is great.. loved the reezy video and DeScenza is swiming so well!!!
Posted by: Bianca | January 19, 2009 at 09:50 AM