GOLD MEDAL MEL GOSSIP: The Austin Grand Prix

Austin is a great town, one point six million people with a slogan promising to keep the city weird. These are my kind of citizens!

The Austin Grand Prix, however, wasn't weird at all. It was very, very low-key. I don't know why, not with hometown hero, Eric Shanteau, popping off a 1.00 in the 100m breaststroke and a sub 2.10 in the 200m distance.  

I hate drawing parallels--they're not fair to athletes--but I must in the case of Shanteau. After his battle with testicular cancer, much like that of Lance Armstrong, I can't help but wonder if Shanteau is now on a similar path to glory. 

At the Missouri Grand Prix, Shanteau was tired and broken-down. In his races he wore a regular little training suit for crying out loud. He won the 100 and 200 breaststroke with ease.  Weeks later in Austin, he was apparently semi-rested. Shanteau hadn't dropped yardage in training, but he had dropped his weight-lifting regiment for a few weeks.... Ok fine. That'll make a swimmer a little fresh for a race, but it is by no means anything near a full taper. 

Now forget all of that. Forget the times and Shanteau's seasonal training progression. Let's consider his mind:

The guy must feel like he's swimming with a new lease on life, like he's got nothing to lose, like he's been unshackled, emotionally. I, of course, don't know. But I did watch Shanteau closely on deck, and compared to the 2008 season he seems very different. 

In '08, Shanteau appeared a little guarded to me. He was polite, and, how can I explain this...very aware of his surroundings.  His event, breaststroke, was crowded with stars, and he was on the periphery, inching his way up in the global standings. 

Not anymore.

Now, in '09, Shanteau seems different, more focused--like a man on a mission. He's got an energy about him that's a little intimidating. '09 Worlds will be here before we know it, and I'm going out on a limb and saying Shanteau's in a position to create an upset.  Kitajima needs to look out!

 

In Austin, PVK (Peter Vanderkaay) had an incredible meet. He swim a 3:45 in the 400m free, and was on American Record pace for 250 meters of those 400 meters. His 200 was fast as well. 1.46 in season is nothing to sneeze at. 

The last time I saw PVK was with LaBi (the USA Swimming Foundation Chief). We were in Arizona on a corporate retreat. PVK was a good boy that weekend. He made all of his practices and didn't go out for any play-time recreation. That's not easy when you're among swimmer friends. PVK's focused this season. He's got some serious discipline! 

PVK not only worked through that fun weekend, he also made time for his fans. Watch this video with his agent, David Arluck and you'll see what I mean:  

ON THE ROAD: PVK & his agent David Arluck from Mel Stewart on Vimeo.

In Austin I caught up with Adam Ritter as well. I'm a longtime fan of his. Adam's a great all around swimmer from Arizona, swimming under Frank Busch. Check him out here.

Bob Bowman was also in Austin. I asked him how he has remained motivated after such a spectacular 2008 year. Check him out here.

Garrett Weber-Gale was tired in Austin. There's no doubt about that. He trains so hard, his best races are at the end of the season. I'm a fan of Garrett's because of his discipline. Check Garrett out here if you don't know him.

On Facebook, The USA Swimming Foundation Cause Page is growing like crazy. We became a tribe, crossing 2,500 members, in less than 7 weeks. Thank you to everyone who has joined the cause. We really appreciated it. 

We're still offering the USA Swimming Foundation towel as our thank you to anyone who donates $100. Thank you to those who have donated already!!!

Comments

[David2]

I saw that. Thanks!

[goldmedalmel]

Thanks, Jennie!

[Jennie]

Swimnetwork is featuring an article right now that answers the Scott Spann question: http://www.swimnetwork.com/blogs/blog/20090313/scott_spann_looking_forward_to_new_highs-2138.html

[goldmedalmel]

David2, I'll check about Scott...

[Tiaragurl]

I was loving Eric I think we will see amazing things from him in the coming months!!!!

[David2]

I was gonna mention that too. Shanteau will be good this summer. Expect him to be in both breaststroke finals in Rome.

By the way, does anyone know what's going on with Scott Spann? He's not swimming at Texas this season, and I'm wondering if anyone knows what's going on.

[goldmedalmel]

Thanks, Kate! You're right. But let me be more specific. I think Shanteau has a decent shot at Kitajima's world record. That's a big drop for him, but he's on track to pop a great swim when he's fully shaved and tapered.

[Kate]

Sorry, Mel. There won't be a Shanteau-Kitajima showdown. Kitajima's not training and won't be competing at Worlds.