GOLD MEDAL MEL

Ryan Lochte wins "a little respect" at the 2011 FINA World Championships

After Ryan Lochte's 200 I.M. world record (in a textile suit), after his 200 free underwater dolphin kick dominance, and after his 1:52.96 in the 200 backstroke, I'm still hearing these three sentences:

Ryan Lochte swims in Michael Phelps' shadow. 

Ryan Lochte plays second fiddle to Phelps, and always will.

Ryan Lochte will never equal Phelps' iconic Olympic performance, eight for eight gold medals. 

It no one's fault, not really. Most people don't care about swimming enough to pay attention. Whatever happened at the last Olympics marks their minds, and thus becomes fact going forward. 

Inside swimming and behind the scenes, Lochte's success has been a long time coming, a slow burn to success. No one's surprised, though many are relieved to see Lochte's hard work has paid off. 

My wife and I dropped in on Lochte at his home in Gainesville back in early February. It was work-related, and we were only able to do the job in between his heavy training sessions.  I had a chance to speak with his coach, Greg Troy, and he commented, "Ryan has not missed a practice all season. If he can't make a training session, he makes it up. That's the rule." 

Nothing more needs to be said about Ryan's chances for success going forward. 

 HOWEVER, I do wonder if Ryan's tipped his hand too early? 

Ryan can go eight for eight, all gold, at the London Olympics, and, if he does, the performance will be far more spectacular than Michael's...because Ryan will have to do it against the man, Mr. Swimming himself, Michael Phelps.

Phelps is not chopped liver. He's not done. In fact, he's probably gotten a fire lit under his ass. 

Phelps thrives on competition. He loves people doubting his dominance. Case in point, his 49 second 100 meter butterfly win over Cavic at the 2009 World Championship in Rome (Phelps' answer to the photo-finish and much debated win at the Olympic Games in Beijing). 

Phelps will be ready for London. His performance at the 2011 FINA World Championships has put many rumors to bed. Phelps has swum incredibly well with two personal best times in textile suits (200 I.M. & 100 free).

The question is, has Ryan built enough of a training base to push himself over the top? Often times, swimmers seal their performance years in advance. They've built a base of training 2-3 years ahead time. It appears Ryan has done that, but Phelps has a tremendous base of training in the vault going back to the tender age of 14. 

I think Ryan has an 8 for 8 Olympic gold medal performance in him, but I'm not ready to bet the house on it. Like many of my friends, I'd like to let world championships sink in, crunch all the data, and then make a prediction.

In the meantime,  I'm simply thankful to be witnessing what will be the greatest match-up ever in the sport of swimming. 

RYAN MEDIA WATCH: Here's Ryan in his latest Gatorade video.

 

Here's RYAN  in a SwimOutlet video my wife and I produced (Gold Medal Media):

Latest Gold Medal Delivery with TEAM GOLD:

5 Olympians, 2 Helicopters, 1 Big "Gold Medal" Delivery: The story behind SwimOutlet's TEAM GOLD

SwimOutlet's TEAM GOLD strikes again, this time in Dallas, Texas, at Metroplex Aquatics. 

SwimOutlet.com is a giant in swimming retail market. They sell everything; swimsuits, googles, technical gear, and from every brand, TYR, Speedo, Arena. They're also a very creative and courageous company. They love reaching out and interacting with their customers in new and interesting way.

Alexander Seinkiewicz is the creative force behind the scenes, SwimOutlet's Chief Marketing Officer.  Tiffany and I (Gold Medal Media, LLC) produced the video with Alexander, and he's relentless when it comes to ideas for the future and how to promote swimming, as a lifestyle and a competitive sport.  

TEAM GOLD and the entire GOLD MEDAL DELIVERY video series was Alexander's idea. He wanted a team of elite swimmers surprising kids all across the country. He wanted to bridge the gap between elite athletes and age group swimmers in a fun way. 

TEAM GOLD (left to right):  Magnuson, Crocker, Grevers, Weber-Gale, Correia

The SwimOutlet PHONE in the video was Tiffany's idea, a fun touchstone you'll see in the future. 

If you missed the first video with Ryan Lochte (the 2011 FINA World Champion in the 200 meters freestyle), watch it here:

IF YOU WOULD LIKE FOR YOUR TEAM TO GET A GOLD MEDAL DELIVERY FROM SWIMOUTLET, CLICK HERE AND SUBMIT THEIR NAME FOR A CHANCE TO WIN.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: 2011 FINA World Championships on UniversalSport.com

Top Day 3 Highlights, featuring Phelps vs. Lochte in the men’s 200m freestyle final

Ryan Lochte catches Michael Phelps to win gold in the men’s 200m freestyle

French teammates Camille Lacourt and Jeremy Stravius tie for the gold medal in the men's 100m backstroke final URL: http://unisports.tv/rlwu2p Embed code: Rebecca Soni wins gold in the women’s 100m breaststroke URL: http://unisports.tv/nEMt2C Embed code: Friis Lotte wins gold in the women’s 1500m freestyle; Kate Ziegler takes silver URL: http://unisports.tv/pMq6qC Embed code: Zhao Jing wins gold in the women’s 100m backstroke; Natalie Coughlin takes bronze URL: http://unisports.tv/mPAJIW Embed code: Michael Phelps finishes second in his 200m butterfly semifinal URL: http://unisports.tv/pAUJ32 Embed code:

Dolphin kicks the edge for Ryan Lochte over Michael Phelps in the 200 freestyle at 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ryan Lochte takes the 200 meter freestyle crown at the 2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS from his longtime friend and rival, Michael Phelps.

RYAN LOCHTE 1ST: 1:44.44

MICHAEL PHELPS 2ND: 1:44.79

PAUL BIEDERMANN 3RD: 1:44.88 

Lochte trailed Phelps for the first 100 meters, turned at the half way mark and blasted nine dolphin kicks off the wall. Phelps, only doing five dolphin kicks, popped up early. Lochte literally passed Phelps underwater with the four extra dolphins.

UNDERWATER DOLPHIN KICK, THE SECRET WEAPON:  Known as the fifth stroke, dolphin kick underwater is the fastest way a human can swim. Of course you can't breathe, so it comes down to who has the most training and conditioning. You must train, executing 10, 12 or even 14 dolphin kicks off each wall in practice to perform the way Lochte did in his World Champion win.

PHELPS REMAINS A SERIOUS THREAT AT THE LONDON OLYMPICS: While Lochte is considered the fastest dolphin kicker on the planet (and has been for many years), Phelps remains a threat in London. Phelps and his coach Bob Bowman will study this 200 free race, and you can be assured they will strive to top Lochte and Coach Greg Troy's plan in this event.  

HOW MANY DOLPHIN KICKS DOES IT TAKE TO WIN OLYMPIC GOLD? The 200 meter freestyle in London will be won underwater. My guess: Phelps and Lochte will be pushing the dolphin kicks to the limit, 9-12 kicks off each turn. That should bring each to the 15 meter mark, the length at which they must surface, according to FINA rules, or be disqualified. 

UNDERWATER DOLPHIN KICK HISTORY: 23 years ago, David Berkoff was the master at the underwater dolphin, going as far as 48 meters in some races (before FINA changed the rule, forcing swimmers to surface at the 15 meter mark).

HERE'S BERKOFF IN ACTION AT THE 1988 OLYMPICS:

OVERTIME -- RYAN THE RISING STAR:  Ryan Lochte's known for his easy-going personality. Lochte, often misunderstand, is much more intelligent than the media gives him credit for. He's aware of his persona, and, to a degree, cultivates it. In reality, Lochte's a savvy businessman with a bright future. Lochte does not plan to retire after the 2012 Olympics. He aims to train until 2016, adding more Olympic hardware to the trophy case. Thus far, Lochte has 6 Olympic medals. Lochte will win 6-8 more in London, and, possibly, 4-8 more in Rio.  

HERE'S LOCHTE JUST HANGING OUT, THE KIND OF PERSON YOU'D LIKE TO HANGOUT WITH:

LOCHTE AT HOME--PLAYING IN HIS POOL: 

2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: Alexander Dale Oen, 100 breaststroke World Champion, Norway's shining light

Against the backdrop of Norway's recent terrorist tragedy, Alexander Dale Oen wins the 100 meters breaststroke at the 2011 FINA World Championships in Shanghai.

Dale Oen lead from start to finish like a pro. Out in a blistering 27.20, he gained more ground on lap two touching the wall in 58.71. Italy's Fabio Scozzoli won the silver and South Africa's Cameron van der Burgh took the bronze. Kosuke Kitajima of Japan, the 2004 and 2008 Olympic gold medalist, was pushed off the medal podium. Kitajima touched the wall in fourth (though I believe that won't happen again in London). 

Alexander Dale Oen is a good guy, someone you'd like to hangout with. Norway's tragedy could not have impacted a nicer guy. 

Over the prelims and semi-finals Dale Oen touched his cap, Norway's flag.  Heading into the 2012 London Olympics, Dale Oen will surely be a well-profiled story.

TERRORIST ATTACK IN NORWAY: Anders Behring Breivik, 32, was arrested for the bombing in Oslo, which took the lives of seven, and the mass shooting that killed 86 later that day. 

2011 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: Dana Vollmer wins 100 meter butterfly crown

Dana Vollmer's World Championship win in the 100 meters butterfly was not a surprise after her flawless prelim and semi-final swims. The United States swimming star's 56.47 semi set tongues a-wagging  about a world record. Alas, it wasn't in the cards, but Dana will surely threaten the world record, in a textile suit, between now and the London Olympics. 

Vollmer won with a 56.87. Alicia Coutts of Australia won silver (56.94), and China's Lu Ying won the bronze (57.06).

DANA VOLLMER discussing her training on GOLD MEDAL MINUTE: 

TEARS IN THE POOL: Doping Drama tooks toll on CESAR CIELO who wins World Championships in the 50 butterfly (23.10)

Picture via www.google.com: 

GMM: Cesar Cielo captures the 50 meter butterfly World Championship crown with a 23.10. Matt Targett wins silver (23.28). Geoff Huegill nabs the bronze (23.35).

Cielo usually celebrates a win with a good cry. It's why the fans love him. He's real. He doesn't hold back. He can't hold back.  Now his tears have taken a different slant. 

The world's most respected swimmers, Michael Phelps and Jason Lezak included, have been voicing their disapproval of the Court of Arbitration's decision. In sum, they feel Cielo got a pass for his positive drug test. 

BEHIND THE SCENES swimmers are saying the masking drug Cielo tested positive for doesn't pass the smell test. They believe Cielo got a pass because he's a darling of FINA, a big star FINA cannot sideline at World Championships or the London Olympics. Whether or not this is true (and I hope it is not), Cielo is, in fact, feeling immense pressure from his peers. 

Korean Olympic Champ, Park Tae-hwan, wins 400 free World Title, redemption after failing to make the 2009 World final

2011 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: Park Tae-hwan, South Korean's biggest Olympic star, took the 400 meter freestyle world title in a time of 3:42.04.

Park, who floated his prelim swim, a very easy-looking effort, landing himself in lane one for the final...not the ideal stretch of water to race in. He shot-out to an early lead, backed off the gas a little in the middle of the race, and then dropped the hammer for the win.  

The victory must have felt sweet after he failed to make the 400 free world final in 2009. 

Park became a household name in the global swimming community when he won Olympic gold in Beijing in the 400 free at the tender age of 19.  

Sun Yang, China's star and the favorite to win the race (after posting a 3:41 at Chinese Nationals earlier this year) was second with a 3:43.24.

Paul Biedermann of Germany (the 2009 World Champ in this event, 4:40, aided by a hi-tech suit) took the bronze in 3:44.14. 

Thomas Lurz and Alex Meyer withdraw from 25K open water at world championships because of unsafe conditions

(Thomas Lurz, Open Water Olympian & World Champion)

via espn.go.com: JINSHAN CITY, China -- Unsafe water temperatures created chaos in the 25-kilometer races at the open water world championships Saturday, prompting most of the American team to withdraw before the start and one swimmer to accuse organizers of acting irresponsibly.

GMM: In the wake of Fran Crippen's tragic death (U.A.E. last year), high-water temperatures cause great concern, worry and outrage from some athletes. Team USA's Alex Meyer, a dear friend of Fran Crippen, ripped FINA over the conditions: 

"What's the point in making rules and recommendations if you're just going to blow them off at events like this," he said. "I'm deeply disappointed that they're continuing to hold this race. It's like, did you not learn your lesson? Do you not remember what happened last time? And if these FINA guys, they say, 'Oh you're not in good shape. You're not a good enough swimmer. No, it's not because I'm not a good swimmer, it's because it's too hot."

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Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and partner at Gold Medal Media.

Team USA and Australia oppose swimsuit changes that would allow men to wear bodysuits

via www.sfgate.com (AP Sports): Pool powers Australia and the United States say they oppose further changes in swimsuit rules, amid speculation that governing body FINA could make another switch in 2013.

GMM:  I'm on the wrong side of this issue. I'm in favor of bringing back the bodysuits, as most swimwear brands and FINA are...though they may not outwardly and passionately admit it. Doing so touches-off harsh criticisms, and, sometimes, hate. 

COACHES, STAR SWIMMERS and many of my close personal friends don't want the bodysuits brought back. They call them "cheat suits" because they compress your core and make you buoyant in the water.  In world-class competition bodysuits close the gap between the fastest and the slowest.  Bodysuits even shorten races. How? Swimmers who could not finish strong, the last 15 meters of a 100 or 200 meter race, can in a bodysuits.  The added technology keeps swimmers--who are not as talented or well-conditioned--from dying at the end.  

I'M SYMPATHETIC to coaches and star swimmers. I understand their fear of the technology. I understand that it stems from their anger and frustration when a swimmer who has NOT done the work (the day-in and day-out grind) hops in wearing a hi-tech bodysuit and hangs with the best. 

HOWEVER, BODYSUITS COST MORE PER UNIT. Swimwear brands made more money. Swimwear brands could also put their logos, front and center, on the swimmers' chests. The added revenue resulted in larger contracts for swimmers and more contracts for swimmers who were not among the top in the world. You could be a developing star, a young kid on the cusp of greatness...but not quite their yet. You could be out of the medal hunt, a swimmer who would be a medalist at the next Olympics, five or 6 years away, and the swimwear brand would sign you on.  That added revenue, because of the bodysuits, created added support for the next generation of Lochtes, Coughlins, maybe even the next Michael Phelps (and we have athletes rising in the ranks now showing that level of talent).  

MANY FANS, OFTEN FEMALE, HATE THE BODYSUITS. They say guys look ridiculous in them. The suits coverup their bodies--the famous swimmer's body--infamously rumored to be a big reason why millions of women watch the Olympics (though I've never seen any hard data supporting this claim).  I can't help you there or argue the point, butI did think the crazy-colored spacesuits we saw at the 2009 World Championships were entertaining.   

BOTTOM-LINE: I doubt the bodysuits will be brought back in 2013. There's too much political will blocking it. BUT if it did happen, I would smile, because I know the brands would flood the market with money and advertising.  That last point, advertising, is a huge one. SPEEDO, along with Michael Phelps, made bodysuits a story in 2008, the story.  People, who had never watched one lap of competition, knew about the crazy-looking suits, mythically engineered by NASA. Speedo did an exceptional job marketing their product, and millions upon millions of new fans were introduced to the sport. 

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Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and partner at Gold Medal Media.

Polar Bear Swims 9 Days, Her Cub Doesn’t Make It | Care2 Causes

via www.care2.com: A female polar bear swam 426 miles (687 kilometers) straight, the length from Boston to Washington DC and the longest swim for a polar bear ever recorded. Sadly, the reason for her 9-day swim in the icy waters of the Beaufort Sea is global warming, which has led to the sea ice shrinking. The bear had to swim such a huge distance in order to find land. (Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/polar-bear-swims-9-days-her-cub-doesnt-make-it.html#ixzz1SpvAlbNO)

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Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and ambassador to the USA National Swimming Team and the USA Swimming Foundation. Swimming alumni support USA Swimming's national "learn to swim" initiative, MAKE A SPLASH, and young swimmers with Olympic dreams. To support this nationwide effort, donate here.

DOPING DRAMA: Court of Arbitration rules in favor of Olympic super-star, Cesar Cielo, allowing him to compete at World Championships

Cesar Cielo must be smiling and crying with joy right now, though his nerves must also feel frayed.  

It's been a dramatic period in his life, since May, when the Brazilian Federation gave Cielo a warning after his positive drug test for a banned diuretic. 

Officials and world-class swimmers cried foul (many of them publicly on Facebook and Twitter) over what appeared to be a very lenient punishment.  It didn't help when Cielo gave the seemingly canned "contaminated supplement" argument. 

Not surprisingly, Cielo's loudest critics were his direct competitors, the top sprinters around the world.  

The Court of Arbitration upheld the Brazilian Federation's warning after hearing from Cielo and his doctor.  

"He's obviously happy about it and is looking forward to competing at worlds," Cielo's lawyer, Howard Jacobs, told The Associated Press. "It wasn't just FINA that wanted this case expedited — he also needed to agree for an expedited trial and he wanted it to be cleared up so he could compete and have no questions."

Unfortunately for Cielo, questions still loom for a few of his outspoken competitors. 

How the stress of these tense weeks leading up to World Championships will affect Cielo's performance is a big question.  Breaking it down, imagine brushing shoulders with your competitors and critics in the warmup pool, on deck, and in the waiting room before the 50 and 100 meters freestyle. The waiting room would be the worst, that quiet box with your seven other competitors. The last moments before your race are stressful enough. Add this doping drama to the broth and it becomes an unbearable pressure cooker.  

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Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and partner at Gold Medal Media. 

 

 

USA SWIMMING FOUNDATION GRANT TO FUND FREE SWIMMING LESSONS FOR 4,500 CHILDREN IN FIVE NEW JERSEY CITIES

via www.usaswimming.org: COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – 4,500 children in five New Jersey cities will take free swimming lessons this summer through grant monies allocated by the USA Swimming Foundation. The Foundation has distributed funds from a 2009 Department of Juvenile Justice grant which provided $400,000 for this purpose. The targeted cities are Asbury Park, Bayonne, Jersey City, Newark and Plainfield.

“We are so proud to be a part of this effort to positively affect 4,500 children in New Jersey,” said Debbie Hesse, executive director of the USA Swimming Foundation. “Our goals are to save lives and build champions, and we know that teaching kids to swim can absolutely save lives. Learning to swim is not just a recreational skill, it’s a life skill, and it’s one every child should have.”

Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and ambassador to the USA National Swimming Team and the USA Swimming Foundation. Swimming alumni support USA Swimming's national "learn to swim" initiative, MAKE A SPLASH, and young swimmers with Olympic dreams.

 To support this nationwide effort, donate here.

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Olympian Cesar Cielo waits while Court of Arbitration decides his fate only 2 days before World Championship competition

Cesar Cielo, the World Champion in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle, remains faithful about his chances of competing at the 2011 FINA World Championships. 

Cesar, armed with the famous doping-attorney, Howard Jacobs, strode into the Court of Arbitration for Sport (in Shanghai) on Wednesday clad in a dark suit and sunglasses. 

   BACKSTORY: Cesar (and three of his Brazilian teammates) tested positive for a banned diuretic in May but was let off with a warning. Cesar claimed the positive test was due to a contaminated supplement. Many world-class swimmers and officials cried foul. They argued the punishment was too lenient. 

The Court of Arbitration is expected to announce their decision on Friday, only two days before the World Championship pool competition begins. 

MY OPINION:  Cesar is innocent. This is an unfortunate fluke. HOWEVER, I've spoken with many friends (swimming analysts and Olympic medalists), and they are not so trusting.  I am hoping they are wrong. 

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Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and partner at Gold Medal Media, a video production and social media market company.  

Gianniotis wins 10K open water race at World Championships in Shanghai (Plus "Team USA" video updates)

via www.newsday.com:  Spyros Gianniotis of Greece overtook defending champion Thomas Lurz of Germany in the last lap to win the 10-kilometer open water swim at the world championships on Wednesday and qualify for the London Olympics.

GMM: Team USA open water swimmer, Alex Meyer, came in 4th place. Alex is the first American swimmer to make the 2012 Olympic Swimming Team.

2011 FINA World Championship Men's 10k Results

1) GIANNIOTIS, Spyros (Greece) -- winning time 1:54:24.7

2) LURZ, Thomas (Germany) -- 1:54:27.2

3) BOLSHAKOV Sergey (Russia) -- 1:54:31.8

4) MEYER Alex (USA) -- 1:54:33.1

5) HURST Ky

6) HERVAS JODAR Francisco Jose

7) RYCKEMAN Brian

8) SAUVAGE Julien

9) DYATCHIN Vladimir

10) WASCHBURGER Andreas

(NOTE: Top 10 finishers above will be going to the London 2012 Olympics.)

USA Swimming has great behind the scenes coverage of their National Team. On the eve of the pool competition several share their best World Championship memories: 

2011 World Championship pool competition begins July 24th, runs through July 31st. 

BREAKING NEWS VIA "ESPN" (12 minute ago):  FROM SHANGHAI -- Olympic champion Cesar Cielo is expected to find out by Friday whether he will be banned from swimming, after the Court of Arbitration for Sport held a special six-hour hearing Wednesday into the Brazilian's doping case.

USA NATIONAL TEAM ALUMNI - INSIDER INFO: Are you coming to the Palo Alto Alumni Reception, August 6th, during the 2011 ConocoPhillips National Championships?  If so, please contact me at mel@goldmedalmel.com.

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Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and ambassador to the USA National Swimming Team and the USA Swimming Foundation. Swimming alumni support USA Swimming's national "learn to swim" initiative, MAKE A SPLASH, and young swimmers with Olympic dreams. To support this nationwide effort, donate here.