Along with Michael Phelps, many A-list swimmers won't be in Palo Alto for the 2011 ConocoPhillips USA Swimming Natinoal Championships (despite being listed in the psych sheet), and we understand. After a successful World Championships in Shanghai, they deserve a rest.
Nationals, however, is the last call before the count-down to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials next summer (June 25-July 2 in Omaha, Nebraska), and, historically, new talent emerges at this meet.
Many swimming analysts will be watching David Nolan, the young superstar from Pennsylvania.
David has posted times faster than Michael Phelps as an age group swimmer. However, David's efforts have mostly been in yards, not meters, not in the Olympic pool distance. David has shown promise this past season, in meters, in the 100 backstroke. All eyes will be on this event (Wednesday, August 3rd) for this reason, and many others...specifically Matt Grevers.
Grevers, the 2008 Olympic silver medalist in the 100 meters backstroke, missed making the 2011 World Championships in his signature event. Rumors circulated that he, the entertaining and gregarious 6 foot 8 inch giant, was over extended as an Olympic star; too many corporate appearances, too much travel, too much time away from the pool. Whether the rumors are true or not, Grevers has rededicated himself to his 2012 goals. Expect Grevers to shine in the 100 backstroke and 100 freestyle (Friday, August 5th).
Checkout the other superstars in the pysch sheet competing at U.S. Nationals here. I'll be in Palo Alto later this week for the USA National Team Alumni Social (onsite, Saturday, August 6th, 4-6pm). If you've ever represented Team USA, please email me at mel@goldmedalmel.com, and I'll put you on the VIP list.
Matt Grevers video spotlight:
Grevers headlines SwimOutlet.com's GOLD MEDAL DELIVERY:
Grevers with Lochte, HOW OLYMPIANS HANGOUT:
Grevers on GOLD MEDAL MINUTE:
Grevers, the GOLF PRO:
Lochte is listet on the heat sheet for the 100 back today -heat 11 of 13- the same as Nolan, should be intresting to watch. :)
Posted by: Elena | August 03, 2011 at 08:10 AM
I think Lochte might swim 100 back or 100 free... though I'm still a little doubtful. I didn't see his Twitter post. What did he say?
Posted by: gmm | August 02, 2011 at 08:26 AM
Wait, where are you seeing that Lochte has scratched completely? It looks like he's scratched today (wise, since he just arrived back from Shanghai 8 hours ago) but he says on Twitter that he's racing tomorrow morning. (I'm surprised he's there at all too, but I don't know what goals he and his coaches have so maybe it fits with their master plan.)
Looking forward to seeing more from Nolan, and the triumphant return of Grevers.
Posted by: Robin | August 02, 2011 at 07:29 AM