via news.yahoo.com - Reuters reports - "The bodysuit war that reduced the 2009 swimming world championships to farce and effectively turned the sport into a battle of technology could erupt again on Wednesday when Michael Phelps takes to the catwalk to launch a new outfit for next year's London Olympics."
GMM: Is this a replay of the tech suit-wars? Will Olympians and the media claim that Speedo athletes have an unfair advantage? TYR, ARENA and FINIS will surely be launching their own new tech suits in 2012. Hold your breath. This could get interesting fast...
via articles.latimes.com: "Zamperini the track star and Trojans legend and Naber the swimmer are separated by about 40 years but share bonds as USC athletes and Olympians. And they are fast friends."
GMM: John Naber is a friend and a mentor to almost every athlete I know who has raced on the world-class level. Every Olympian I've met has a story about how, when and where John helped them in some profound way. John is, simply put, papa bear to us all.
When I was a kid, only 7 years old, John came to Charlotte, North Carolina and conducted a swimming clinic. It was 10 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of fun. John knew our sport, swimming, was tough. He knew he needed to inspire us in creative ways to keep it interesting; singing songs in our head, racing the fastest swimmer in practice every 3rd lap (pretending it was the Olympic Games), swimming underwater as far as we could go at the end of each set. John was a pioneer of inspiration, planting seeds of success across the country, one swimmer at a time.
Now John's doing it again with Louis Zamperini, the star subject of Laura Hillenbrand's bestselling book, "Unbroken."
If you haven't read it, you should, whether you're an Olympian, a weekend warrior, or a fan of epic true stories. Zamperini was a tough kid, mischievous, an independent thinker who nearly lead a life of crime before he discovered he could run like the wind. Zamperini ultimately makes it to the 1936 Nazi Olympics, but doesn't win. Most Olympians go once, experience the overwhelming awe of the Games, and then return more focused, ready to win. Zamperini didn't get his second chance at Olympic gold. World War II derailed his chances. What he suffered at war--getting shot down over the Pacific, spending 47 shark-infested days at sea, suffering through a Japanese concentration camp--is the meat of the story. READ IT! YOU'LL LOVE IT!
Now that Zamperini's experiencing a level of notoriety, John (a fellow USC alum), has stepped up to help. John and Zamperini are a pair on the speaking circuit. John helps him book gigs, helps him make the appearances and everything in-between. John's done this over and over for so many Olympians, and he does it with such child-like enthusiasm you can't help be feel his joy.
I wish everyone could spend time with John Naber and experience the positive effect he has on people. If you ever have the opportunity to meet him, don't pass it up. After I met him, when I was 7, I saw John nearly every year growing up. To this day, he remains a friend and trusted advisor...as he is for so many swimmers and Olympians.
Here's John displaying his other great talent, storytelling. Watch him in action:
via news.yahoo.com (AP) — "The anti-doping police are sending out a new message to the AARP crowd: We're keeping an eye on you, too..."
"Looking more skeptically at events outside of elite and Olympic circles, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has suspended nine masters athletes for positive tests so far in 2011. That accounts for more than one-third of the 25 sanctions the agency has announced this year. Among the masters to test positive was one competitor in his 50s and three in their 60s."
GMM: The largest online aquatics retailer in the market, SwimOutlet.com, becomes a multi-year partner with USA Synchro. Details below:
INDIANAPOLIS — USA Synchro, the National Governing Body of synchronized swimming, is proud to announce SwimOutlet.com as its Official Retailer. SwimOutlet.com, the web’s most popular swim shop, will partner with USA Synchro on its quest for Olympic gold next year, while supporting the synchronized swimming community with the best deals for swimwear and gear.
“We’re incredibly pleased to partner with USA Synchro as official retailer in their countdown to London and beyond,” said Avi Benaroya, CEO of SwimOutlet.com. “We’re excited to support another organization within the aquatics world and work together with our USA Synchro partners to help grow their sport and promote their stars through our platforms.”
USA Synchro is fresh off silver medal wins in the team and duet competitions at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, last month. The Pan Am Games marked the last competition for the current national team. The nominees for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team will be announced Nov. 15 in Greensboro, N.C, where the official partnership with SwimOutlet.com will also be announced.
“We are looking forward to developing a long-term relationship with SwimOutlet.com. They can provide greater visibility for our sport among the aquatics community, and we hope that this new relationship will continue to build SwimOutlet.com’s customer base, as well. They have already shown great appreciation of our sport and athletes, and some of the programs that we have developed with them should expand our outreach efforts,” said USA Synchro Executive Director, Terry Harper.
“We hope that the added exposure for the sport and our National Teams will attract companies who want to see our team wearing their products on SwimOutlet.com.”
As part of the partnership, SwimOutlet.com will become the title sponsor of one USA Synchro event per year, receive appearances from national team athletes and be featured in promotions at events, online and in printed material. SwimOutlet.com will help promote USA Synchro with its own social media and online campaigns throughout the partnership. There will also be a SwimOutlet.com Athlete of the Month on USA Synchro’s home page.
About USA Synchro
United States Synchronized Swimming (USA Synchro) serves as the National Governing Body for the sport of synchronized swimming, appointed as such by the United States Olympic Committee. USA Synchro is a membership-based and not-for-profit organization which services the sport from the grassroots level to the National Team. The mission statement of USA Synchro is “to provide leadership and resources for the promotion and growth of synchronized swimming, to achieve competitive excellence at all levels and to develop broad based participation.” For more information, visit http://www.usasynchro.org.
SwimOutlet.com is the largest online specialty store for aquatics in the United States. The online retail store grew out of a dedication to providing the best goods and services to anyone interested in aquatic activities and sports. SwimOutlet.com has the largest selection for swimming, water polo, fashion, beach and surf! In addition to having an extensive selection and the lowest prices, SwimOutlet.com offers phenomenal customer service and fast shipping. The company has won the hearts of over two million happy customers who've helped spread the word on where to find the best deals. It has quickly developed into the web's most popular swim shop! For more information, visit http://www.swimoutlet.com.
Please contact Dax Lowery at media@usasynchro.org or 317-287-9403 for more information concerning the 2011 U.S. National Team.
Benoit Lecomte has already conquered the Atlantic Ocean, the first person in history to make the crossing without the aid of flotation, back in 1998. Benoit swam 8 hours a day, slept at night, and didn't stop for 73 days.
Benoit's epic open water swim was done when his was 31. Now he's 44 years old.
Benoit will begin his transoceanic swim in Tokyo and end in San Francisco.
FROM BENOIT'S WEBSITE:"Born in France, Ben now is a naturalized US Citizen and calls Texas home. An architect graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, he's always loved adventure and has continually pushed himself to excel. His latest endeavor - to swim across the Pacific Ocean - is a monumental feat that will test his endurance, both physically and mentally. He is exercised, disciplined and up to the challenge that swimming thousands of grueling miles will require!
Ben is just like a guy next door, is a father of two, but he has an intense drive to reach his captivating dreams, which sets him apart from others.
To that end, Ben's training regimen includes three to five hours, six-days-a-week swimming and cardiovascular cross-training (including bicycling and calisthenics). He will require 8,000 calories a day during his swim. He is utterly dedicated and does not give up without a fight.
With one record breaking event under his belt, the successful swim of the Atlantic Ocean in 1998, the Swim across the Pacific is just another feather in his cap.
Ben will dedicate this swim to his father just as he did the Atlantic swim. His father, after all, taught him how to swim. He died of cancer in 1991 at the age of 49, after an 18 month struggle, a struggle Ben won't ever forget but which provides Ben with inspiration and courage."
The 8th annual Golden Goggle Awards and Silent Auction is just days away! We are so pleased you will be joining us for this remarkable evening to honor and celebrate the athletes on our 2011 World Championship Team.
We need your Guest names! If you have not already done so, please send us your guest names no later than Monday, November 14th.You can call us at 719.866.3235 or email them to carnold@usawimming.org. Your prompt response is greatly appreciated and will help ensure a quick and seamless check-in at registration this year!
Evening Highlights:
Athletes representing the 2011 World Championship Team & Award Presentation
Silent Auction - New this year! Details below!
Emcee: Kevin Nealon - Best known for his stint on Saturday Night Live
Entertainment: The Return - Bringing you the best of the Beatles live
Impact Award: This award has been presented just two times in the past seven years. We are honored and pleased to bestow this award to one of our dearest and most cherished friends this year!
Evening Details:
J.W. Marriott at LA Live - 900 West Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles
Valet Parking: $20 - Lot W parking garage. Special rate is for Lot W parking garage and is accessible from West Access Road. Click here for driving directions to hotel and valet parking. JW Marriott LA Live and off-site parking garages are also available, standard parking rates apply.
Pre-event cocktail reception and registration: 5 p.m., 4th floor
Silent Auction: 5 p.m., 4th floor
Dinner and Awards: 6 p.m., Diamond Ballroom, 4th floor
Dress: Cocktail attire
Photo opportunities: Our event photographer will be on hand to capture you and your guests in a memorable moment during the pre-event cocktail reception and dinner. Post event, you will have web access for complimentary photo download! Website info & coupon code will be provided to you by the photographer and can also be found in the event program.
Silent Auction: The USA Swimming Foundation will be hosting a fabulous silent auction this year featuring 35 amazing items—from signed sports memorabilia and once-in-a-lifetime experiences to swimming items that can’t be found anywhere else. You have two opportunities to view and bid on these incredible items: 1). Online through our Auction website where you'll find a selection of our most sought after items! Bidding closes at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 2). During the Golden Goggle Awards pre-event cocktail reception and throughout dinner, all thirty five items will be available to view and bid on! View the entire list of auction items available! Proceeds from the auction will help support the USA Swimming Foundation's mission of saving lives and building champions!
All of us at USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation would like to extend our sincere gratitude and thanks to you for your support and involvement in helping make this an evening to remember!
Best regards,
Debbie Hesse Executive Director USA Swimming Foundation
P.S. Please direct any questions about the event to the USA Swimming Foundation at 719.866.3235 or foundation@usaswimming.org.
via www.theaustralian.com.au: "Thorpe had expected to be absolutely hammered when he returned to racing after a five-year retirement, and his prediction was realised when he swam the 15th-fastest time of the morning heats, 50.21sec, in a modest 100m field."
GMM NOTE: 50.21 is 2-3 seconds off Thorpe's speed from when he was at the height of his career. While many consider this a "free flop," if you're a Thorpe fan, don't fret.
A great swimmer by the name of Pablo Morales came back after a long break. Pablo, like Thorpe, had a lot of weight to lose, and even more speed to gain in a short period of time, a very similar period of time. Pablo did it, back in 1992, but he needed every month, week and day of training to get there. Pablo didn't match his speed from his hey-day until the Olympic race final...
Hopefully, Thorpe will squeeze in, make it to the 2012 Games. I think the Olympics, and swimming as a whole, will be better served if Thorpe is in London.
After the race, Australian Olymipc icon, Ian Thorpe, said,"I can't remember the race at all. I remember starting and touching the wall. So I think there's probably a lot of things I can do better in the final. But I'm happy. I'm really happy to get the first one out of the way. Now I'm able to focus on improving my swimming, rather than getting my first race back."
via gizmodo.com: "British Special Forces Will Be Hanging Out in a Network of Underground Bunkers During the Olympics."
GMM: This is a great report for Olympic fans who are concerned about security at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
As a fan and former participant of the Games, security is always a worry. London is one of many terrorist targets in the West. This has to be in the back of athletes' minds as they ramp up for competition next summer. Closer to competing, however, this concern does fade as the pressures of racing descend in. When I went to the Olympics, I didn't think about it...until I saw soldiers with automatic weapons at checkpoints. That always sent a faint, tiny shiver down my spine that I'd quickly fight away.
The media machine, the Olympic machine, will work hard to keep this story off of PAGE ONE (as they should), but I wonder if it'll get more ink this time around. The world feels much more unstable these days, certainly financially, which I believe is always the terrorists' endgame...to disrupt global economic stability.
David Nolan, Stanford's newest and greatest asset in swimming.
via www.stanforddaily.com: "In his (David Nolan) signature event, the 200 individual medley, Nolan lowered the national high school record, which he set the previous year, by over two seconds–a ridiculous drop considering that a tenth of a second is a sizeable margin at the elite levels.
But the most stunning fact about his performance is that his time of 1:41.39 in the 200 IM would’ve won NCAAs by almost two tenths of a second. In any sport, a high school senior performing better than the top collegiate level is phenomenal. In swimming, it’s almost unheard of."
I have great news to share! Within the past three weeks the USA SWIMMING FOUNDATION has received more than 80 inspirational stories. We were so successful in finding great stories, our publisher has requested that we extend the deadline, which was October 28th, to December 31, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST.
If you have an inspiring swimming story to tell, please submit toswimstories@usaswimming.org. Select stories will be included in the book, alongside some of America’s favorite athletes.
At this point we would like to make sure the swimming community is aware of this opportunity and request that you notify us of any stories that you think will be a good fit for this project—especially those that will touch the hearts of Americans everywhere.
REMEMBER, the new deadline for submission is now December 31st, 2011. If selected to participate in the book project, your story will be reviewed by the publisher, edited and sent back to the writer for approval. We are currently looking for stories with a 1000+ word count to be considered.
MORE INFORMATION:
Proceeds from the book sales will directly benefit the USA Swimming Foundation
Release date: Scheduled for May 2012
Cost: $14.99 (available in paperback and e-book)
Publisher: Farrah Gray Publishing
Book Title: Pending
If you have any questions about “Operation Inspiration,” feel free to contact Talia Mark (swimstories@usaswimming.org) or call at 719.425.0409.
via www.couriermail.com.au: A STREAMLINED Ian Thorpe says he can be the best in the world again as the swim superstar prepares to return to the pool for the first time since 2006.
GMM: Thorps looks and lean and mean, and thanks to the Courier Mail we get an exclusive glimpse inside Thorpe's brain.
Thorpe's nervous about his comeback performance in Singapore this Friday. Like an A-list swim star, however, he has logged altitude training in the Swiss Alps. Very posh! While pampered, he has worked hard and is upbeat about showing some speed.
On a very positive note, Thorpe's 4kg lighter than he was in Athens...although, I believe, this is less about body-fat and more a result of overall muscle loss. (A lot of swimmers lose a tremendous amount of bulk when they stop the daily grind for a year or more. You shrink considerably through the chest, shoulders, lats, often dropping two jacket sizes.)
Thorpe's swimming 100 butterfly and the 200 IM this weekend, creating buzz about whether he's toying with these events instead of 100 and 200 free for his Olympic effort.
I call B.S., but I don't blame Thorpe for swimming events outside his standard lineup. He's clearly testing his speed and feel for the water. That's it. Swimming fly and IM takes a little pressure off his first racing attempts after such a long dry-spell.
BOTTOM-LINE: Thorpe will be a threat at the Aussie Olympic Trials and at the London Olympics. His contribution will be on the relays, and it will be celebrated. Thorpe's a winner with a base of training and racing behind him that would make 99% of the world's best quake in their briefs......I mean jammers.
