South Florida Aquatic Club Begins Fall High School And Club Practice With High Hopes For Season

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

August 23, 2010

Some of the top high school and club swimmers converged on the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex and Academic Village Pool Monday for the first official day of practice.

After SOFLO’s successful summer, head coach Michael Lohberg and CEO Chris Anderson are excited and have “high hopes” for the 2010-2011 season.

More than 30 high schools from Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach were represented by swimmers at both complexes.

Swimmers were coming off a two to four-week rest after the long course season.

After their first day of school, swimmers went through an hour of dryland training with seniors coach Dave Cowmeadow and Lohberg followed by a light pool workout despite overcast skies and light rain.

Among the first-day turnout were Tyla Martin (St. Andrew’s) and Keegan Boisson-Yates (Taravella), coming off an impressive summer representing Trinidad and Tobago at international meets; Brandon Goldman (St. Thomas Aquinas), Anne Kuczynski (Douglas), Steph Campo (Coral Springs Charter), Luke Torres (American Heritage), Marco Hosfeld (Douglas) and Lindsey McKnight, who has transferred from Douglas to American Heritage as a junior.

The club’s other large group of high school swimmers trained with coach Chris Jackson. At the same time, Coral Springs, Coral Glades, Douglas and Coral Springs Charter’s teams worked out at the  complex.

“We have big plans this year, all of us, swimmers and coaches, and that excitement I think you can feel,” Lohberg said. “They really want to be a part of something special. We have an excellent team together this year and I am really looking forward to doing something with them.”

The SOFLO coaching staff and high school coaches in the tri-county area have a good rapport when it comes to club coaches working with high school swimmers.

“It is to the benefit of everybody,” Lohberg said. “They can train here where they are used to and then compete for their high school. It’s the best solution because they get the best training they can have and at the same time represent their school successfully.”

The public and private schools open the dual meet season on Sept. 7 while the first invitational is the Sept. 11 St. Andrew’s September Splash.

The most welcome news for the 2010 high school season is the elimination of the high-tech swimsuits that were worn to smash virtually all records. While the records will stand, the National Federation of State High school Associations Swimming and Diving Rules Committee have limited the swimmers to one textile suit.

The style/shape for males will not extend above the waist or below the top of the kneecap and for females will not extend beyond the shoulders or below the top of the kneecap and will not cover the neck.

“These high-tech suits had fundamentally altered the sport and became more similar to equipment rather than a uniform,” said Becky Oates, NFHS assistant director and liason to the swimming and diving rules committee.

Added Lohberg, “We really have to swim again. I totally despised the suit because it changed the competition totally. It rewarded people who were not deserving and others who were technically very clean had very little benefits so the odds were different. The best swimmers didn’t always come through last year. I think it will be corrected now and they will have to swim.”

Ten minutes away at the Academic Village Pool in Pembroke Pines, Anderson greeted more than 120 swimmers including a large turnout of eighth and ninth graders, on the first day.

“Today’s practice was really cool,” Anderson said. “We focused on all the senior groups especially the developmental senior group.”

Anderson and his staff worked on basics refresher and stroke drills. He plans to focus solely on one stroke per week for the next four weeks. This week is freestyle followed by butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke.

“I am excited about re-doing all our groups and putting some different coaches in different areas,” Anderson said.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

http://www.swim4soflo.com

Team USA Dominates Open Water 10K, Sutton Disqualified At Pac Pacific Championships

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

August 22, 2010

Following in the footsteps of his marine biologist dad, older swimming brother and two water-crazed Labrador Retrievers, Chip Peterson loves the water.

That was never more evident on Sunday after spending nearly two hours in the water swimming 10,000 meters in five loops off Marine Stadium in Long Beach, Calif.

Peterson, 22, a University of North Carolina graduate and Atlantic Coast Conference Swimming Scholarship Athlete of the Year from Pine Knoll Shores, N.C., won the 10K open water race at the 2010 Mutual of Omaha Pan Pacific Championships.

The men’s race came down to a sprint. Peterson held off U.S. teammate Fran Crippen and Canadian Richard Weinberger to win the gold medal in 1 hour and 56 minutes. Crippen took silver in 1:56:02.7 and Weinberger took bronze in 1:56:02.9.

The U.S. women swept the top four spots.

Christine Jennings, 23, a 2009 University of Minnesota graduate from Longmont, Colo. who swims with Boulder Swimming, won in 2:00.33.8. Eva Fabian was second in 2:00.35.7 and Emily Brunemann was third in 2:00.37.8.

Only the top two U.S. finishers in each race were awarded medals.

For Peterson, the 2005 world 10K champion, the victory signified he has returned to championship form.

After the pack started out slowly with the leaders alternating between backstroke and slow-pace freestyle, Peterson picked up the pace.

“It was getting a bit cold,” Peterson said.

Peterson dropped the field around the 6K mark and opened up a 20-meter lead. On the last 2K loop Weinberger pulled slightly ahead and with 300 meters to go, then Crippen pulled ahead by a half-body making it a three-man race. With 50 meters to go, Peterson put in a surge and regained the lead and body-length lead to the finish.

Peterson went from 70 stroke-per-minute pace to 84 stroke-per-minute pace.

“I know the Americans the best and they were all behind me so I was thinking if I can get in the lead here and break away a little bit and make some of those guys work, that it would benefit me in the end,” Peterson said.

Peterson said it was all in the timing.

“I felt good, it’s all about timing,” Peterson said. “This is exactly the same course that Nationals was at and at Nationals I went a little bit too early, and the last couple of strokes I was struggling to finish. I think that I timed it much better this time and I was able to keep my legs going the whole way into the finish which was fantastic.”

After graduating from college in May, Peterson moved to Fullerton, Calif. to train with Olympic coach Jon Urbanchek and the FAST staff.

In the women’s race, Fabian and Jennings led for most of the race and were challenged by Aussie Melissa Gorman, who picked up the bronze because of the two-swimmer-per-country rule. Jennings was able to hold off her challengers to win.

“It means a lot,” Jennings said. “I’m just really excited. I had so many people behind me totally backing me up.

Chloe Sutton of Mission Viejo, Calif., who represented the U.S. in open water at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was disqualified just over an hour into the race after receiving her second yellow card, resulting in a red card and disqualification. Referees ruled that the infraction was the same each time and said that Sutton pulled on the turn buoy.

“I don’t really know exactly what I was disqualified for, but it’s not a big deal,” Sutton said. “I already got a gold and silver this week and this race was just for fun.”

Sutton’s disqualification seemed to change the tone of the race.

“I think it affected a lot of people’s races, on how strategy changed after that,” Jennings said. “For me, it allowed me to have better positioning behind the leaders, knowing I was up there and in better position to make my move.”

Jennings, a fifth place finisher at last year’s 10K open water nationals, was beginning to think twice about her future in the sport.

“I was to the point where if I didn’t qualify first or second to get some stipend money from USA Swimming, I probably would have had to quit swimming,” Jennings said. “And I love swimming. It’s a passion.”

Team USA finished the Pan Pacs with 51 medals—27 gold, 17 silver and seven bronze.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com.

FINAL RESULTS AND SPLIT TIMES
MEN
1. Chip Peterson (USA), 1:56:00.0 (24:03, 47:14, 1:10:15, 1:33:19, 1:56:00)
2. Fran Crippen (USA), 1:56:02.7 (24:13, 47:19, 1:10:19, 1:33:25, 1:56:02)
3. Richard Weinberger (CAN), 1:56:02.9 (24:00, 47:31, 1:10:11, 1:33:15, 1:56:02)
4. Allan do Carmo (BRA), 1:56:04.6 (24:07, 47:42, 1:10:23, 1:33:24, 1:56:04)
5. Arthur Frayley (USA), 1:58:23 (24:10, 47:39, 1:10:23, 1:33:26, 1:58:23)
6. George O’Brien (AUS), 1:59:19.6 (24:01, 47:52, 1:11:41, 1:35:31, 1:59:19)
7. Christopher Ashwood (AUS), 1:59:24.7 (24:06, 47:59, 1:11:42, 1:35:31, 1:59:24)
8. Sean Ryan (USA), 1:59:26.1 (24:15, 1:11:32, 1:35:36, 1:59:26)
9. Michael Kleuh (USA), 1:59:26.2 (24:08, 1:11:44, 1:35:36, 1:59:26)
10. David Browne (AUS), 1:59:26.6 (24:05, 47:55, 1:11:36, 1:35:23, 1:59:26)
11. Aimeson King (CAN), 1:59:32.1 (24:03, 47:49, 1:11:34, 1:35:31, 1:59:32)
12. Rhys Mainstone (AUS), 1:59:38.6 (24:01, 47:51, 1:11:38, 1:35:31, 1:59:38)
13. Ivan Enderica (ECU), 2:00:28.3 (24:07, 47:44, 1:10:28, 1:33:29, 2:00:28)
14. Zack Chetrat (CAN), 2:02:45.1 (24:04, 47:59, 1:11:45, 1:35:52, 2:02:45)
– Andrew Gemmell (USA, DNF
– Alexander Meyer (USA), DNF
– Chad La Tourette (USA), DNS

WOMEN
1. Christine Jennings (USA), 2:00:33.8 (23:48, 47:46, 1:11:33, 1:36:06, 2:00:33)
2. Eva Fabian (USA), 2:00:35.7 (23:46, 47:42, 1:11:30, 1:36:03, 2:00:35)
3. Emily Brunemann (USA), 2:00:37.8 (23:50, 47:48, 1:11:36, 1:36:07, 2:00:37)
4. Haley Anderson (USA), 2:00:40.9 (23:54, 47:53, 1:11:38, 1:36:09, 2:00:40)
5. Melissa Gorman (AUS), 2:00:56.5 (23:47, 47:47, 1:11:30, 1:36:02, 2:00:56)
6. Zsofia Balazs (CAN), 2:02:23.3 (23:53, 47:50, 1:11:51, 1:36:30, 2:02:23)
7. Danielle DeFrancesco (AUS), 2:02:26.4 (23:51, 47:49, 1:11:41, 1:36:11, 2:02:26)
8. Cara Baker (NZL), 2:03:44.4 (23:50, 47:49, 1:11:43, 1:36:35, 2:03:44)
9. Nadine Williams (CAN), 2:04:06.7 (23:54, 47:53, 1:12:47, 1:38:52, 2:04:06)
10. Samantha Hoschke-Edwards (AUS), 2:04:20.6 (23:52, 47:50, 1:12:03, 1:38:02, 2:04:20)
11. Stacey Hansford (AUS), 2:06:52.1 (24:00, 48:03, 1:13:32, 1:39:50, 2:06:52)
12. Yumi Kida (JPN), 2:08:00.0 (23:56, 48:03, 1:13:26, 1:39:50, 2:08:00)
– Poliana Okimoto (BRA), DNF
– Chloe Sutton (USA), Disqualified

Results Source: Powerhouse Timing

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Lochte Finishes With Six Gold Medals On Final Night Of Pan Pacific Championships

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

August 21, 2010

Ryan Lochte led a dominant U.S. performance Saturday night at the Mutual of Omaha Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, Calif.

The Floridian shined on the fourth and final night by making a run at his world record in the 200-meter individual medley.

The 26-year-old who lives and trains in Gainesville fell just 0.33 seconds short of his own world record as he won his sixth gold medal, the most of any competitor.

Lochte was hoping to become the first swimmer to break a world record since the high-tech bodysuits were banned by FINA in January. Lochte set the world record of 1:54.10 at last summer’s world championships in Rome.

Lochte won in a meet record 1 minutes, 54.53 seconds, finishing ahead of teammate Tyler Clary, who took home his third silver medal in 1:57.61.

It was the fastest time in the world this year and third fastest time ever. The race also earned Lochte the men’s top performance award of the meet.

“That’s absolutely amazing, to come that close to that time non-suited,” Clary said. “I’m hugely proud of him for it.”

Lochte expected this to be his best race and was hoping to back up his victory over Michael Phelps two weeks ago at the national championships. But Phelps scratched from the 200 IM to save himself for the relay and Lochte was wishing the 200 IM had come earlier in the week after an exhausting schedule.

Still, Lochte was on world-record pace after a 24.86 butterfly split and 53.28 100-meter split after the backstroke despite hitting the lane line. He pulled away from the field on the breaststroke (1:26.99) and led by nearly two body lengths on the freestyle.

“I wanted to prove to everyone that my win at nationals wasn’t a fluke,” Lochte said. “I knew I had it in my sight. All the swims I had earlier in the week made me a little tired.

“Man, if I had just taken one or two more dolphin kicks I would have had it,” Lochte said. “It felt good the whole way until the last 20 meters. This is just a stepping stone for the next two years and hopefully to bigger and better things. I am just getting ready.”

On the final night, the U.S. won 13 medals, including six gold, four silvers and three bronze.

Joining Lochte as the women’s top performer of the meet was Rebecca Soni, based on her 200-meter breaststroke performance, also on Saturday night. Soni won in 2:20.69, the sixth fastest time ever and also lowered the 11-year-old meet record.

The United States finished with 47 medals (25 gold, 15 silver, 7 bronze) followed by Australia (25 medals, 4 gold, 12 silver, 9 bronze) and Japan (11 medals, 2 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze).

The top five finishers were the U.S. with 489.5 points; Australia, 311.5; Japan, 234; Canada, 177; and Brazil, 70. U.S. national team captains Jason Lezak, Amanda Beard and Natalie Coughlin accepted the crystal team champion cup.

Other final results Saturday night:

Women 200-meter individual medley: Aussie Emily Seebohm chased down world and American record holder Ariana Kukors of the U.S., the morning’s top qualifier, to win gold in a meet record 2:09.93. Kukors took silver in 2:10.25 and U.S. teammate Caitlin Leverenz took bronze in 2:11.21. Seebohm had a half-body length lead on Kukors during the butterfly leg and maintained her lead on the backstroke. Kukors tried to make up ground on the breaststroke, and led briefly going into the wall but Seebohm came on strong in the freestyle to edge Kukors. “This is a big boost for me,” Seebohm said. “I came out tonight and wanted to bust the first 100 and hold on as close as I could. I have good speed in the front and back.”

Women 50-meter freestyle: Sentimental U.S. favorite Jessica Hardy, racing at her first international meet since returning from a doping ban after testing positive for a substance contained in a food supplement, broke the course record in 24.63 to win her third gold medal of the meet. Hardy popped up quickly after the start with straight-arm recovery while building the 50. She surged at the 25-meter mark to touch first. U.S. teammate Amanda Weir was second in 24.70, also dipping under the meet record, and Canadian Victoria Poon was third in 24.76. “I tried to swim my own race,” Hardy said. “I put my head down from the beginning and worked hard. My confidence is getting better and better. These past two years have been really hard. I am really happy to be back and happy with way I am right now.” American Kara Lynn Joyce won the “B” final in 25.26.

Men 50-meter freestyle: America’s new sprint hope Nathan Adrian ran down world champion Cesar Cielo of Brazil, the morning’s top qualifier in 21.64, first breaking the meet record. While Cielo had a faster reaction at the start, Adrian came up head. Cielo moved ahead slightly with Adrian charging in the final five meters to win in a meet record 21.55. Cielo also dipped under the meet record for second in 21.57. Canadian Brent Hayden was third in 21.89. “The last three meters was a scramble to get a hand on the wall,” Adrian said. “Obviously, the start and finish are the most important part of this race. I didn’t know I won when I touched the wall. It was another close one. Hopefully, it establishes America as another sprinting force to be reckoned with. It’s just a great confidence-booster. There’s maybe a little bit of a target on my back and I’ll have to work that much harder.” American record holder Cullen Jones was sixth in 22.10.

Women 200-meter breaststroke: American Rebecca Soni, the top morning qualifier, flirted with the world record but settled for the meet record in 2:20.69, fastest time in the world this year in a textile suit. Aussie Leisel Jones was second in 2:23.23, also dipping under the meet record. World record holder Annamay Pierse of Canada was third in 2:23.65. New mom Amanda Beard, 28, who qualified second (2:25.52) in prelims, was fifth in 2:24.30. Soni took the lead at the 100-meter mark in 1:07.58 and extended her lead to more than a body length in 1:43.91. “I definitely felt the crowd behind me, my nerves were going crazy,” Soni said. “I knew what I wanted to do. Winning this is a great thing, I am really happy with the swim. I am not sure about the world record. It’s the end of the season, maybe next taper season at worlds.”

Men 200-meter breaststroke: Japan’s Kosuke Kitajima, the top morning qualifier, was under world record pace at the first wall in 28.80. He continued to look strong at the 100 in 1:01.53  and 1:34.61 at the 150-meter mark before finishing a body length ahead of the field in a meet record 2:08.36. “I am very tired,” Kitajima said. “Frankly, I was worried about the 200. I think I did a very good time and I am happy.” Aussie Brenton Rickard was second in 2:09.97 and American Eric Shanteau was third in 2:10.13.

Women 1500-meter freestyle: American Kate Ziegler led for most of the race until Aussie Melissa Gorman came on in the final 200 meters to win the gold in 16:01.53. Ziegler was second in 16:03.26 and Kriste Kobrich won Chile’s first medal with a third place in 16:06.57. “I was really tired and tried to build into that race,” Gorman said. “I focused on myself and bringing it home. Kate has a lot of speed and I knew she would be out in front. This is really great to continue the Australian distance tradition.”

Men 800-meter freestyle: Canadian Ryan Cochrane, a silver medalist in the 400 freestyle, won in 7:48.71, the second fastest time in the world. The race was never in doubt. American Chad LaTourette was second in 7:51.62 and Takeshi Matsuda was third in 7:51.87. “It’s been a long race, I just wanted to get my hand on the wall first,” Cochrane said. “It’s not about this meet, it’s about two years from now. It’s been a long week and I am pretty tired. I am just surprised that everyone is surprised at me about the 400.”

Women 4×100-meter medley relay: In a thrilling finish, Dana Vollmer brought the U.S. back into contention on the butterfly leg and Jessica Hardy pulled away on the freestyle leg to give the U.S. a meet record in 3:55.23.  “This has been really amazing, the girls really stepped up,” Vollmer said. Australia took silver in 3:56.96 and Japan took the bronze in 3:57.75.

Men 4×100-meter medley relay: Phelps saved the day helping to turn back upset-minded and early leader Japan. Japan had nearly a body length lead on the U.S. after Kitajima’s breaststroke leg but a fresh Phelps, who scratched from the 200 IM to save himself for the relay, roared back on the butterfly to take back the lead and Adrian, swimming his first international relay leg, pulled away to ice the win in 3:32.48. Japan hung on for second in 3:33.90 and Australia was third in 3:35.55. “It’s always good to be able to finish with a winning relay,” Phelps said. “We have had some pretty good history in this race and to end the meet in front of our home crowd with a win is great.” Phelps finished with five golds including three on relays.

NBC will televise highlights of the meet on Sunday (5-6 p.m.).

Now the focus turns to the next major international meet for the U.S., the July 16-31, 2011 XIV FINA World Championships in Shanghai, China.

“Every race has been a dogfight,” Phelps said. “We’re having new guys step up and race, having the veterans step up and show some strength and put up some good times. Going into next year, we could very well have one of the strongest World Championship teams we’ve ever had.”

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

GOLD Is Golden After Setting Seven World Records At Coral Springs Last Chance Masters Meet

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

August 21, 2010

Seven FINA Masters World Records were set by GOLD Coast Masters, South Florida’s oldest and largest masters swim club, on an emotionally-charged day at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex.

Eight days after competing in the U.S. Masters Swimming Long Course Nationals in Puerto Rico, GOLD had just enough left in the tank to make history Saturday at the Coral Springs Last Chance Long Course Meter Meet.

GOLD set world records in the 200-239 and 240-279 women’s 800-meter freestyle relay; 160-199 800-meter mixed freestyle relay; 200-239 women’s 400-meter medley relay; 200-239 400-meter mixed freestyle relay; 240-279 400-meter mixed freestyle relay; and 100-119 men’s 400-meter freestyle relay.

One of the most satisfying moments for GOLD relay coordinator Deb Cavanaugh was watching Marcos Silvera, 29, and Andres “Andy” Miyares, 27, two of the few swimmers with Down syndrome in the world to be ranked, join Matt Bellew, 26, and Boris Fernandez, 37, a former Cuban national team member, on the world record-setting 100-119 men’s 400-meter freestyle relay in 5:46.80.

1988 Olympian and national masters age group record holder Biggi Lohberg, 45, an ASCA Level 4 swim coach and Director of Swim America Coral Springs, was a member of two world-record setting teams.

Lohberg anchored the record-setting 200-239 women’s 800-meter freestyle relay of Pat Sargeant, 57, Celia Devanney, 53, and Peggy McDonnell, 55, that finished in 10:14.12.

Lohberg also swam the breaststroke leg of the record-setting 200-239 women’s 400-meter medley relay of Mo Hughes, 57, Dale LeClair, 41, and Pat Sargeant, 57, that clocked 5:20.67.

Other GOLD world record-setting relays were:

160-199 mixed 800-meter freestyle relay: Larry Caldwell, 46, Debbie Cavanaugh, 52, Ann Stewart, 40, and David LeClair, 43, 10:11.73.

200-239 mixed 400-meter freestyle relay: Chris Burt, 55, Katleen Casey, 52, Peggy McDonnell, 55, and John Grzeszczak, 52, 4:48.86.

240-279 mixed 400-meter freestyle relay: George Schmidt, 60, Barbara Protzman, 56, Cathy Mancino, 61, and Roger Parsons, 63, 5:00.65.

240-279 women’s 800-meter freestyle relay: Cathy Mancino, 61, Jeannie Mitchell, 64, Becky Willman, 58, and Mo Hughes, 57, 12:05.24.

Cavanaugh said GOLD swimmers wanted to add another page in the record books since this is the first year FINA, the sport’s international governing body, is recognizing 400 and 800 relays.

“We tried to break as many records as we could,” Cavanaugh said. “We wanted to get everybody at least on one relay and hopefully, they would either make Top 10 or break a world record.

“We put together 12 relays with the number of people (40) we had coming to the meet,” Cavanaugh said. “Seven world records are a big deal. Since the world records are brand new for the 400s and 800s, this was a great opportunity to do that. Everybody had a great meet in San Juan so another week of taper helped and everybody is swimming well.”

The strength of GOLD, which has been in existence for more than 30 years and has 500 members, is the 50-year-old-and-over swimmers. Cavanaugh and Sargeant tried to put together the oldest and fastest age group swimmers together.

“We wanted everyone to get one world record and we accomplished that today,” Cavanaugh said. “The swimmers really put out. They were excited about being a part of this.”

The pending world records will be submitted to Masters Record Chairman Walt Reed for approval. Meet director Chris Jackson will submit a form of official timed results, relay members and ages. The times are expected to be posted on the FINA website within two to three weeks.

Another highlight of the meet was Dwight Montgomery.

Four years after a horrific motorcycle accident left him with one leg, the Jamaican-born swimmer competed in a career-high six events.

Montgomery, 50, of Tamarac swam in four individual events and two relays.

Montgomery, a former track runner and soccer player, said that he is a much better swimmer now than he was when he had two legs. He knew how to swim for fun but never swam laps. He became a technically-sound, efficient swimmer with endurance after he met masters coach Chris Jackson and joined the Coral Springs Masters program in June, 2008.

He wears a prosthesis every day except in the pool. He uses forearm crutches to get around on the pool deck and is able to start off the blocks. His progress has been remarkable and he is a U.S. Paralympic hopeful.

More than 75 masters swimmers competed in the three-hour meet which served as the final masters meet of the season and last chance for swimmers to post a good time before taking a break.

The South Florida Aquatic Club was well-represented with Comets and Coral Springs Masters swimmers. Coral Springs competed for GOLD and Comets competed as an individual team.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com.

RESULTS

WOMEN

50-meter breaststroke: 35-39, 1. Evelyn Salama, Comets 42.24; 40-44, 1. Gloria Squartino, GOLD 51.76; 50-54, 1. Chris Wenzel, East Coast 41.46, 2. Katleen Casey, GOLD 53.49; 55-59, 1. Peggy McDonnell, GOLD 42.48, 2. Catalina Fazzano, GOLD 1:08.21; 60-64, 1. Meredith Moore, Swim Florida 51.35, 2. Jeannie Mitchell, GOLD 51.72; 65-69, 1. Rayma Isaacs, GOLD 1:11.07.

50-meter butterfly: 55-59, 1. Barbara Protzman, GOLD 1:34.17.

50-meter freestyle: 30-34, 1. Heidi Hester, PST 30.03; 35-39, 1. Evelyn Salama, Comets 33.50; 40-44, 1. Gloria Squartino, GOLD 36.45, 2. Isabela Melancon, North County Masters 38.73; 50-54, 1. Chris Wenzel, East Coast 31.58, 2. Lydia Seier, GOLD 34.00, 3. Maureen Massara, Swim Florida 41.27; 55-59, 1. Pat Sargeant, GOLD 30.88, 2. Becky Willman, GOLD 36.06, 3. Catalina Fazzano, GOLD 1:02.10; 60-64, 1. Meredith Moore, Swim Florida 35.77.

100-meter backstroke: 35-39, 1. Deven Christopher, GOLD 1:20.85; 50-54, 1. Katleen Casey, GOLD 1:38.91; 60-64, 1. Meredith Moore, Swim Florida 1:35.43, 2. Jeannie Mitchell, GOLD 1:36.97; 70-74, 1. Margie Huntinger, Florida Maverick 2:50.12.

200-meter freestyle: 40-44, 1. Gloria Squartino, GOLD 3:13.52, 2. Isabela Melancon, North County Masters 3:26.36; 50-54, 1. Lydia Seier, GOLD 2:50.25, 2. Katleen Casey, GOLD 3:14.36; 60-64, 1. Cathy Mancino, GOLD 3:02.14; 65-69, 1. Rayma Isaacs, GOLD 6:29.04.

200-meter individual medley: 35-39, 1. Deven Christopher, GOLD 2:57.85; 55-59, 1. Barbara Protzman, GOLD 3:17.01; 60-64, 1. Cathy Mancino, GOLD 3:29.60.

50-meter butterfly: 35-39, 1. Evelyn Salama, Comets 39.12; 40-44, 1. Gloria Squartino, GOLD 50.40; 50-54, 1. Lydia Seier, GOLD 38.72; 55-59, 1. Pat Sargeant, GOLD 33.75, 2. Peggy McDonnell, GOLD 35.06.

100-meter freestyle: 40-44, 1. Dale LeClair, GOLD 1:05.92, 2. Isabela Melancon, North County Masters 1:33.08; 50-54, 1. Celia Devanney, GOLD 1:12.47, 2. Lydia Seier, GOLD 1:17.07, 3. Maureen Massara, Swim Florida 1:35.20; 55-59, 1. Barbara Protzman, GOLD 1:19.45, 2. Becky Willman, GOLD 1:22.78, 3. Catalina Fazzano, GOLD 2:21.31; 60-64, 1. Meredith Moore, Swim Florida 1:22.02; 70-74, 1. Margie Huntinger, Florida Maverick 2:28.55.

50-meter backstroke: 40-44, 1. Gloria Squartino, GOLD 53.25; 55-59, 1. Peggy McDonnell, GOLD 40.18; 60-64, 1. Jeannie Mitchell, GOLD 43.69.

100-meter breaststroke: 35-39, 1. Evelyn Salama, Comets 1:35.65; 50-54, 1. Chris Wenzel, East Coast 1:31.63; 55-59, 1. Catalina Fazzano, GOLD 2:43.12; 65-69, 1. Rayma Isaacs, GOLD 2:39.45.

400-meter freestyle: 30-34, 1. Heidi Hester, PST 4:54.84; 50-54, 1. Celia Devanney, GOLD 5:36.98; 55-59, 1. Becky Willman, GOLD 6:34.71; 60-64, 1. Meredith Moore, Swim Florida 6:10.09, 2. Cathy Mancino, GOLD 6:10.35, 3. Jeannie Mitchell, GOLD 6:45.80; 70-74, 1. Margie Huntinger, Florida Maverick 11:17.10.

MEN

50-meter breaststroke: 30-34, 1. Ivan Drusc, Unattached 31.45; 35-39, 1. Justin Bullard, GOLD 42.60; 40-44, 1. Terry Lage, FLA 34.90, 2. Patrick Dorrian, Unattached 47.66; 45-49, 1. Andrew Cole, GOLD 44.04; 50-54, 1. Bill Brenner, Sarasota YMCA 34.89, 2. Roy Sonenshein, GOLD 53.85; 55-59, 1. Chris Burt, GOLD 41.06, 2. Jose Fernandez, GOLD 46.59; 60-64, 1. Juan Navarro, South Florida Masters 46.89, 2. Robert Jacobsohn, FLA 50.88; 65-69, 1. Dick Brewer, GOLD 44.54.

50-meter butterfly: 25-29, 1. Andy Miyares, GOLD 1:24.38; 35-39, 1. Carlos Ochoa, PST 1:07.87; 50-54, 1. Sherif Shaalan, GOLD 1:19.27; 55-59, 1. Lars Ferron, GOLD 1:16.58.

50-meter freestyle: 25-29, 1. Tommie Cuticchia, PST 26.35, 2. Christopher Wyckoff, Lake Lytal 29.20, 3. Marcos Silvera, GOLD 55.61; 30-34, 1. Ivan Drusc, Unattached 25.39, 2. Chuck Medema, Comets 27.05, 3. Shane McElroy, Lake Lytal 28.06; 40-44, 1. Terry Lage, FLA 27.60, 2. Patrick Dorrian, Unattached 33.40, 3. Jose Nunez, GOLD 35.34; 45-49, 1. Carlos Adan-Pol, Unattached 27.25, 2. Fernando Abad, PST 31.29; 50-54, 1. Tim Erickson, FLA 28.41, 2. Matthew Gill, GOLD 33.68, 3. Bart Cohodas, PST 34.88, 4. Dwight Montgomery, GOLD 36.92; 55-59, 1. Kenneth Sweigart, Unattached 40.15, 2. Jose Fernandez, GOLD 34.43; 60-64, 1. George Schmidt, GOLD 28.32, 2. David Beuttenmuller, Unattached 32.43, 3. Roger Parsons, GOLD 32.99; 65-69, 1. Dick Brewer, GOLD 36.25.

100-meter backstroke: 25-29, 1. Christopher Wyckoff, Lake Lytal 1:18.31; 30-34, 1. Shane McElroy, Lake Lytal 1:21.65; 35-39, 1. Matt Hooper, Unattached 1:08.20, 2. Rafael Gamez, Curl-Burke 1:09.10; 45-49, 1. Larry Caldwell, GOLD 1:13.03; 55-59, 1. Chris Burt, GOLD 1:21.26; 60-64, 1. Juan Navarro, South Florida Masters 1:45.13.

200-meter freestyle: 40-44, 1. Patrick Dorian, Unattached 3:06.69; 50-54, 1. Tim Erickson, FLA 2:20.56, 2. Matthew Gill, GOLD 2:51.55, 3. Blaise O’Neill, GOLD 3:03.55, 4. Dwight Montgomery, GOLD 3:15.33, 5. Roy Sonenshein, GOLD 3:17.20; 55-59, 1. Jose Fernandez, GOLD 3:08.02; 60-64, 1. Ray Venture, GOLD 4:18.89; 65-69, 1. Jan Soderstrom, Sarasota YMCA 2:40.31.

200-meter individual medley: 25-29, 1. Tommie Cuticchia, PST 2:30.21; 35-39, 1. Carlos Ochoa, PST 2:30.87; 50-54, 1. Roy Sonenshein, GOLD 3:58.70.

50-meter butterfly: 25-29, 1. Andres Miyares, GOLD 37.81, 2. Marcos Silvera, GOLD 1:07.20; 30-34, 1. Ivan Drusc, Unattached 27.03, 2. Chuck Medema, Comets 30.63; 35-39, 1. Justin Bullard, GOLD 38.65; 50-54, 1. Sherif Shaalan, GOLD 31.27; 55-59, 1. Lars Ferron, GOLD 32.88; 60-64, 1. George Schmidt, GOLD 30.53, 2. Ray Venture, GOLD 1:11.94.

100-meter freestyle: 25-29, 1. Tommie Cuticchia, PST 58.12, 2. Christopher Wyckoff, Lake Lytal 1:06.36; 30-34, 1. Chuck Medema, Comets 1:02.29, 2. Shane McElroy, Lake Lytal 1:05.07; 35-39, 1. Carlos Ochoa, PST 58.87; 40-44, 1. Terry Lage, FLA 1:01.02, 2. Glen Hanks, GOLD 1:09.28, 3. Patrick Dorrian, Unattached 1;18.63, 4. Jose Nunez, GOLD 1:20.30; 45-49, 1. Carlos Adan-Pol, Unattached 1:01.85, 2. Fernando Abad, PST 1:13.12; 50-54, 1. Nick Cronin, Unattached 1:04.48, 2. Matthew Gill, GOLD 1:17.56, 3. Bart Cohodas, PST 1:18.25, 4. Dwight Montgomery, GOLD 1:20.96; 5. Blaise O’Neill, GOLD 1:24.29, 6. Roy Sonenshein, GOLD 1:30.09; 55-59, 1. Chris Burt, GOLD 1:10.11, 2. Jose Fernandez, GOLD 1:18.10, 3. Kenneth Sweigart, Unattached 1:43.25; 60-64, 1. David Beuttenmuller, Unattached 1:16.66, 2. Juan Navarro, South Florida Masters 1:25.32.

50-meter backstroke: 35-39, 1. Rafael Gamez, Curl-Burke 31.61; 40-44, 1. Daniel Arlotto, GOLD 32.74, 2. Jose Nunez, GOLD 48.75; 45-49, 1. Larry Caldwell, GOLD 33.11, 2. Fernando Abad, PST 43.86; 55-59, 1. Kenneth Sweigart, Unattached 55.29; 60-64, 1. Ray Venture, GOLD 58.35; 85-89, 1. Paul Huntinger, Florida Maverick 54.46.

100-meter breaststroke: 25-29, 1. Matthew Bellew, GOLD 1:09.24; 40-44, 1. Glen Hanks, GOLD 1:36.62; 45-49, 1. Andrew Cole, GOLD 1:33.29; 55-59, 1. Kenneth Sweigart, Unattached 2:09.22; 60-64, 1. Juan Navarro, South Florida Masters 1:45.09, 2. Robert Jacobsohn, FLA 1:57.96; 65-69: 1. Dick Brewer, GOLD 1:38.87.

400-meter freestyle: 25-29, 1. Christopher Wyckoff, Lake Lytal 5:22.38; 30-34, 1. Shane McElroy, Lake Lytal 5:43.52; 35-39, 1. Matt Hooper, Unattached 4:31.83, 2. Carlos Ochoa, PST 4:48.14, 3. Boris Fernandez, GOLD 4:56.66; 40-44, 1. Glen Hanks, GOLD 5:35.03; 50-54, 1. Bill Brenner, Sarasota YMCA 4:52.35, 2. Tim Erickson, FLA 5:03.05, 3. Dwight Montgomery, GOLD 7:06.75, 4. Roy Sonenshein, GOLD 7:07.09.

Men 400-meter freestyle relay: 160-199, 1. GOLD (Glen Hanks, Jose Fernandez, Andrew Cole, Matthew Gill) 5:04.26; 2. GOLD (Dwight Montgomery, Justin Bullard, Jose Nunez, Blaise O’Neill) 5:27.30; 200-239, 1. GOLD (David LeClair, Daniel Arlotto, Lars Ferron, Dick Brewer) 4:32.53.

Mixed 800-meter freestyle relay: 200-239, 1. GOLD (Lars Ferron, Lydia Seier, Deven Christopher, Chris Burt) 10:38.16; 2. GOLD (Celia Devanney, Dick Brewer, Catalina Fazzano, Roy Sonenshein) 14:28.93.

Mixed 200-meter freestyle relay: 200-239, 1. GOLD (Blaise O’Neill, Katleen Casey, Gloria Squartino, Ray Venture), 2:36.11. 

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Lochte Wins Two More Gold Medals At Pan Pacific Championships

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

August 20, 2010

The most popular name in swimming right now is Floridian Ryan Lochte.

Lochte, 26, the Olympic champion in the 200-meter backstroke, won his signature event Friday night for his fourth gold medal on Day 3 of the Mutual of Omaha Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, Calif.

The tireless Lochte also came back to swim the second leg (47.98) of the winning men’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay that won in a meet record 3:11.74.

In the 200 backstroke, Lochte controlled the race from start to finish at the William Woolett Jr. Aquatics Center. Despite a small glitch in the final 10 meters when he hit the lane line, he finished in a meet record 1:54.12.

“I felt pretty controlled,” Lochte said. “I tried to hold back on my first 50. I learned that from my mistake in the 400 IM. I held back and went from there. In the last 10 meters, I was trying to stay in the middle but it didn’t work, I hit the lane line.”

Lochte touched the first wall in 27.26 with Tyler Clary just 2/10ths of a second behind. Lochte then built a bigger lead off his underwater dolphin kick and was 55.76 at the 100 mark. He picked up the pace on the third 50 off the wall with 10 dolphin kicks and had a body length lead going into the final 50.

Clary was second in 1:54.90 and Japan’s Ryosuke Irie was third in 1:55.21. Lochte was the fastest morning qualifier in 1:55.26, just ahead of  Clary’s 1:55.56.

“The year is going good for me,” Lochte said. “This meet is just a stepping stone for next year worlds and the Olympics. I am right where I need to be.”

The previous meet record was 1:54.44 set by world and American record holder Aaron Peirsol who failed to make the final.

Peirsol, the Olympic gold medalist, was shut out of the finals with a time of 1:56.22. “Nothing I can do about it,” Peirsol said. “The time I had to do wasn’t easy.” Peirsol ran away with the “B” final in 1:56.67.

Lochte has two events remaining headed into the fourth and final day of the pool events on Saturday. The open water events are Sunday.

The newly-committed Lochte who has dumped his fast food diet and dedicated himself even more for the lead-up to the 2012 Olympics, has caught everyone’s attention at the meet including Michael Phelps’ coach Bob Bowman.

“They’ve traded places,” Bowman said. “You know how I am. It’s very hard for me when I can’t follow a plan. With Michael we have a five-minute plan. My other guys, we have a four-year plan.

“You can tell Ryan looks better,” Bowman said. “He’s definitely fitter. And that means you train better. That’s something, a good thing for Michael, something he’s never done that he can really improve on. We have at least one thing we can really do a lot better.”

Phelps looked better than he has all week in the 100-meter butterfly.

The 14-time Olympic gold medalist won the event in a meet record 50.86. It was his second gold medal after winning the 200 butterfly on Wednesday.

Phelps reaction time was slow off the blocks but he made up for it at the turn with a 24.0 split. After the turn he came up in the lead and held on. U.S. teammate Tyler McGill was second in 51.85 and Japan’s Takuro Fujii was third in 52.12.

“The first 50 I wasn’t happy with, I couldn’t get it going,” Phelps said. “I wanted to stay underwater as long as could coming off the wall. I tried to keep the momentum I built coming home.

“The hardest thing for us as a team is to get up in the morning and be able to fight for spots in the final,” Phelps said. “It is hard to have two tough swims in one day with the competition here and on the team. For the guys and girls who are able to do that here, it is good for the future.”

Phelps also swam a great leadoff leg (48.13) for the men’s winning 4×100-meter freestyle relay.

A day after his disappointment of not making the 400-meter individual medley, Phelps seemed to feel better about his swims.

“I feel a little bit better today than I have the last couple of days,” Phelps said after morning prelims where he was the fastest qualifier in 51.48. “Probably because there are only two laps instead of four.

“I wanted to break the Pan Pac record this morning but to have two Americans going under 52 is pretty good. The times are faster in the events here than I did at nationals. If I can go faster than I did at the nationals then that would be good.

“My conditioning level is still four, four-and-a-half out of 10. I think the real test for my motivation will be when I get back in the pool and when I start full training again.”

Other final results Friday night:

Women’s 400-meter freestyle: American Chloe Sutton took control at the 300-meter mark and held off Aussie Katie Goldman in the last 10 meters to win in a career-best 4:05.19. Goldman was second in 4:05.84 and her teammate Blair Evans was third in 4:06.36. American Allison Schmitt was fourth in 4:06.73. “I can’t believe that just happened,” Sutton said. “I am really so happy. Honestly, I didn’t think I could do it. I thought I was going to finish second. I am so excited. I was still fighting at the end. I had my eye on the Australians. When I touched the wall I was so happy.” It was Sutton’s last pool event. She will now get ready for the 10K open water swim on Sunday. Two weeks after winning the national title in the event, Katie Hoff failed to advance into the championship final. She finished with the fifth fastest time in 4:08.93 but was surpassed by U.S. teammates Chloe Sutton, Allison Schmitt and Kate Ziegler, who also did not advance. Ziegler ended up winning the “B” final in 4:05.52.

Men’s 400-meter freestyle: Korean Park Tae Hwan turned it on in the last 100 meters to win in 3:44.73, fastest time in the world this year. Canadian Ryan Cochrane, the early leader, was second in 3:46.78 and China’s Zhang Lin was third in 3:46.91.

Women’s 100-meter butterfly: American record holder Dana Vollmer came back in the second half of the race to win in 57.56. “I knew I had to get going and moving after the first wall and just chugged it home,” said Vollmer, whose fiancé surprised her by showing up in Irvine to watch her race. Vollmer also anchored the winning 4×100-meter freestyle relay team that won in a meet record 3:35.11. American teammate Christine Magnuson was second in 57.95 and Aussie Alicia Coutts was third in 57.99. Aussie 14-year-old Yolane Kukla, leading after the first 50, faded to fourth in 58.22.

Women 200-meter backstroke: American Elizabeth Beisel held off teammate Elizabeth Pelton in the final 10 meters to win her second gold medal of the Pan Pacs in a meet record 2:07.83. Beisel was at 1:35.62 off the final wall but Pelton had a stroke lead after her underwater kick. Pelton finished second in 2:08.10 and Aussie Belinda Hocking was third in 2:08.60. All three swimmers finished under the old meet record of 2:08.86. “It was all pain in the last 50, it hurt so much,” Beisel said. “I am happy with the time. It’s my best time in this suit. I have been able to relax more at this meet. I am having fun now. Nationals was a little stressful.” American teenager Missy Franklin won the “B” final in a career-best 2:08.05

Women 50-meter breaststroke: With a quick reaction off the start, American Jessica Hardy, the fastest morning qualifier, won in 30.03.

“I was really, really pleased with this time,” Hardy said. “I am really excited and happy in front of my family and friends.” Aussies Leiston Pickett was second in 30.75 and Leisel Jones was third in 30.78.

Men 50-meter breaststroke: Brazil’s Felipe Silva, the top morning qualifier, led from wire-to-wire to win in 27.28. American Mark Gangloff was second in 27.52 and Canadian Scott Dickens was third in 27.63. Japan’s Kosuke Kitajima tied for fifth in 27.67.

For the second day in a row, the U.S. swept the men’s and women’s relays, this time the 4×100-meter freestyle. The women’s team of Natalie Coughlin, Hardy, Amanda Weir and Vollmer won in a meet record 3:35.11 breaking the previous U.S. meet record of 3:35.80. The U.S. men’s relay of Phelps, Lochte, Jason Lezak and Nathan Adrian won in 3:11.74, also a meet record.

Saturday’s events are men’s and women’s 200-meter individual medley, 50 freestyle, 200 breaststroke, women’s 1500 freestyle and men’s 800 freestyle. A total of 21 countries including the Pan Pac charter nations of Canada, Australia, Japan and the U.S. are competing. Brazil, China and Korea are also entered.

It is the biggest international meet of the year for Americans and other non-European swimmers. Only the top two finishers from each country are allowed to advance into the finals.

Prelims are 1 p.m. EST and finals 9 p.m. EST. Prelims and finals are being webcast on SwimNetwork.com and also being shown on Universal Sports. NBC will televise the meet on Saturday (4-6 p.m.) and Sunday (5-6 p.m.).

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

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Relay Record Attempts Highlight Coral Springs Last Chance Masters Meet On Saturday

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

August 19, 2010

A week after competing in the U.S. Masters Long Course Nationals in Puerto Rico, GOLD will attempt a few world masters records Saturday at the Coral Springs Last Chance Long Course Meters Masters Meet.

More than 75 masters swimmers will compete in the one-day long course meet at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex that begins at 10 a.m.

The South Florida Aquatic Club will be well-represented with Comets and Coral Springs Masters swimmers. Coral Springs will compete for  GOLD and Comets will compete as an individual team.

Heading the field is 1988 Olympian and national masters age group record holder Biggi Lohberg. Lohberg, 45, will compete only on GOLD relays.

Lohberg is an ASCA Level 4 swimming coach and Director of Swim America Coral Springs. She is still an outstanding swimmer earning several Masters titles and All-American honors and conducts swim clinics worldwide.

“Even when she hasn’t trained or practiced she is still so fast,” said masters swimmer Celia Devanney, a Coral Springs Masters and GOLD teammate.

GOLD masters record holder Deb Cavanaugh of Fort Lauderdale put the relays together that have the best chance of breaking records, particularly in the 200-plus and 240-plus age groups. This is the first year FINA, the sport’s international governing body, is recognizing the 400 and 800 relays.

“We are trying to put the best relays as possible together so we can get world records,” Devanney said. “Our best chances are probably in the 200-plus in the mixed, women’s and men’s.”

Since it’s only a week after nationals, Devanney said most swimmers are somewhat recovered and haven’t lost their taper. GOLD had 30 swimmers compete at nationals.

Evelyn Salama and Becky Willman, also coming off masters nationals, will compete along with teammate Chuck Medina for the Comets coached by Rose Lockie. Coral Springs masters coach Chris Jackson is meet director.

Also entered in the meet is former Cuban national team member and elite triathlete and open water swimmer Boris Fernandez, Barbara Protzman, Dale LeClair, Cathy Mancino, Ann Stewart, George Schmidt and Cavanaugh.

Also competing is Andres “Andy” Miyares of Miami, one of the few swimmers with Down syndrome in the world to be ranked by the International Paralympic Committee. He has set world, Pan American, national and state records throughout his swimming career.

Warm-up is 9 a.m. The men’s and women’s 800 free relays are the first two events.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com.

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Lochte Steals Show At Pan Pacific Championships; Phelps Fails To Qualify For 400 IM Final

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

August 19, 2010

Wearing his rhinestone-studded, bright green high-top sneakers with satin laces and clutching a small stuffed bear on the medal stand, Ryan Lochte was on center stage again Thursday at the Mutual of Omaha Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, Calif.

Lochte, 26, won his second gold medal in the 400-meter individual medley and flirted with the world record for the first 150 meters before settling for a meet record in 4 minutes, 7.59 seconds.

Lochte came back to win his third gold on the anchor leg of Team USA’s winning 4×200-meter freestyle relay in a meet record 7:03.84.

“I told them before the race to give me the biggest lead because I was going to need it,” Lochte said with a smile after the race.

Lochte, who lives and trains in Gainesville, first broke the 400 IM meet record in morning prelims in 4:08.77 and again in finals.

“I went out fast and tried to hold on for dear life,” said a relaxed Lochte. “I am just going out there and having fun and racing. Whatever the outcome is I will take it.”

It was the second and third of seven events Lochte is entered in this week. It is the most demanding of schedules with five individual events and two relays just two weeks after nationals.

Even more interesting, Lochte didn’t need rival Michael Phelps pushing him.

Phelps, the world record holder and two-time Olympian in the event, failed to qualify for the final finishing as the ninth seed in 4:15.38. It was the fourth fastest time in the heats but two of his U.S. teammates were faster, Lochte in 4:08.77 and Clary in 4:09.20.

It was the first time Phelps attempted the 400 IM since the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Lochte, 0-9 against Phelps in the event, will have to wait for another showdown if Phelps decides to swim it again.

“I knew 4:07 was nowhere near being in the tank,” Phelps said. “So, it’s finished. I probably shouldn’t have done it. Holy crap, oh my God that was painful. I definitely wasn’t expecting those boys to come out and fire one off like that in heat one.”

In the championship final, Lochte was dominating. He started strong on the butterfly leg and went 25.59 at the wall with six to seven dolphin kicks off the wall. He extended his lead to a body length (54.83) and was on world record pace. In the backstroke he was 1:26.15 at the wall and 1:56.73, slightly dropping off world record pace. He was 2:32.29 after the first 50 of the breaststroke and at 3:08.74 going into the freestyle. With a six-beat kick on the freestyle, he extended his lead to two body lengths for a 3:08.74 advantage with 50 meters to go. He cruised on the final 50.

“I know the whole field,” Lochte said. “I’ve raced against them my whole life.”

After the medal ceremony, Lochte threw teddy bears into the stands.

American Tyler Clary took the silver in 4:09.55 and Brazilian Thiago Pereira took the bronze in 4:12.09.

Phelps, who would have been top qualifier for the “B” final, elected not to swim allowing St. Petersburg’s Robert Margalis to swim and winning in 4:17.28.

Other final results Thursday night:

Women’s 100-meter freestyle: After winning the race, Olympian Natalie Coughlin clenched her left fist in the air as she looked at the scoreboard and smiled. Coughlin, after a year-and-a-half layoff, is back. She won in a meet record 53.67. Aussie Emily Seebohm and American Dana Vollmer tied for silver in 53.96. Coughlin’s turn was the difference, taking advantage of all 15 meters off the wall which set her up nicely for the second half of the race. “I was just trying to remember what I wanted to work on from this morning,” Coughlin said. “I had confidence in my racing style. I tried not to kill myself on the first 25 which helped me on last 50. I came back in January and this is ahead of where I thought I would be. Honestly, all I wanted to do was qualify for World Championships and I have done that. This is icing on the cake.” Fourteen-year-old Aussie Yolane Kukla was fourth in 54.02. 

Men’s 100-meter freestyle: America’s newest freestyle hope, Nathan Adrian broke the meet record twice to win the event. Adrian first broke the record in prelims in 48.41 and came back to break it again in 48.15, fastest time in the world this year. Canadian Brett Hayden was second in 48.19, also coming in under the meet record, and Brazilian Cesar Cielo, who squeezed into the final eight (swam 49.13 in prelims), was third in 48.48. Cielo, world and Olympic gold medalist in the event, qualified ninth in the prelims, getting into the final by the two-swimmer per country rule and swam in Lane 8. “I wanted to make sure my body line was good,” Adrian said. “I put every ounce of effort into that last little bit. I didn’t panic. I did a good job swimming my own race and not let what everyone else was doing affect me. I knew it was close but I didn’t know it was that close.” American Garrett Weber-Gale, not happy about being in “B” final, won the race in 48.73.

Women’s 100-meter breaststroke: American Rebecca Soni won her long-awaited race against Aussie Leisel Jones in a meet record 1:04.93, fastest time in the world this year and third fastest time ever. She broke her own record of 1:05.89 set in prelims. Jones, the Olympic champion in the event, was second in 1:05.66 and teammate Sara Katsoulis was third in 1:07.04 after swimming 1:06.78 in prelims. New mom Amanda Beard, fast off the blocks, finished fifth in 1:07.49. Soni pulled away in the second half of the race. “I couldn’t ask for the race to go any better,” Soni said. “After the turn I knew we were right together. I pushed it all the way. I tried to keep my eyes on my own lane and started sprinting in the end. We’re all chasing those records now and to see a 1:04 is awesome. The last time she beat me by 1 ½ seconds, it was more a fun event I did. Now, it’s more important to me. I’ve been working more on the sprint. I am very excited to face Leisel in the 200 and 50.”

Men’s 100-meter breaststroke: Japan’s four-time Olympic medalist Kosuk Kitajima swam back-to-back races under 1 minute to continue his dominance in the event. He won in 59.35, after swimming 59.04 in prelims. Aussie Chris Sprenger was second in 1:00.18 and American Mark Gangloff was third in 1:00.24. Kitajima was out in 27.99 for the first 50. “I think it was great I was able to swim two races under one minute,” Kitajima said through an interpretor. “I took a year off after Beijing and been living in Los Angeles since last April. I am happy to win here.”

Women’s 400-meter individual medley: After being calmed down by her teammate Caitlin Leverenz in the ready room, American Elizabeth Beisel won her first-ever international gold medal in 4:34.69. With Aussie Samantha Hamill slightly in the lead, Beisel took off on the backstroke leg, closed the gap and overtook the lead on the breaststroke. She had more than a body-length lead after the breaststroke and nearly three body lengths down the final stretch. Hamill was second in 4:37.84 and Leverenz was third in 4:38.03. American Ariana Kukors won the “B” final in 4:38.05. “I was hoping to go faster than prelims. I was really nervous coming in.”

Women’s 50-meter backstroke: In a tight race, Aussie Sophie Edington was quick off the blocks and despite a tight field at 25-meter mark, Edington started building the race and poured it on in the final 10 meters despite hitting the lane line for part of the race to win in 27.83.  “I just tried to hold on to the finish,” Edington said. “It is over so quick, I don’t have time to think about it. I look forward to this race because it’s only one lap.” Japan’s Aya Terakawa took silver in 28.04, also under the meet record. Sixteen-year-old American Rachel Bootsma finished in a three-way tie with Fabiola Molina of Brazil and Emily Thomas of New Zealand in 28.44 for bronze.

Men’s 50-meter backstroke: Japan’s 30-year–old Junya Koga pulled off the shocker to win in 24.86. He was quick off the start with tight dolphin kicks and led wire-to-wire. Aussie Ashley Delaney took silver in 24.98 and American Nick Thoman took bronze in 25.02. American David Plummer was fourth in 25.09.

In the final events of the evening, Team USA swept the women’s and men’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay. The women’s team of Dana Vollmer, Morgan Scroggy, Katie Hoff and Allison Schmitt broke the meet record in 7:51.21. The previous record was 7:54.62.

The men’s team of Phelps, Peter Vanderkaay, Rickey Behrens and Lochte also broke the meet record in 7:03.84.

The U.S. leads the medal count with 23 including 12 gold. Australia is second with 13 medals including two gold.

Friday’s events are the men’s and women’s 400-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter backstroke and 50-meter breaststroke.

A total of 21 countries including the Pan Pac charter nations of Canada, Australia, Japan and the U.S. are competing. Brazil, China and Korea are also entered.

It is the biggest international meet of the year for Americans and other non-European swimmers. Only the top two finishers from each country are allowed to advance into the finals.

Prelims are 1 p.m. EST and finals 9 p.m. EST. Prelims and finals are being webcast live on SwimNetwork.com and also being shown on Universal Sports. NBC will televise the meet on Saturday (4-6 p.m.) and Sunday (5-6 p.m.).

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com.

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

Lochte, Phelps Win Gold On Opening Day Of Pan Pacific Championships

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

August 18, 2010

Ryan Lochte, the hottest swimmer in the country right now, made it look easy Wednesday at the Mutual of Omaha Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, Calif.

Lochte, 26, who lives and trains in Gainesville, won the men’s 200-meter freestyle in the first of seven events he is scheduled to compete in this week.

Looking smooth and strong in the water, Lochte won in 1:45.30, the fastest time in the world this year.

Lochte was 24.77 at the wall after the first 50 meters with U.S. teammate Peter Vanderkaay trying to stay with him.

At the 100, Korea’s Tae Hwan Park touched first at 51.46 but Lochte dropped the hammer immediately with his underwater dolphin kick. He pulled away on the third 50 in 1:18.

“I don’t have a 100 backstroke after this so I feel pretty good,” Lochte said with a smile. “I have a lot more events during this meet. I am taking it day by day.

“Maybe I am swimming the best I ever have. I feel good and I’ve done the training. I am just going to keep doing what I am doing.”

Tae Hwan Park, 21, of the Republic of Korea took the silver in 1:46.27 and Vanderkaay, 26, took bronze in 1:46.65.

Lochte, 26, scratched from the final of the 100-meter backstroke which allowed teammate Aaron Peirsol, the two-time defending Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the event, to race and eventually win the final.

Peirsol had posted the fourth-fastest time in morning prelims but Lochte was one of two Americans ahead of him. Only the top two finishers from each country are allowed to advance into the finals.

Lochte had only planned to swim the 100 backstroke event once (in prelims) at the meet, according to U.S. men’s coach Gregg Troy of the University of Florida.

In the men’s 200-meter butterfly final, 14-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps showed flashes of his old self despite a few technical glitches at the walls to win in 1:54.11. He was in control of the race, 25.35 at the wall first and 54.25 at the 100-meter mark and 1:23.67 after the third leg.

Aussie Nick D’Arcy, 23, was second in 1:54.73 and Japan’s Takeshi Matsuda was third in 1:54.81. American Tyler Clary was seventh in 1:56.83, slower than prelims in 1:55.72.

“That was painful, oh my god,” Phelps said. “I wanted to go 1:53. There were some things I didn’t do well in the race that could have been the difference in time but I am happy and ready to train for this summer. I am a long way off to where I want to be physically.”

In other championship finals:

Women’s 50-meter butterfly: Marieke Guehrer, 24, started Australia off with a win in the opening event. The lanky Aussie, top morning qualifier with the fastest turnover in the water, won in a meet record 25.99. “For me, I focused on myself and having fun,” she said after the race. “I love racing outdoors and the crowd was great. Winning was the idea. Go Aussies.” Aussie teammate Emily Seebohm, 18, took silver in 26.08 and American Christine Magnuson, 25, took the bronze in 26.33.

Men’s 50-meter butterfly: Brazilian Cesar Cielo, 23, the Olympic and world 50-meter freestyle champion, went out quickly to beat a stacked men’s field in a meet record time of 23.03. “I wasn’t expecting a gold medal in his event, this feels great,” Cielo said. “I want to be the best always. Today was the first step toward the Olympics.” Nicholas Santos, 30, made it 1-2 for Brazil in 23.33 and Roland Schoeman, 30, of South Africa took bronze in 23.39. Schoeman, a 2004 Olympian, turned down $5.9 million to swim for Qatar in 2005 as a matter of national pride. American freestyle sprinter Cullen Jones, who has been swimming the butterfly event this year, was a surprise finalist and finished fifth in 23.50.

Women’s 200-meter freestyle: American Allison Schmitt, 20, the fastest morning qualifier, held off teammate and training mate Morgan Scroggy, 22, to win her first international gold medal in 1:56.10, the fastest time in the world this year. Scroggy finished in 1:57.13 and Aussie Blair Evans, 19, was third in 1:57.27. “I knew Morgan was right there. I just wanted to touch first for USA,” Schmitt said. “I am amazed at winning and excited about swimming for USA.”

Women’s 100-meter backstroke: With natural speed on the front end, Olympian Natalie Coughlin led 28.96 to the wall and came off strong off wall but faded enabling Aussie teenager Emily Seebohm, 18, to come back with a strong back 50 to win in a meet record 59.45. She broke her own record of 59.62. Japan’s Ana Terakawa also came in under the meet record in 59.59 to take silver. Coughlin, coming off a year hiatus to recharge her batteries, settled for bronze in 59.70. Six-foot teenager Missy Franklin, 15, was fourth in 1:00.16 in her first major international meet. “The last 50 was a big sting, I was hurting so bad,” Seebohm said. “I just had to push through. To come out on top is a great confidence boost with me. Natalie Coughlin is amazing, it’s always going to be a good race with her. My coach told me to race it how I wanted and I just tried to hold on.”

Men’s 100-meter backstroke: In the closest race of the night, Olympic and world champion Aaron Peirsol, 27, world record holder in the event, came back to win in a meet record 53.31, breaking his own record of 53.32. Japan’s Junya Koga, 23, took silver in 53.63 and Aussie Ashley Delaney, 24, took bronze in 53.67. Peirsol, who got into the final when Lochte scratched, overcame early leader David Plummer down the stretch. Plummer faded to fifth in 53.80, slower than his prelim time of 53.33. “I had to fight very hard,” Peirsol said. “It was a wonderful race and very tight. I knew everyone would be swimming fast. I was expecting it to be anybody’s race. I really worked that turn. It felt really good for the first time underwater in a while. I should start off by thanking Ryan Lochte, I owe him something.” In the “B” final, American Nick Thoman hit the lane line in the last 20 meters and still won in 53.66 but was noticeably upset at the wall.

Women’s 200-meter butterfly: Aussie Jessica Schipper, 24, came from behind to win in 2:06.90 ahead of Americans Teresa Crippen, 20, (2:06.93) and Kathleen Hersey, 20, (2:07.27), who both tightened up down the final stretch. It was the fifth consecutive Pan Pacs that an Aussie woman has won the event. “It definitely hurt a little bit,” Schipper said. “I didn’t know how close it was. This is a great honor to win. I admire all the butterfliers in Australia I grew up watching. It’s great to carry on the tradition.”

Women’s 800-meter freestyle: Kate Ziegler, 22, in the midst of a comeback that has included a coaching change and move to Fullerton, Calif., won impressively in 8:21.59. Chloe Sutton, 18, was second in 8:24.51 and Aussie Katie Goldman, 18, was third in 8:26.38. “That was the first time I negative split a race,” Ziegler said. “That wasn’t necessarily my strategy but it worked. I am enjoying the journey. This time around it’s a lot different. I am doing it for me. I am so excited to win for USA, my mom and everyone here cheering me on through this journey back. I am just so happy.”

Men’s 1500-meter freestyle: The race was never in question with Canada’s Ryan Cochrane leading from wire-to-wire in 14:49.47, the fastest time in the world this year. “My goals are pretty high coming into this competition,” Cochrane said. “Without the suits this year it’s hard to know what to expect.” American Chad LaTourette took silver in 14:54.48 and China’s Lin Zhang took bronze in 14:58.90.

In Thursday action, Phelps and Lochte will lock horns in the 400-meter individual medley. Lochte is 0-9 in the 400 IM against Phelps.

Other Thursday events are men’s and women’s 100-meter freestyle, 100-meter breaststroke, 50-meter backstroke, 800-meter freestyle relay and women’s 400 IM.

A total of 21 countries including the Pan Pac charter nations of Canada, Australia, Japan and the U.S. are competing. Brazil, China and Korea are also entered. It is the biggest international meet of the year for Americans and other non-European swimmers.

Prelims are 1 p.m. EST and finals 9 p.m. EST. The prelims and finals are being webcast on SwimNetwork.com and also being shown on Universal Sports. NBC will televise the meet on Saturday (4-6 p.m.) and Sunday (5-6 p.m.).

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

http://www.swim4soflo.com

U.S. Favored In Pan Pacific Championships That Begin Wednesday, Phelps Will Race 400 IM

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

August 17, 2010

With 708 days to go until the July 27, 2012 opening day of the London Olympics, the United States is out to reassert its swimming dominance over Australia at the Mutual of Omaha Pan Pacific Championships that begin Wednesday in Irvine, Calif.

“Over the years we have always had the rivalry with the Australians and in my eyes I see it continuing the more we gear up for London,” said 14-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps.

Added backstroke Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Aaron Peirsol: “We will treat them as if they will come out with their arms swinging.”

It is the first time the U.S. has hosted a major international meet since the 2004 World Short Course Championships in Indianapolis.

The Pan Pacs were first held in 1985. The long course meet was first staged every odd year to allow for an international championship-level meet in the non-Olympic and non-World Championships years.

However, beginning with the 2002 championships (and the changing of the World Championships from every four years (even year between Olympics) to every two years (every odd year), the meet is a quadrennial event, held in the even year between Summer Olympics.

“In 1999 at the Sydney Olympic pool we ran an international meet as a test event to mirror the Olympics with heats, semifinals and finals,” explained Mark Schubert, U.S. national team head coach and general manager.

“The event was a ferocious dual meet between the U.S. and Australia and it came down to the relays at the end of eight days,” Schubert said. “That really got America’s attention and we are still paying attention. The Pan Pacs are a very important event since all the countries not eligible for the European Championships will be here.”

A total of 21 countries including the Pan Pac charter nations of Canada, Australia, Japan and the U.S. will compete. Brazil, China and Korea are also entered.

Sixty of the nation’s top swimmers including Olympic gold medalists Ryan Lochte of Daytona Beach, Michael Phelps, Natalie Coughlin, Aaron Peirsol and Rebecca Soni will compete through Sunday at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center while the 10K open water event will be held Sunday at Long Beach Marine Stadium.

The U.S. team features 27 Olympians. The men’s head coach is University of Florida and former Bolles coach Gregg Troy. The women’s team head coach is California’s Teri McKeever.

Interestingly, the teams have been practicing together at UC Irvine based on strokes and not gender in the training camp. Schubert calls it a “slightly new concept with the men and women training together.”

“The camp is going great and spirits are high,” Schubert said. “The veteran swimmers are helping out the youngsters. On the second day of practice after we had team uniforming, in the world of Missy Franklin and Rachel Bootsma they walked into afternoon practice giddy with joy talking about how cool the uniforms and swim suits were because they were partially pink. I don’t think either of those girls are overwhelmed with any pressure.”

Schubert said the head coaches have stressed to the veterans that “our swimming culture is never something to be taken for granted.

“Historically, 70 to 80 percent of our Olympic team comes from this Pan Pac team,” Schubert said. “Two years out from the Olympics seldom to Olympians win medals without very good experience. I could point to some very prominent exceptions like Rebecca Soni but this Pan Pac and experience are extremely important for the future in London.”

The U.S. will face a strong field of competitors at the largest international meet of the year including Australia’s Jessica Schipper, Eamon Sullivan, Stephanie Rice and Leisel Jones in addition to several Aussie international meet newcomers. Brazil’s Cesar Cielo and Tunisia’s Ous Mellouli are also part of the star-studded field.

In an unaccustomed sight, swimmers on their way to the starting blocks will be required to stop at a poolside suit inspection tent. Officials there will check to make sure their suits carry a sticker saying they have been approved by FINA, the sport’s international governing body.

No longer are the high-tech, full-body compression suits allowed in competition since the Jan. 1 FINA ban. Polyurethane is out and swimmers now must wear textile suits. Men’s suits cannot extend above the naval or below the knee. Women’s suits cannot extend to the neck, past the shoulders or below the knee. There are also restrictions against thickness, buoyancy, external stimulation and customization, according to FINA.

Phelps, Lochte and other U.S. swimmers are excited to see swimming return to head-to-head tight races which they had at nationals.

“I think to see two athletes or a number of athletes go at it and really bring the best out of each other, I think that’s just going to make people as excited as seeing a world record,” Phelps said.

Schubert echoes Phelps’ sentiments.

“When we had the high tech suits last year, they were basically wetsuits,” Schubert said. “Times are different. Faster is especially not better in regards to last year. This year it’s about racing head-to-head and focusing on the races and not the times.”

Phelps said Monday that he will be swimming the 400-meter individual medley, an event that was supposed to be history in his future plans. It will be the first time since winning Olympic gold in Beijing he will swim the event which he holds the world record in.

“I figured, why not give it a shot? Phelps said. “Like I said before, I’m probably not in the best shape I want to be to swim that race. We’ll see if we can make worlds. And if we can make worlds, I’ll know what to do to put my body in shape for next summer to be able to swim the kind of times and level I want to swim.”

Phelps is swimming four individual events—200 butterfly, 400 IM, 100 butterfly and 200 IM. Thursday will be the 400 IM, a showdown against American teammate and friendly rival Ryan Lochte, who is swimming five events and two relays, which may be a precursor of his 2012 Olympic schedule.

Lochte knocked off Phelps in the 200 IM and 200 backstroke at the recent national meet. The pair will face off in both the 400 and 200 IMs.

“I love racing, it doesn’t matter what events I do,” Lochte said. “I want to do as many as possible. Getting up on the blocks and racing someone is why I love swimming and why I am doing it.

“I am going in every race thinking I can win. I am stronger in the water and more focused than ever and I am actually listening to my coaches now which is starting to help out.”

The five-day meet will be webcast on SwimNetwork starting at 1 p.m. EST for prelims and 9 p.m. EST for finals and will also be shown on UniversalSports.com.

Sharon Robb can be reached at srobb@sun-sentinel.com.

http://www.swim4comets.com

AQUATIC NOTEBOOK: Issue 6

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

August 16, 2010

DON’T COUNT DARA OUT

Mark Schubert isn’t betting against Dara Torres.

The USA Swimming national team head coach and general manager who has been a member of every Olympic coaching staff since 1980 and placed nearly 40 swimmers on U.S. Olympic teams, isn’t surprised the 43-year-old mom is back in the water at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex.

While Torres, 43, is still recovering from major reconstructive knee surgery 10 months ago and is expected to be rehabbing any where from two to eight months more, the five-time Olympian has been “splashing around” in the pool for two weeks under the watchful eye of SOFLO head coach Michael Lohberg, a six-time Olympic coach.

Torres had been away from the pool for one year.

The fitness guru has been working out every day in a gym and also recently visited her strength and conditioning coach Andy O’Brien, former Florida Panthers conditioning coach, in Toronto for strength training workouts. Torres has been spinning, biking and elliptical training.

Schubert said during a conference call from Irvine, Calif., site of this week’s Pan Pacific Championships, that he wouldn’t be surprised if Torres, the first American swimmer to compete in five Olympics, decides to try for a sixth Olympic team.

Torres would be 45 at the 2012 London Olympics.

“Regarding Dara Torres, as in the title of her book, age is not a factor,” Schubert said.

“I don’t care how old Dara Torres is. If you count her out, you should never go to Las Vegas.”

TARANTINO GETS GRANT

Former Coral Springs diver Jevon Tarantino has been awarded with a Garatti-Saville Grant from the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, where Tarantino trains with Dave Burgering and the Fort Lauderdale Diving Team.

The inaugural grant is awarded through the Eleanor Garatti-Saville Fund, created as a remembrance of the two-time Olympic gold medalist (1928 and 1932) through a bequest from her sister.

The purpose of the fund and the grant is to help young Olympic hopefuls achieve their dreams and provides each recipient with a $5,000 stipend.

Tarantino, 26, a 2008 Olympian who grew up competing in Florida Gold Coast Diving, had shoulder surgery and plans to train for the 2012 Olympics.

“I really haven’t had much financial help during my career,” Tarantino said. “The Eleanor Garatti-Saville grant is greatly appreciated and will allow me to dedicate myself to pursue my Olympic dreams.”

Tarantino is one of only three recipients of the grant this year. The others are swimmers Dave Walters, 22, and Dagny Knutson, 18.

BOUDIA BREAKS AMERICAN RECORD

2008 Olympian David Boudia of Noblesville, Ind. scored 605.40 points to break his own American record and win the men’s 10-meter platform national title on Saturday, Aug. 14 at the AT&T National Diving Championships in College Station, Tex.

Boudia also paired with Nick McCrory of Chapel Hill, N.C. for the men’s 10-meter synchro title and Cassidy Krug of Coraopolis, Pa., won a pair of titles, individually on 3-meter springboard and 10-meter synchro with former Coral Springs diver Kassidy Cook of The Woodlands, Tex.

Boudia became the first American diver to score more than 600 points in the six-dive format, breaking his own record of 551.20 points. He scored at least one 10 on each dive.

“I hit all six dives, I couldn’t be happier,” said Boudia, a 12-time national champion. “I knew when I went up to the platform before my final dive that I was close to 600, but I had to shake it out of my head and stop thinking about it. After it was over, I knew it was a good dive. When I saw the scores, I was in shock.”

Miami’s Bianca Alvarez won a pair of silver medals in the women’s 3-meter and 3-meter synchro with Summer Allman of Legacy Diving.

Three-time Olympian Troy Dumais won a pair of title in the 3-meter individual and synchro events with Kris Ipsen. Other winners were Olympian Haley Ishimatsu in the women’s 10-meter, Laura Ryan and Amy Cozad in the women’s 10-meter synchro.

LOCAL GIRL ON CBS’ SURVIVOR NICARAGUA

Pope John Paul II graduate Kelly Bruno, who grew up in Florida swimming and competing in local triathlons, is one of the 20 contestants on Survivor Nicaragua that airs on CBS-Channel 4 on Sept. 15 at 8 p.m.

Bruno, 26, a medical student at the University of North Carolina, is the second and fastest female amputee to finish the 2007 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. She recently lost her father who was killed in the Haiti earthquake while working with Food for the Poor.

Bruno said she decided to do Survivor for “the challenge and the competition.

“I also want to honor my father who has been a strong influence in overcoming many of the challenges I’ve faced as an amputee and in life,” Bruno said. “My leg is going to be more of a factor in my strategy. I plan to hide it until we got to our first challenge. At that point I’ll switch to a multi-purpose leg designed specifically for Survivor.”

Other interesting contestants are former University of Miami and Dallas Cowboys coach and FOX NFL analyst Jimmy Johnson, 67, who lives in the Keys and is the oldest castaway this season. Ironically, Survivor already saved his life. He was originally scheduled to go to Gabon in 2008 but the show’s doctor found blockage in his heart. Johnson went to a cardiologist, lost 25 pounds and lowered his cholesterol from 220 to under 100.

Another contestant is 44-year-old swim coach Holly Hoffman of Eureka, S.D. and Brenda Lowe, 27, a paddleboard company owner from Miami.

CANADA SWEEPS GOLD

Canada won a pair of gold medals at the Junior Pan Am Cup Water Polo Tournament Monday at Gulliver Prep in Miami.

Both the men’s and women’s teams defeated the United States in close matches.

The men won their first ever Pan Am Cup with a 9-8 overtime victory over the U.S. when Omar Touni scored the winning goal and the women edged the U.S., 8-7. The women’s team finished undefeated in the tournament.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

http://www.swim4soflo.com