SOFLO’s Quintero Top Finisher On Day One Of GCST Winter Invitational

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

January 18, 2013

Samuel Quintero of South Florida Aquatic Club was the team’s top finisher Friday night on the opening day of the GCST Winter Invitational at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Quintero, 12, was second in the 400-yard individual medley in 5:08.13. Teammate Brandon Moran was fourth in a best time 5:13.95, dropping from 5:22.01.

Abolade Oyetunji, 13, lowered her best time in the 500-yard freestyle, dropping from 6:08.85 to 5:56.20 and finished 18th. Natasha Testa, 14, was 22nd in a best time 6:07.06, dropping from 6:07.68.

Sara Quintero, 9, was eighth in the 200-yard individual medley in a best time 2:54.13, dropping from 2:59.18.

Kevin Porto, 13, was eighth in the 500-yard freestyle in 5:14.78.

The meet, SOFLO’s first of 2013, ends on Sunday. SOFLO has 21 swimmers competing against some of the state’s top teams and swimmers.

Friday Results

GIRLS

500-yard freestyle:

10-and-under, 1. Christina Walch, SWIM 5:58.89; 12-and-under, 1. Jessica Walsh, GCST 5:29.76; 13-14, 1. Savannah Bowser, GCST 5:06.76; SOFLO: 18. Abolade Oyetunji 5:56.20, best time, 22. Natasha Testa 6:07.06, best time; 15-and-over, 1. Isabella Paez, Metro Aquatics 4:59.39.

200-yard individual medley:

10-and-under, 1. Christina Walch, SWIM 2:31.98; SOFLO: 8. Sara Quintero 2:54.13, best time.

400-yard individual medley:

11-12, 1. Jessica Walsh, GCST 5:04.20; 13-14, 1. Savannah Bowser, GCST 4:40.42; 15-and-over, 1. Isabella Paez, Metro Aquatics 4:31.99.

BOYS

500-yard freestyle:

10-and-under, 1. Conor Cranfield, SWIM 5:50.10; 11-12, 1. Fernando Rodriguez, Metro Aquatics 5:25.01; 13-14, 1. Santiago Corredor, SWIM 4:57.04; SOFLO: 8. Kevin Porto 5:14.78; 15-and-over, 1. Matt Nielsen, GCST 4:40.32.

200-yard individual medley:

10-and-under, 1. Andres Wong, Metro Aquatics 2:32.75.

400-yard individual medley:

11-12, 1. Adrian Aguilar, Metro Aquatics 4:58.73; SOFLO: 2. Samuel Quintero 5:08.13, 4. Brandon Moran 5:13.95, best time; 13-14, 1. Alejandro Carriazo, Metro Aquatics 4:25.47; 15-and-over, 1. Boleck DePawlikowski, Metro Aquatics 4:07.74.

Austin Grand Prix

Olympians Nathan Adrian and Missy Franklin took up where they left off in 2012 by winning on the opening night of the Arena Austin Grand Prix at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center.

In the marquis event of the meet, Adrian won 100-meter freestyle in a pool record 48.32 against a stacked field.

Adrian of Bremerton, Wash. finished ahead of locals Ricky Berens (49.35), the morning’s top seed, and Jimmy Feigen (50.01) while breaking the 25-year-old pool record of Matt Biondi (48.42). Anthony Ervin was fifth in 50.49.

Ryan Lochte won the B final of the 100-meter freestyle in 51.09. Lochte was also fourth in the 100-meter butterfly in 54.14.

Missy Franklin of Centennial, Colo. cruised to victory in the 100-meter freestyle in 54.68. Simone Manuel was second in 55.52 and Nathalie Lindborg was third in 56.16. Franklin was also fourth in the 400-meter freestyle in 4:12.56.

Other individual winners:

Rachel Nicol of SMU won the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:28.79.

B.J. Johnson of Palo Alto, Calif. won the men’s 200-meter breaststroke in 2:13.02 finishing ahead of favorite Clark Burckle in 2:13.36.

Eugene Godsoe won the men’s 100-meter butterfly in 53.54.

Noemie Thomas won the 100-meter butterfly in 58.88.

Canada’s two-time Olympian Ryan Cochrane won the 400-meter freestyle in 3:52.07.

Chloe Sutton won the 400-meter freestyle in 4:09.35.

More than $30,000 was earned on the opening night of finals of the Arena Grand Prix Tour event, the second of six stops. Franklin won $3,000 but will turn it down to protect her college eligibility at California next fall.

Because of the collegiate season and other swimmers in the midst of heavy training, the meet has less than 600 swimmers competing.

“It’s not a big meet,” said Texas men’s coach Eddie Reese. “There’s not a whole lot of people but there are big people in the meet. Staying out of the water does not make you a better swimmer. It’s good that the best swimmers are getting back in so soon.”

The meet is being webcast on usaswimming.org and televised live on Universal Sports 7-8:30 p.m.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

AQUATIC NOTEBOOK, Issue 129: Janet Evans Does It Again; SOFLO’s Vlad Polyakov Places Seventh

January 15, 2012

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

Ageless Janet Evans made her second U.S. Olympic trials cut on the third and final day of the Austin Grand Prix Sunday at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center.

Evans, a 40-year-old married mother of two, qualified in the 800-meter freestyle, her second qualifying time in three days since coming out of retirement.

Evans finished in 8:49.05. Evans still owns the American record in the event that she set in 1989.

“This is my first big event with fast kids since 1996,” Evans said. “I felt really good starting off, especially in the first 400 meters.”

Evans also qualified for the Trials in the 400-meter freestyle on Friday.

At 17, Evans set the world record in the 400, one of three gold medals she won at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. She later set work marks in the 800 and 1,500 freestyles and retired after the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

“It was always my best event,” Evans said of the 800. “I remember what I’ve accomplished and what I’ve done, but it doesn’t affect me now. It was so long ago.”

Evans will now return to her training with veteran coach Mark Schubert in California for the trials in June.

Allison Schmitt, 21, of North Baltimore controlled the 800 race from start to finish to win in 8:31.94. “I am just trying to race,” Schmitt said. Chloe Sutton, 19, of Mission Viejo was second in 8:36.93 and Ashley Twichell, 22, of Mission Viejo was third in 8:37.29.

Two-time Kazakhstan Olympian Vlad Polyakov, 28, of South Florida Aquatic Club swimming in Lane 7, was seventh in the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:02.60 after a 32.58 opening split. Polyakov was sixth fastest qualifier in 1:02.90, off his seed time of 1:01.03.

In other championship finals:

Women’s 200-meter butterfly: Texas A&M’s Cammile Adams, 20, overtook former Florida swimmer Jemma Lowe, 21, of Great Britain to win her second event of the meet in 2:06.76. Adams took the lead after the first 100 in 1:01 but Lowe came back in the third 50 meters. The two were stroke-for-stroke in the last 20 meters until Adams surged ahead for another lifetime best by nearly four seconds. Her last split was 32.3. It was the ninth fastest time in the world for Adams who was not in the Top 150 last year. Lowe was second in 2:07.39 and Mackenzie Downing, 25, of Canada was third in 2:10.04. “This is the most training I have done in my entire life,” Adams said. “I am really happy and motivated. It’s nice to know all the training is working out for me.”

Men’s 200-meter butterfly: Without Michael Phelps in the field, the men’s race was wide open. David Russell, 25, of California Aquatics opened up nearly a body-length lead after the first 100 meters and was out-touched at the wall by South African Sebastien Rousseau, 21, of Gator Swim Club by 83/100ths in 2:00.83, nine seconds off Phelps’ world record. Russell finished second in 2:00.98 and Stefan Hirniak, 26, of Canada was third in 2:01.09. 

Women’s 100-meter breaststroke: Two-time world champion Rebecca Soni, 24, the fastest morning qualifier and Olympic favorite, led from wire-to-wire to win in 1:06.88. Breeja Larson, 19, of Texas A&M was second in 1:08.29 and Jillian Tyler, 23, of Canada was third in 1:08.33. “I was happy with the race,” Soni said. “I felt good coming home. I tried to pick up my tempo in the last 50. I am in a good place after all my training over the holiday and glad 2012 is here.”

Men’s 100-meter breaststroke: Against a strong men’s field, Mark Gangloff, 29, of Auburn Aquatics went out fast to take the lead and held on for the win in 1:08.08. Valerii Dymo, 26, of the Ukraine was second in 1:01.25 and Eric Shanteau, 28, of Trojan Aquatics was third in 1:01.54. Phelps, 26, swam the “B’ final in his worst stroke and finished first in 1:02.67. He shaved his full beard into a Fu Manchu for the race in honor of his Baltimore Ravens victory and. “It’s been a stroke change for me for length and speed,” Gangloff said. “I just kept telling myself to stay long, don’t go short on the stroke.”

Women’s 100-meter backstroke: Teenager Missy Franklin, 16, of Colorado Stars, reeled in early leader Rachel Bootsma, 18, of Aquajets in the final 20 meters to win in 59.92. Bootsma was second in 1:00.03 and Georgia Davies, 21, of Bolles was third in 1:00.67. “I would love to double in the backstroke but there is so much tough competition out there,” Franklin said. “I will swim whatever Team USA wants me to swim.”

Men’s 100-meter backstroke: Top morning qualifier Matt Grevers, 26, of Ford Aquatics, after the best start among the stacked men’s field, took the early lead and held off David Plummer (54.02) and Michael Phelps (54.09) to win in 53.55. He swept the meet’s backstroke events. “This time of the season that time is really exciting for me,” Grevers said. “Aaron Piersol has retired and I got silver in 2008 so that’s one more spot to improve.”

Women’s 200-meter individual medley: Olympian Natalie Coughlin, 29, of California Aquatics, led from wire-to-wire to win in 2:12.44. Katie Hoff was second in 2:12.95 and Kate Dwelley was third in 2:13.84. “I still feel there are so many things I can improve upon,” Coughlin said. “I was excited to swim that 200 IM tonight.”

Men’s 200-meter individual medley: Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, racing side-by-side, were fun to watch but Phelps had the advantage. Phelps turned first in the butterfly, continued to lead in the backstroke and moved a half-body length ahead in the breaststroke and went on to win in 1:58.52. Lochte was second in 2:00.30 and Connor Dwyer was third in 2:01.59.  “I’m happy to get under 2 minutes with the 200s I had before, I am perfectly happy with that time,” Phelps said. “I tried to race as hard as I could. Being able to race three events in 50 minutes I am happy with.”

Men’s 1500-meter freestyle: Michael Klueh, 24, of Fast Swim Team swam away from a talented field to win in 15:25.33. Peter Vanderkaay, 27, was second in 15:39.43 and Thomas Allen 19, was third in 15:42.33. Joey Pedraza, 24, of Davie Nadadores was 15^th in 16:08.08.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

AQUATIC NOTEBOOK, Issue 128: Phelps, Franklin, Schmitt Look Impressive In Austin Grand Prix Wins

January 14, 2012

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

The second night of championship finals at the Austin Grand Prix gave a sneak preview of what’s to come at the U.S. Olympic trials in five months.

Sixteen-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps, who has said he will not swim the 400-meter individual medley at the trials, turned in such an impressive swim that had swim great Rowdy Gaines second-guessing  his decision during a post-race interview.

Phelps, 26, of North Baltimore led from wire-to-wire and had more than a body length lead after the first 300 meters to win in 4:16.95. Conor Dwyer, 23, of Florida Gators was second in 4:21.16 and Andrew Ford, 22, of Swim Ontario was third in 4:21.99.

“It’s nice to be in 2012 and we move another step closer,” Phelps said. “I have said I am not going to race the 400 IM at the Olympics because I don’t want to hurt like that again but 4:16, I am encouraged by the time.”

Sixteen-year-old phenom Missy Franklin got a chance to see the quick turnaround she will have to make if she decides to swim the 200-meter freestyle and 100-meter backstroke at the Olympics. Franklin, who has a shot at seven medals at the Olympics must pick-and-choose the events based on an unwaivering London Olympic swimming schedule.

In the 200-meter freestyle, experience won out with Allison Schmitt of North Baltimore knocking off Franklin. Both swimmers battled it out  for the first 100 meters but Schmitt had a great turn headed into the final 50 meters and pulled away by nearly a full body length to win in a pool record 1:55.83. She knocked more than two seconds off the record. Franklin was second in 1:57.86 and Katie Hoff was third in 1:59.34.

“I was working on that last wall and just going for it,” Schmitt said. “I am training faster than I ever have and it’s showing in my races. The time surprised me and makes me really confident headed into the summer.” 

Twenty-five minutes after the 200 freestyle, Franklin came back to win her best event, the 200-meter backstroke. Racing against Laure Manaudou, Franklin took the lead at the 100 (1:02.81) and pulled away to win by a body length in 2:08.18. Georgia Davies, 21, of Bolles was second in 2:11.10 and Kendyl Stewart, 17, of North Coast Aquatics was third in 2:11.60. Manaudou was fifth in 2:12.52.

“I love the Grand Prix meets, they are so good for fast turnarounds,” Franklin said. “My heart rate always stays up with these turnarounds. It will definitely help me. 2012 has come so fast, it’s unbelievable. Hopefully, it’s going to be a great year.”

In other finals:

Women’s 400-meter individual medley: Cammile Adams, 20, of Texas A&M led from wire-to-wire and held off American record holder Katie Hoff on the final two legs to win by nearly a body length in 4:38.80. It was a personal-best by nearly four seconds for Adams. Hoff, 22, of Fast Swim Team was second in 4:39.74 and Alexa Komarnycky, 22, of Canada was third in 4:46.06.

Men’s 200-meter freestyle: Ricky Berens, 23, of Trojan Aquatics, buoyed by a great underwater turn headed into the final 50, won in 1:47.92. Matt McLean, 23, of Fast Swim Team was second in 1:48.02 and Michael Klueh, 24, of Fast Swim Team was third in 1:49.79. Ryan Lochte, wearing a t-shirt that read “Google Me,” was fifth in 1:50.45.

“It was a tough fight for me because my right goggle filled up with water off the start,” Berens said. “I could see Matt coming on that last 50, but my goggle was a huge distraction. It’s the worse thing that could happen to a swimmer. I was trying to see more than I could but the goggle was really annoying. I’m happy with my progress. It’s the Olympic year, the biggest year for us. We have been training for this for four years.”

Men’s 200-meter backstroke: Six-foot-8 Matt Gevers, 26, of Ford Aquatics won in 1:57.76. Sixteen-year-old Ryan Murphy of Jacksonville Bolles opened some eyes by finishing second in 1:58.96 and Ryan Lochte was third in 1:59.53. Grevers had a half body lead down the stretch.

“I am really happy with the time,” Grevers said. “I think everyone is going through hard training, this is hardest time of the year for all of us. These times for me are really incredible for me right now. It helped that Ryan was in a brief and just had raced the 200 freestyle but I am going to take my victory and be happy with it.”

Women’s 50-meter freestyle: Amanda Weir pulled ahead in the final 10 meters to win in 25.23 ahead of top qualifier Madison Kennedy, who finished second in 25.43 and Jane Trepp of Estonia, third in 25.52. Olympian Natalie Coughlin won the “B” final in 25.76.

Men’s 50-meter freestyle: Top qualifier Anthony Ervin of California Aquatics at 30 years old and in the midst of a comeback, was third in 22.27 becoming a legitimate favorite for the Trials. Training mate Nathan Adrian topped the stacked field to win in 21.94 in Lane 7. Fred Bousquet, 30, of Auburn Aquatics was second in 22.05.

“We came down here to race, so I am excited these guys are swimming so fast,’ Adrian said. “I am really honored being in a field like that. Anthony is a serious contender, it’s exciting to see.”

On Sunday, the third and final day of the meet, three-time Olympian Janet Evans, at age 40, will try and make her second U.S. Olympic Trials cut in the 800-meter freestyle. On Friday, she qualified in the 400-meter freestyle. “The 800 free isn’t as easy as it was when I was 15,” Evans said.

SOFLO’s two-time Olympian Vlad Polyakov will compete in the 100-meter breaststroke. Polyakov, 28, is seeded sixth in 1:01.03. Brendan Hansen is the top seed in 1:00.08.

The meet will be webcast on both Universal Sports (finals only at 7 p.m.) and USASwimming.org (prelims at 9:30 a.m. and finals).

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

http://www.swim4soflo.com

Evans Qualifies For U.S. Olympic Trials; SOFLO’s Polyakov Places Fifth At Austin Grand Prix

January 13, 2012

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

After a fifteen-year absence from competitive swimming, three-time Olympian Janet Evans is back.

The 40-year-old married mother of two qualified for the June 25-July 2 U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska with a 4:17.27 in morning preliminaries of the 400-meter freestyle Friday, the opening day of the Austin Grand Prix.

The qualifying cut for the Olympic Trials is 4:19.39.

In her signature style, Evans pulled away from the field. Her split for the first 100 meters was 1:02.06. She bettered her best time coming into the meet by five seconds. She was seeded 51^st in 4:22.87.

“My only disappointment was that once again I took my race out and I looked around and there was no one there,” Evans said. “We came here for some competition.”

Evans and her coach Mark Schubert admitted the four-time Olympic gold medalist was nervous before her race.

“I was really nervous,” Evans told reporters after prelims. “It just feels a little bit out of my element. I’m usually that spectator in the stands these days and now I’m down here with all the young kids, all the kids I’ve been watching swim over the years.

“I just kept remembering I’ve been here, I’ve done this before. I can’t forget what I’ve done. It all kind of comes back.”

In Friday night’s “B” final, Evans, swimming in Lane 7, got the competition she was seeking, placing eighth in 4:18.15. 

Evans is scheduled to race the 800-meter freestyle on Sunday, where she still holds the American record of 8:16.22.

The 400 was Evans first serious meet since getting back in the pool. She competed in Masters meets but had to be in the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency testing program for a year before she could swim in USA Swimming Grand Prix meets.

“This (the 400) was just preparation for the 800,” Schubert said. “She hasn’t swum in a race. In a Masters race, she’s winning by 100 meters. It’s like a workout. This is the first time she’s been in a competition. The hardest part is probably behind her now.”

Evans had the 14^th best time of the 400-meter freestyle prelims.

“I’m super excited to make my trials cut, that was my goal, to go 4:19, so to go 4:17 is a bonus,” Evans said. “I’m really excited, too, because the 400 isn’t as much of my focus as the 800, so I am looking forward to that in a couple of days.”

Two-time Olympian Vlad Polyakov, 28, of South Florida Aquatic Club, swimming in Lane 1, came on strong in the final 50 meters of the men’s 200-meter breaststroke to finish fifth in 2:15.90. His prelim time was 2:18.19.

Most swimmers, unshaved and not tapered, are in their final phase of training leading up to the Trials. Many of the male swimmers had beards including Ricky Berens, Davis Tarwater, Michael Phelps and Matt Grevers.

In other Grand Prix races Friday night:

Women’s 100-meter freestyle: Early leader Dana Vollmer, 24, of California Aquatics, went out in 26.39 just ahead of American record holder Amanda Weir, 25, of SwimAtlanta and Missy Franklin. Weir came on in the back half to win in 54.14. Franklin, 16, of Colorado Stars was second in 54.46 and Allison Schmitt, 21, of North Baltimore was third in 54.55.

Men’s 100-meter freestyle: Nathan Adrian, 23, of California Aquatics came on strong in the last 50 meters to win in 48.97, ahead of Ricky Berens, 23, of Trojan Aquatics second in 49.13 and Gideon Louw, 24, of Auburn Aquatics. Anthony Ervin, 30, making a comeback since his last race in 2003, was fourth in 49.90. Louw was the early leader in 23.24 after the first 50. Michael Phelps won the consolation final in 49.14 and was ninth overall and Ryan Lochte was seventh in 50.58 and 15^th overall.

Women’s 200-meter breaststroke: American record holder Rebecca Soni, 24, of Trojan Swim Club took it out fast and was well ahead of the field at the 100-meter mark in 1:09.16. She went on to win by more than a body length in 2:22.73. Micah Lawrence, 21, of SwimMac Carolina was second in 2:27.66 and Katlin Freeman, 24, of Santa Barbara was third in 2:27.94.

Men’s 200-meter breaststroke: Olympian Eric Shanteau, 28, of Trojan Aquatics, was the early leader at 1:03.97 and pulled away for a body length lead to win in 2:10.72. Valerii Dymo, 26, of Redlands was second in 2:12.53 and Richard Webb, 24, of Bolles was third in 2:13.51. 

Women’s 400-meter freestyle: Allison Schmitt, 21, of North Baltimore led from wire-to-wire to win in 4:05.90. Jazmin Carlin, 21, of Bolles was second in 4:07.89 and Chloe Sutton, 19, of Mission Viejo was third in 4:10.66.

Men’s 400-meter freestyle: Canadian Ryan Cochrane, 23, led from start-to-finish to win in 3:50.66. Michael Klueh, 24, of Fast Swim Team was second in 3:51.23 and Charles Huchin, 24, of Bolles was third in 3:51.77.

Women’s 100-meter butterfly: World champion and American record holder Dana Vollmer, 24, of California Aquatics led after the first 50 meters and just out-touched Brit Jemma Lowe to win in 58.02. Lowe was second in 58.16 and Natalie Coughlin was third in 59.22.

Men’s 100-meter butterfly: Michael Phelps, 26, of North Baltimore was out first in 24.96 after the first 50 meters and held off top qualifier Tyler McGill, 24, of Auburn Aquatics, to win in 52.41. McGill was second in 52.96 and Davis Tarwaterm 27, of SwimMac was third in 53.30.

The meet continues on Saturday and is being webcast live (prelims and finals) at usaswimming.org. The finals will be televised by Universal Sports.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

AQUATIC NOTEBOOK, Issue 126: Janet Evans’ Olympic Comeback Begins At Austin Grand Prix

January 12, 2012

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

Three-time Olympian Janet Evans, the former teen queen of U.S. swimming, will begin her comeback at the Austin Grand Prix that starts on Friday at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center.

The 40-year-old married mother of two has returned to the pool since retiring after the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

The former world record holder and Olympic gold medalist will compete in her signature events, the 400-meter and 800-meter freestyle on Friday and Sunday at the University of Texas.

Evans will gauge her training, body and recovery while competing against swimmers half her age.

The Austin Grand Prix is the start of the Olympic trials countdown for swimmers in their final phase of training.

Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Natalie Coughlin and Missy Franklin, the superstars of U.S. swimming, head the field that features U.S. national team members and international swimmers.

Evans has been tweeting about the meet. “Excited to swim against all the fast kids,” Evans tweeted on Thursday before leaving California where she trains with veteran Olympic coach and former Mission Bay coach Mark Schubert.

The Austin Grand Prix seems to be the Comeback Meet of the New Year for swimmers.

Anthony Ervin, a gold medalist in the 50-meter freestyle at the 2000 Sydney Olympics who stopped competing in 2003 and Ed Moses, a gold and silver medalist at the 2000 Games and former short course world record holder in the breaststroke, are also using the meet to make a serious challenge at a comeback.

Evans hopes to make her Olympic trials qualifying cuts. Her 2011 best time of 4:22.87 in the 400 freestyle is seeded 51 for Friday’s prelims. Her 800 freestyle time of 8:59.06 is seeded 38^th. The qualifying standard in the 400 is 4:19.39 and 8:50.49 in the 800.

“We hope to get the cuts out of the way for Trials and keep moving forward,” Schubert said. “Her main event is the 800, but we would certainly like to get both events qualified for. I am very confident she will make the Trials.”

Franklin is entered in seven events. The 17-year-old and her coach are still trying to figure out which events she will focus on for the Trials and London Olympics. Phelps will swim six events. Lochte is also entered in six events with three potential races against Phelps in the 100 freestyle on Friday and 100 backstroke and 200 individual medley on Sunday.

It is the second event of the seven-meet 2011-2012 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series. No SOFLO swimmers are entered in the meet.

Oliver, FSU Host Last Home Meet Of Season

SOFLO’s Tiffany Oliver and her Florida State teammates will compete in their last home meet of the season against Florida Atlantic University on Friday at 3 p.m. at the Leach Center.

The women are undefeated in the Alantic Coast Conference (3-0) and 8-1 overall. The men are 1-1 in the ACC and 4-2 overall.

Oliver is coming off the Nov. 18-20 Georgia Tech Invite where she lowered her school record in the 100-yard freestyle in 49.08.

After the Owls meet, FSU will travel to Atlanta where they will compete against ACC conference mates Georgia Tech and North Carolina State in the last weekend FSU will compete until the ACC Championships, Feb. 15-18 for the women and Feb. 22-25 for the men in Christiansburg, Va.

Oliver will be joined by SOFLO teammates Ashley Hicks, Melissa Cooper, Doug Ramos and Alex Rodriguez.

Gators Have Busy Weekend

University of Florida’s swim team has three competitions scheduled over the next four days. Several men swimmers will compete in the SMU Classic that begins on Friday. The remaining Gators will host Florida Atlantic University on Saturday at 1 p.m. while post-grads will compete at the Austin Grand Prix. The SMU meet features Michigan, USC, North Carolina and Purdue in addition to the Gators and host SMU.

Thorpe, Klim Compete At Victorian State Championships

Former Australian star swimmers Ian Thorpe and Michael Klim, both in the midst of comebacks and looking to compete in the Summer Olympics, will compete against each other for the first time in six years at the Victorian Open State Championships. Both will compete in the 100-meter freestyle. Klim will also compete in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly and Thorpe will swim the 200 freestyle.

SOFLO’s Phelan, Indiana To Be Televised

Indiana sophomore breaststrokeer Brittney Phelan and junior freestyler Nick Schwab and their Indiana teammates will be televised live in their dual meet against Purdue on Big Ten Network on Jan. 21 at 11:30 a.m. It’s the first time in network history that a dual meet will be televised and first time the Big Ten Network will broadcast a swimming event live. Olympic gold medalist and TV analyst Rowdy Gaines will provide commentary.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

Phelps Wins, Beats Lochte Again On Day Two Of Austin Grand Prix

 

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

January 15, 2011

Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, in the midst of heavy training, met again in a championship final Saturday night at the Austin Grand Prix at University of Texas.

Michael Phelps 2, Ryan Lochte 0.

The friendly rivals, no where near top form, met in the 100-meter backstroke with Phelps winning in 54.14 seconds, one of the few events he doesn’t have many wins in. Lochte finished third behind Nick Thoman in 54.95. Thoman’s time was 54.73.

It was the second consecutive night Phelps won a head-to-head matchup against Lochte. Phelps also won the 100-meter butterfly on Friday night.

Phelps went out fast in the first 50 meters and had enough speed left to finish impressively.

“So far, so good,” said Phelps who admitted his legs were burning with pain in the last few meters.

Phelps, the 14-time Olympic champion, was scheduled to swim the “B” final of the 200-meter breaststroke but scratched as expected.

About 45 minutes later, Lochte came back in the “B” final of the 400-meter freestyle and finished second to Russian Ediz Yildirimer of The Woodlands Swim Team who won in a career-best 3:59.59 after chasing down Lochte, the early leader, in the final 150 meters. Lochte finished in 4:00.24.

Phelps and Lochte are getting noticed more for their on-deck clothes, Phelps wearing a Baltimore Ravens jersey before his swim and Lochte wearing a pink Speedo.

The second day turned into an interesting bag of results from 35-year-old Jason Lezak to lanky teenager Missy Franklin of Colorado Stars.

Lezak, the 2008 Olympic relay hero from Rose Bowl Aquatics, topped a competitive field to win the 50-meter freestyle in 22.57.

“When I took my last breath I could see them and gave it a little extra push,” Lezak said.

Franklin, current Grand Prix points leader, won two events within a matter of minutes, the 50-meter freestyle in 25.50 and 100-meter backstroke under one minute in a career-best 59.75, the first time she dipped under one minute. Stanford’s Julia Smit was second in the 50 in 25.69.

“I am so excited,” the 6-foot-tall Franklin told reporters after the race. “I didn’t think I was going to go under a minute at all. I always get nervous when I have to go back-to-back races like that but my coaches really helped me.”

In other finals:

Elaine Breeden won the 200-meter butterfly by two full seconds ahead of 2008 U.S. Olympic teammate Kathleen Hersey in 2:10.89 to sweep both butterfly events.

Tyler Clary won the men’s 200-meter butterfly in 1:59.37, not even coming close to Phelps’ 10-year-old pool record of 1:54.92. Phelps sat out the event. Todd Patrick of North Baltimore was second in 2:00.98.

Chip Peterson won the men’s 400-meter freestyle in 3:53.64 and Kate Ziegler won the women’s 400-meter freestyle in 4:08.28 while Katie Hoff was second in 4:09.51.

Hometown favorite and California-bound Eric Shanteau won the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:12.12. Haylee Johnson won the women’s 200-meter breaststroke in 2:31.40.

Washington State won the women’s 800-meter freestyle relay in 8:27.86 and Santa Clara Swim Club won the men’s relay in 7:45.54.

The second meet of the series concludes on Sunday night.

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

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

Phelps Tops Lochte In Butterfly On Day One Of Austin Grand Prix

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

January 14, 2011

Michael Phelps returned to the pool where it all started for him at age 15 to rekindle his competitive fires.

The Olympian had mixed results on the opening night of the 2011 Austin Grand Prix at the University of Texas Jamail Texas Swimming Center. He managed to pull off a win against Ryan Lochte in the 100-meter butterfly in their only head-to-head matchup of the evening.

Phelps, 25, of the North Baltimore Aquatic Club won in 52.55, finishing ahead of Lochte, 26, the world’s most dominant swimmer in 2010. Lochte was second in 53.65 and David Russell, 24, of CAL, third in 53.75.

Phelps is sporting a beard and shaggy long hair hanging out of his swim cap.

“To come here and be able to race these guys gives me a little more fire,” Phelps said. “That’s what I wanted for the rest of the year.”

One of the first things Phelps and his longtime coach Bob Bowman did when they got to the pool was seek out the record board to see if his 10-year-old pool record in the 200-meter butterfly (1:54.92) was still standing.

It was even though a few months later he broke the world record at a different pool when he was 15, the youngest man to set a world record.

That pool record in Austin marked the beginning of Phelps journey to 16 Olympic medals including 14 gold and record eight gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“That was a special one, that was the first one,” Phelps said of his pool record.

Phelps is back to where it all began hoping to rejuvenate his career and stroke in the first long course meet of the year. He is focused on this summer’s world championships in Shanghai and 2012 London Olympics.

“London will be here before we know it,” Phelps said. “It’s time to make sure everything is clicking well and everything is running smoothly.”

Phelps is looking at the races as much for training as competition. It also helps to have Lochte pushing him.

In the opening men’s event, the 200-meter freestyle, the showdown between Lochte and Phelps never materialized after Phelps barely qualified for the “B” final.

Lochte, swimming in Lane 8, won the event in 1:49.25 after barely making the final by 3/100ths of a second in 1:53.81.

“I’m back at the bottom trying to work my way back up,” Lochte said.

Lochte pulled away on the third turn and had a body-length lead. David Walters, 23, of TXLA was second in 1:50.63 and Michael Klueh, 23, of TXLA was third in 1:51.39.

“Our morning swims were very shaky,” Lochte said. “We always love racing each other. If we were together in the same [200 freee], it would have been a really good race.”

Phelps, the American record holder in the event, won the “B” final in 1:49.90.

“The stroke doesn’t feel as good as it should,” Phelps said. “There’s a ton to work on right now.”

Other winners:

Katie Hoff, 21, of FAST won the 200-meter freestyle in 1:58.69. Missy Franklin, 15, of Colorado Stars was second in a lifetime best 1:59.00 and Elizabeth Pelton of North Baltimore Aquatic Club was third in 2:00.07, also a lifetime best.

Haylee Johnson, 24, of UBCD, won the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:10.60. Siri Eva Kristiansen, 17, swimming unattached, was second in 1:11.07 and Romy Landeck, 16, of First Colony was third in 1:12.17.

Hometown favorite Eric Shanteau, 27, swimming unattached in preparation for his move to Los Angeles, won the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:02.35. Kevin Swander, 26, of SwimMAC was second in 1:02.63 and Scott Dickens, 26, of UBCD was third in 1:02.70.

Elaine Breeden, 22, swimming unattached, won the 100-meter butterfly in 59.22, the only swimmer under a minute. Rachel Bootsma, 17, of AQJT was second in 1:01.09 and Pelton was third in 1:01.13.

Julia Smit, 23, swimming unattached, won the 400-meter individual medley in 4:38.83. Nicole Vernon, 17, of DST was second in 4:49.05 and Kathleen Hersey, 20, swimming unattached was third in 4:50.63.

Tyler Clary, 21, of FAST won the 400-meter individual medley in 4:21.17. Jordan Hartney, 22, of UBCD was second in 4:25.45 and Andre Cosgarea, 18, of NBAC was third in 4:26.63.

SMU won the women’s 400-meter freestyle relay in 3:51.90. MAC won the men’s 400-meter freestyle relay in 3:27.06.

The meet continues Saturday with six events. Race footage from the meet is being broadcast live throughout the weekend on www.usaswimming.org/webcasts and on Universal Sports.

Auburn Knocks Off No. 1 Texas Men

Perhaps the No. 6-ranked Tigers were inspired by their winning football team. Trailing by one point, Auburn won the final event, the 400-yard freestyle relay, to knock off No. 1-ranked Texas, 125.5-117.5 points Friday in Auburn, Ala.  The two teams have combined to win 11 of the last 12 NCAA championships. The Tigers won the final relay, 2:57.12 while Texas finished in 2:59.55.

Lochte Named USOC Athlete of the Month

Ryan Lochte is still piling up honors for 2010. This week he was named United States Olympic Committee Athlete of the Month for December. Lochte capped an outstanding year by winning six events at the Dec. 15-19 FINA Short Course World Championships in Dubai. He was named Male Swimmer of the Meet after winning the 200-meter freestyle, 200-meter individual medley, 400-meter individual medley, 100-meter individual medley, 200-meter backstroke and 4×100-meter medley relay. He also broke two world records, the first swimmer to break an individual world record in the post high-tech suit era. Lochte received more votes than skier Ted Ligety and speedskater Shani Davis for the honor.

Shanteau Moves To Los Angeles

2008 Olympian Eric Shanteau is changing addresses to prepare for the 2012 Olympic trials. Shanteau, who is competing in the Austin Grand Prix, is moving from Austin to Los Angeles to train with the Trojan Swim Club and Coach Dave Salo. Shanteau is preparing to leave within the next two months to train with an elite group of breaststrokers including Olympic gold medalist Kosuke Kitajima of Japan and American Rebecca Soni. Shanteau overcame testicular cancer and is cancer-free.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps Renew Rivalry At Austin Grand Prix

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

January 12, 2011

Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps will renew their rivalry at the Austin Grand Prix Friday through Sunday at the University of Texas’ Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center.

The pair will compete against each other in five events.

Lochte stole Phelps’ thunder last year. He knocked off his good friend in the 200-meter individual medley at the 2010 U.S. National Championships for the first time in a major long course meet and went on to shine at Pan Pacs and FINA World Short Course Championships.

The pair will go head-to-head in the 200-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly on Friday, 100-meter backstroke on Saturday and 200 individual medley and 100-meter freestyle on Sunday.

For several members of the U.S. National Team, it is the first long course meters meet of 2011 and marks the beginning of 18 serious months of training leading up to the 2012 London Olympics.

It is also the first meet since the Pac Pacific Championships that Lochte and Phelps will compete in the same men’s field.

Other members of the U.S. National team entered are Jason Lezak, Garret Weber-Gale, Eric Shanteau, Katie Hoff, Kate Ziegler, Tyler Clary, Chloe Sutton, Missy Frankli and Ricky Berens.

Lochte, the 2010 Men’s Swimmer of the Year who lives and trains in Gainesville, last competed in the FINA World Short Course Championships in Dubai, where he won six gold medals and broke two world records in a textile suit.

Since Lochte wasn’t tapered for the Dubai meet and resumed training when he returned home, meet organizers are expecting some fast times and maybe another record or two.

It will be the first meet that U.S. National team member Peter Vanderkaay will compete as a member of the Gator Swim Club. He left Michigan for a change of scenery and to train with Lochte and several other top swimmers in Gainesville.

Phelps will be the big question mark of the meet. This is his first competitive meet since Pan Pacs. He has competed in a few low key meets with pedestrian results.

With no top-ranked swimmers entered, the women’s breaststroke races are wide open. Houston high school senior Skylar Smith, who has committed to Texas, is one of the up-and-coming swimmers to watch.

Fifteen-year-old Missy Franklin, another top high school swimmer who leads the Grand Prix Series after winning seven events in Minneapolis, is entered in eight events.

Most age group swimmers are still in their short course season.

The Austin Grand Prix is the second stop of the seven-meet USA Swimming Grand Prix Series.

Swimmers are awarded five points for a gold medal, three for a silver and one for a bronze medal. The top point gainer at the conclusion of the series will be awarded $20,000.

The finals will be webcast live online at usaswimming.org and on UniversalSports.com and televised on Universal Sports TV on Friday (6:30-8 p.m. and 11 p.m.-12:30 a.m.) and Saturday (6:30-8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.-1 a.m.).

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com