Ok it's 20 days/21 hours/2 minutes and 40 seconds to the start of the 2004 US Olympic Trials. We've just gotten our tickets in the mail and are getting psyched, along with the actual participants, to see the second fastest meet in the world (in some events it will be the fastest meet).
For those you located near Long Beach that don't have tickets you can walk up to ticket booth and buy individal tickets for a number of sessions. You'll get a chance to see one of the most exciting OT in memory.
A lot of attention is been paid to whether Phelps and/or Coughlin will break Mark Spitz record of 7 gold medals in one Olympics. They both have a shot...but as we approach the actual trials one of the more interesting areas of speculation is what events will the multi-talented Phelps/Coughlin swim.
Coughlin's program looks pretty certain to include 100/200 back, 100 free/fly but will she also attempt a fifth event (200free?).
Phelps is certainity in the 100/200 fly 200/400 IM but there is much speculation over his rumored fifth event. The candidates:
200 back (2nd in the world to Peirsol)
100 back (Just lost to Peirsol at Santa Clara but not by much)
200 free (American record holder but far off Thorpe best)
100 free (Might be the fastest American in this event and beat all comers at Santa Clara and will go 48 low)
Or...he could fool us all and stick with 4 individual events and swim all three relays.
What do you think?
Originally posted by Kim Tarnower
Was Phelps a certainty in the 100 fly at the World Championships in Barcelona? (Ian's my Maine man!)
While I didn't use the word "certainity" anywhere in my post Phelps is a "certain" to enter the 100 fly. He'll want to avenge his loss at World Championships and there is also a slot on the 400 medley relay at stake..so you can be certain he'll swim it at OT.
As the defending world record holder Crocker is the favorite.
BTW, more than just Olympic fame and glory await Crocker in the 100 fly. There is no 50 meter pool in Maine and right now they need to travel to Canada for the summer state championship meet. Swimming folks from Maine are hoping that Ian's success at the Olympics will help them build broad public support for the state's first 50 meter pool in Portland. Another reason to cheer Crocker on.
Originally posted by Kim Tarnower
Was Phelps a certainty in the 100 fly at the World Championships in Barcelona? (Ian's my Maine man!)
While I didn't use the word "certainity" anywhere in my post Phelps is a "certain" to enter the 100 fly. He'll want to avenge his loss at World Championships and there is also a slot on the 400 medley relay at stake..so you can be certain he'll swim it at OT.
As the defending world record holder Crocker is the favorite.
BTW, more than just Olympic fame and glory await Crocker in the 100 fly. There is no 50 meter pool in Maine and right now they need to travel to Canada for the summer state championship meet. Swimming folks from Maine are hoping that Ian's success at the Olympics will help them build broad public support for the state's first 50 meter pool in Portland. Another reason to cheer Crocker on.
