I had a good seat just above the finish line, but up high.
Prelims the weather was nice overcast. Some good swims in prelims indicated the best races would be the mens 400 free, and it was.
Prelims ended at 11 am, sat down to lunch, and who sets down next to me? Just the best looking and one of the greatest women swimmers ever, DARA Torres. Still looking like she could beat the other women, and still beautiful. She swam in the 1984, 88, 92 and 2000 Olympics!!!! Made my day, the first time I saw her was in 1988 and she lit up the airport with her smile.
Then had a drink with Mo Chambers and her husband. Mo writes the great workouts and is one of the woderful masters coaches and people we have.
Then the first event, WOW 4:08.41 by Michael Phelps
Splits:
Fly 55.66
Back 1:02.19
*** 1:12.90 (great split)
Free 57.66
Some good swims in the womens 100 fly prelims, took 59 seconds to make the finals.
Then the best race of the night, mens 400 free, Keller in 3:44.19
beating Phelps american record by almost two seconds. And the kid from Mission Viejo swam a great 4:46
This was the USAs worst event for the last 3 Olympics, but if the Torpedo has a poor day Klete will be there.
Then a 15 year old girl broke Summer Sanders american record in the 400 IM with a very good 4:37
Mens 100 *** semi finals were good, Hansen swam an American record 1:00.19 and looked good. Moses did not look good, so my prediction of Hansen in 59+
Of course I always look like a cooked lobster at these meets, darn Scottish background I never tan. At least I used sun tan lotion:D
Pretty impressives swims this morning by the ladies in the 100 ***, including a 1:07 low by Stitts! Can't wait to see how that event pans out.
It looks like Crocker DQed in the 200 free. I'm assuming a false start?
Also Diana Munz qualified 9th in the 400 free, so she's out for tonight barring a scratch.
We in Kentucky are a little surprized at the lack of press on Rachel Komisarz. Why should we care? She does hold a few Masters Records!!She may just sneak in to the Olympics in an individual event (or two). For those of you fortunate enough to see the events live, give her a big yell from SKY (Swim Kentucky Masters).
I'm glad Wayne is enjoying the meet. I was there for the morning sessions but sadly missed Phelp's world record that evening.
In following the results though, I think Summer Sanders' American record in the 400 IM remains in tact for now. Here is an exerpt from an article on MSNBC:
"In the women’s 400 medley, 15-year-old Katie Hoff swam the second-fastest time in American history, 4:37.67. She tired a bit on the final freestyle leg, just missing Summer Sanders’ 12-year-old national record of 4:37.58."
This comports with the results I read on the net.
Wayne, would love to meet you or any other masters out there. I'll be in section 11, row 15 tomorrow morning with other Rose Bowl masters and our friends.
Originally posted by knelson
It looks like Crocker DQed in the 200 free. I'm assuming a false start?
Not quite. It looks like a declared false start. He decided not to swim, forgot to scratch and didn't want to incur any penalties. Most likely cleared this with the referee before his swim.
FYI,
For anyone in Long Beach there is a masters group working out in the mornings at Belmont Pool. They set up a workout with various coaches from 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM. Went this morning and it was great seeing old friends and meeting new folks. $2.00 gets you in the door.
Susan - Absolutely agree ref. press on Rachel Komisarz, as well as press on some of the other greats. Rachel did great this morning in prelims. At the trials there is a daily newspaper on the events that is showcasing many swimmers. Phelps of course is the lead stories, but they have many other swimmers profiled and newsbits about them.
It's interesting that the sponsors tents at the trials has Phelps everywhere. I know he must be the most promotable right now, but it would be nice to see recognition of some of the other greats. Today it was awesome to see Brooke Bennett, Lenny Krayzelburg, Josh Davis and Neil Walker swim in prelims.
Originally posted by breastroker
Mens 100 *** semi finals were good, Hansen swam an American record 1:00.19 and looked good. Moses did not look good, so my prediction of Hansen in 59+
I really hope Scott Usher makes it in the 100 *** - GO WYOMING!!!! :D
