I just received my tickets for 2 days of this years PanPacs in Victoria, B.C. Aug 17-20. I will be seeing heats & finals day 2:
100 free, 100 brst, 400 IM, 800free relay; heats & finals day 4:
200 IM, 50 free, 200 brst, w800 free, m1500 free, 400 medley relay. I am stoked to see Phelps et al, possible Japanese-American clash 100brst etc. This, I think, will be the signature international meet of the year (except Masters Worlds, of course) and I would urge anyone within reasonable travel distance to consider attending, as it is a great spectator pool & very fast.
I am disappointed though, that Amanda & her wedgie likely won't be there...
Parents
Former Member
Well, I just got home from PanPacs, tired but happy after yelling my lungs out after witnessing two world records & many other darn fine races:
Whitney Myers just looked smooth as silk in laying the boots to Hoff in the 200IM, watch out tainted world record.
Michael & Ryan staged a battle for the ages that propelled Phelps to his new world record; the joint was hopping.
Coughlin actually swam too close to ropes in her 50, I think it hampered her stroke slightly (although it is hard to tell because she shortens her stroke drastically towards the end of the race).
Cullen Jones is the real deal, he will lower the world record to around 21.50 within the next year or so, UNLESS...he goes too far with his idea that he has too lay on some muscle as his next progression (he emphasized that in post-race interview). I'd want him to be very cautious with that.
1500 was enthralling, at the 600 the first 6 were within 3 tenths or so- then Vendt started to pull away from everyone but the Korean kid Park, who while not drafting Vendt did seem to sit on him (in retrospect), 'cause at the 1450 Park just lit up the afterburners and pulled away. I was sitting directly above his lane at the start end of the pool & when Park would come directly at me I was amazed at his absolutely quiet nonresistive stroke; it was beautifully frictionless looking & no wonder he had lots left for a finish.
Both relays fell a little short of world records but still were great swims.
I saw a confused older couple mistake Rowdy for an usher; he went along with it & helped them find the bathroom- what a class act he is.
G'night.
Well, I just got home from PanPacs, tired but happy after yelling my lungs out after witnessing two world records & many other darn fine races:
Whitney Myers just looked smooth as silk in laying the boots to Hoff in the 200IM, watch out tainted world record.
Michael & Ryan staged a battle for the ages that propelled Phelps to his new world record; the joint was hopping.
Coughlin actually swam too close to ropes in her 50, I think it hampered her stroke slightly (although it is hard to tell because she shortens her stroke drastically towards the end of the race).
Cullen Jones is the real deal, he will lower the world record to around 21.50 within the next year or so, UNLESS...he goes too far with his idea that he has too lay on some muscle as his next progression (he emphasized that in post-race interview). I'd want him to be very cautious with that.
1500 was enthralling, at the 600 the first 6 were within 3 tenths or so- then Vendt started to pull away from everyone but the Korean kid Park, who while not drafting Vendt did seem to sit on him (in retrospect), 'cause at the 1450 Park just lit up the afterburners and pulled away. I was sitting directly above his lane at the start end of the pool & when Park would come directly at me I was amazed at his absolutely quiet nonresistive stroke; it was beautifully frictionless looking & no wonder he had lots left for a finish.
Both relays fell a little short of world records but still were great swims.
I saw a confused older couple mistake Rowdy for an usher; he went along with it & helped them find the bathroom- what a class act he is.
G'night.
