We now have just over a month before the open World Champs at Melbourne. What will we see there, more records? I believe that this is a 'statement' champs, not least of which the Aussies in the wake of the retirement of Ian Thorpe. Will the Chinese unveil some unknown superstars? Kitajima, according to the Swimming World website feels that he is returning to form, can he challenge Hansen (& how many little dolphin kicks he hide in his dive?).
What do you see on the horizon? Time to venture some predictions.
I say the we will see Park from Korea start to push Grant Hackett, with a view to getting in his head for 2008. Will Phelps shock and awe his opponents?
Let's hear from you...
Kaitlin Sandeno isn't on the team ... I think both Peirsols will have a great meet. I'd like to see a new WR in the 100 free from Amanda Weir. I think the 4 x 100 free relay will be outta sight, both men's and women's.
I'm also anxious to see Hoff & Myers in the 2IM and see how Crocker does in the 1Fly.
I watched him live at the PanPacs, and I would not agree. He is still a world-class breastroker (&Japan has a couple more) and could medal, but I don't think after watching Hansen swim that he can be beat by Kitajima...legally.
Shock and awe by Phelps is almost guaranteed. Kaitlin Sandeno and Peter Vanderkaay should be on the enemy radar as well.
Hansen, Crocker, and Piersol should be their usual untouchable selves. I think if Kitajima pulls his crap again with Hansen, Brendan will just sock him right there in the pool. Especially if Kitajima yells in his ear again, could you blame him? j/k of course!
How about Cullen Jones?
I'd love to see Cullen Jones pull the upset on Schoeman. I think he needs to be taken down a peg, however, my guess is he'd come back from that with avengence in Beijing. (not that I expect Jones will start slacking)
The Kate vs Hayley show down will be awesome! The 400 free is going to be great, too. With those girls all pushing each other it'll be a great battle. I think there is a potential there to have two or three girls go under Janet's record.
The relays are going to be riddiculous. The women's 4 x 100 free relay and 4 x 200 free relays especially. The men's 4 x 100 free relay with the US vs South Africa (will they have an "A" team?) and a Thorpe-less Aussie team ... hmm ... I suspect the US will win in a new WR. As for the 4 x 200 free I think Lochte, Phelps, Vanderrkay, and Keller will get a new WR, too.
I hope Schipper pulls out the 200 fly, she's amazing and I'm not a fan of Otylia's. Will a US woman be able to medal in the 2fly? I'm not sure ... maybe Vandenberg I'm not sure Descenza has a podium finish at worlds in her. I'd love for her to surprise me though!
I'd also like to see a new world record in the women's 100 fly ... by Natalie. I think she'll be upset in the 100 back. She seems to be choking in that one as of late. I think losing at worlds would be good for her, it'll fire her up for Beijing where I think she will defend her title.
I think we'll see new world records in both 200IMs ... I predict Crocker pulls out the 100 fly ... and Peirsol and Hansen win both the 100 and 200 in their respective strokes ... really go out on a limb with those, huh?
It will be interesting to see what Laure Manaudou does, can she reach 4min in the 400? Break the 800m record? Will Cseh or Lochte challenge Phelps? The field is pretty open in the mens 100m free. Who will inherit Thorpe's crown in the 200?
Nathan: are you going to Melbourne? If I recall correctly your wife made the team in both breaststrokes.
I will be there... well, I should be assuming nothing catastrophic happens :wiggle:
Megan will be swimming the 200m breaststroke at Worlds and the 100 and 200 at the Duel in the Pool. Exciting times!
The official website is at melbourne2007.com.au with all sorts of newsy stuff; also very interesting to read about the building of the temp. pool in Rod Laver Arena (webcam of assembly). Expect the women's 200 fly to be scorching duel.Interesting also that they have not adopted the morning finals routine a la Beijing...
