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...
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?
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?
