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...
It'll be fun to see if Zeigler and Peirsol can close in a little more on Janet Evans record in the 1650.
Oh sick one ...
Kate broke the 1650 SCY record in December, swimming 15:37.1. She had previously broken Evan's records in the 500 and the 1000. Your brain is addled from lack of sleep. It happens to me all the time. ;) :)
Is anyone bold enough to predict some upsets?
Amanda Weir will beat Coughlin in the 100 free. She has gone pro and no longer has to worry about college classes taking her away from the pool. She is back home with Chris Davs at Swimatlanta who has always been the right coach for her. She will be amazing.
The meet is LCM, not SCY. So I don't think we'll see the 1500 record go anywhere, but watching Kate & Hayley duke it out will be great, maybe they will pull it off.
Amanda will definitely have a tough time breaking the 100 free record, though I'd love to see her do it. You can never count out Coughlin or the Aussie girls, or Brita Steffen for that matter *cough* doping? *cough*
I'm probably most pumped for the following: women's 200IM, men's 100 fly, Cullen Jones in general, women's 200 free, women's free relays, all the men's relays ... Is there a possibility of this being on tv seeing as it is the year before Beijing?
I'd like to see a new WR in the 100 free from Amanda Weir.
She's got her work cut out for her. The women's 100 free should be one of the best races at the meet, IMO. Don't count Coughlin out either!
I think both Peirsols will have a great meet.
But is Haley gonna beat bungee cord Kate? 2 new American SCY records without unbelievably awesome turns ...
Id like to see katie hoff get a wr in the 200 im but its not going to happen.
I don't want cullen jones to break the american record in the 50 free but I wouldn't mind schoeman going 21.63 and beating the fastest time in disorganized competition to erase popov from the books.
I hope cullen jones beats roland schoeman again. It seems like roland has been asleep for a while I wouldn't be surprised if he comes up with something big.
In women's breastroke Liesel Jones has ruled, smashing world records; now there is rumour of a hot new Russian girl Ludmilla Amphibimova to challenge her. Already there are rumours of genetic tinkering; I attach a picture from a local meet in Pondsk (her home town)- she is in the far lane, click on the thumbnail and see what you think...
