Well the Duel is Tuesday in Sydney. The first race is a MIXED 400 relay. (I'm guessing free though it doesn't say) How cool? I've been waiting for one of these. So who do you throw up there?
I predict at least a couple of WRs!
I hope that Hackett's times are just a result of his slow recovery from shoulder surgery. He's gone faster than a 3:47+ 400, right? I hope that he gets back to pre-injury form... he is such an amazing athlete. As much as I'd like to see an American win the 1500, I want it to happen in a race where Hackett is at his best (and Park too, for that matter.)
Everyone was dog tired from Worlds .. except for Libby. And Cullen Jones. And maybe Tara. I see the convenience of having this meet when they do, but I bet the swimmers just wanted to go home and sleep.
It was interesting to see how the times were. Lenton's 100 Free and Jensen's 400 Free were the only really outstanding times of the meet. Lenton's was an unsual circumstance with her chasing Phelps.
It will also be interesting to see what FINA does with that time. Of course in USMS, its not uncommon for there to be mixed gender heats so I don't see any issue with swimming next to Phelps. I suspect having smooth water with only 2 teams in the pool helped her time also.
Wasn't there a WR set by Popov in a time trial in the 50 free that was recognized by FINA.
Ariana Kukors had a nice swim in the 400 IM with a 4:39.5. She was a couple seconds slower at Worlds. She didn't swim until the last day of Worlds, so I think she probably had a little trouble shaking off the cobwebs.
Wow, Lochte beat Peirsol in the 100 back!
100 Metre Backstroke
R Lochte (USA) 54.03
A Peirsol (USA) 54.09
A Delaney (Aust) 54.98
M Welsh (Aust) 54.98
D Arnamnart (Aust) 55.55
P Marshall (USA) 55.56
H Stoeckel (Aust) 55.66