By Coleman Hodges on SwimSwam

If you don’t like the career you’re in, you might want to work in the swimming community and be a part of our big swimming family! Go here to see 2694 Swim Jobs.

MARLINS OF RALEIGH SWIM TEAM SEEKS FULL TIME LEAD COACH

MOR is a USA Swimming Gold Medal club the past 4 years with 650 swimmers.  The Raleigh Area is a hot spot for swimming with a summer league of over 85 teams and 11,000 swimmers from which to draw.  Raleigh is rated annually as one of the best places to live in the US and also has a highly rated music scene.

PART-TIME ASSISTANT SWIM COACH + LESSONS INSTRUCTOR

Part time assistant swim coach, primarily working with ages 10 & under. Deck coaching is hourly. Lessons and learn-to-swim opportunities paid by the lesson (rate higher than hourly). Opportunity for advancement to lead coach given good performance, reliability.

ASSISTANT SWIM COACH – CAYMAN ISLANDS

The primary coaching responsibility for this position will be preparing the 10 to 13 year old swimmers for the senior and high performance groups. Swimmers will need to be introduced to and begin implementing complex training concepts. The pre-senior ‘Gold Group’ has six 2 hour swimming sessions per week and three 30 min dryland sessions per week. The position will require the coach to plan and guide all 9 sessions.

HEAD COACH – VIRGINIA GATORS

Virginia Gators Swimming (GATR) seeks a full-time, salaried Head Coach as Doug Fonder retires from coaching after 32 years as the Gators’ leader.

HEAD COACH, HAMPTON DOLPHINS SWIM CLUB

The Hampton Dolphins Swim Club is seeking an experienced, energetic and competitive head coach to join our dynamic team. The individual will be responsible for the club development from beginner to elite levels, club administration, oversight of training plans and staffing, and providing a long-term strategic direction.

ASSISTANT COACH

Keiser University is a regionally accredited, not-for-profit university with over 20 campus locations in the state of Florida.  The Keiser University Flagship Campus is located in West Palm Beach, Fl. and is home to all 25 NAIA Varsity Athletic Teams that the University offers.  For more information about Keiser Athletics go to www.kuseahawks.com

PART TIME AGE GROUP COACH

Select Team of Aquatic Racers, located in The Colony/Frisco and Carrollton/Farmers Branch area of Texas, is seeking a part-time competitive team swim coach. Practice hours are late afternoons/early evenings Mondays – Fridays some weekend practice and meet responsibilities are available as well.

ASSOCIATION & MARYLAND FARMS YMCA SWIM TEAM COORDINATOR

Consistent with the Christian mission and vision of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, and in cooperation with other YMCA staff, under the direction of the Senior Aquatics Director, the Association Swim Team Coordinator will model the YMCA’s unwavering commitment to aquatic safety.

AGE GROUP COACH

Karishim Swim Club (KASC), a competitive swimming club in Newton, MA, is currently accepting applications for the position of Age Group Coach.  We are looking for a coach who is a dynamic team player and is excited to help KASC continue its growth in both size and achievement. We are looking for someone to contribute our athlete’s growth both in and out of the pool.

COMMUNITY POOL DIRECTOR

The Hunterdon County YMCA is excited to hire a full time/seasonal/exempt Pool Director for the brand new Community Pool opening this summer.  This leadership position is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to lead this new initiative with the HCY; we are looking for someone who is passionate about not only aquatics, but community as well.

ASSISIANT SENIOR/ AGE GROUP COACH

We are seeking qualified and dynamic coaches to work with our Age Group/ Senior Programs (ages 11-16). Qualified candidates will have a background in competitive swimming, previous coaching or teaching experience, and expertise in swimming technique. A positive attitude and a passion for working with young people are essential. Compensation is highly competitive.

ASSISIANT SENIOR/ AGE GROUP COACH

We are seeking qualified and dynamic coaches to work with our Age Group/ Senior Programs (ages 11-16). Qualified candidates will have a background in competitive swimming, previous coaching or teaching experience, and expertise in swimming technique. A positive attitude and a passion for working with young people are essential. Compensation is highly competitive.

DIRECTOR OF AQUATICS AND HEAD SWIM TEAM COACH

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  Serves as head swim team coach and teaches the fundamentals of competitive swimming in a positive environment.

AGE GROUP COACH & DRYLAND COACH – PART TIME

Dedicated to developing  quality age group swimmers through our established curriculum focused on fundamental stroke technique.  This coach will be working directly with our Head Age Group Coach to establish technically efficient swimmers.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Middle Atlantic Swimming in its continued success, has grown and matured in its existence as a USA Swimming Local Swimming Committee and nonprofit organization. To more efficiently and effectively serve its members and fulfill its mission to advocate the growth and development of a diverse swimming community through education, innovation and a commitment to excellence, the organization has created an Executive Director position.

GRADUATE ASSISTANT FOR KING UNIVERSITY SWIMMING

On deck coaching, writing practices, Driving vans, coaching at swim meets, helping with meet line-ups, ordering food, ordering swim gear, proctoring study hall, recruiting, and office work.

PART-TIME ASSISTANT COACH

We are looking for one part-time coach who is knowledgeable and passionate about the sport. Candidates must enjoy teaching and engaging with young athletes.  The ideal candidate will assist our existing coaching staff on a part-time (Monday through Friday) basis. The candidate also will be responsible for running groups and writing practices, as needed.   Compensation is hourly, commensurate with experience.

CHIEF SWIM COACH

We are currently looking to hire a “Chief Swim Coach” to set up a new performance centre in Bhubaneswar, India.

AQUATIC MEET TECHNICIAN

The City of Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC) is looking for an Aquatic Meet Technician. The individual in this position is responsible for setup, operation and maintenance of a variety of timing equipment, related production equipment and software necessary to conduct swimming, diving and other aquatic competitions

ASSISTANT USA SWIM COACH

The assistant coach for the Rockford Riptide Swim Team aides in the development of swimmers to learn all four competitive strokes, starts, turns and finishes. Coach works with Rockford Riptide’s head coach/general manager and Riptide USA coaching staff in the development of programs, workouts, swim meets and assessment of incoming and advancing swimmers.  The primary goal of the Assistant coach is to prepare and support the Riptide swimmer in their journey in the sport of competitive (USA) swimming with Rockford Riptide’s Age Group USA Swim Team.

EXPERIENCED SWIM INSTRUCTOR NEEDED AT BAY CLUB REDWOOD SHORES

Under the direction of the Aquatics Director, the Aquatics Instructor is responsible for providing private and group swim instruction to clients; maintaining a safe and effective learning environment while focusing on the fulfillment of clients’ swimming goals; achieving personal revenue goals; and providing the best customer service and hospitality to members and guests.

AQUATICS DIRECTOR

Responsible for planning, development, fiscal management, and administration of the complete YMCA swim program.  The position includes supervision and management of the branch’s indoor and outdoor pool, as well as managing lifeguard staff at two town beaches in North Attleboro, MA. The position also ensures safety standards are met and staff is educated relative to these standards.

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER

Are you looking for a great gig where the work is actually fun? Do you want to work somewhere you can get real job experience and make a difference? Check out Goldfish Swim School! We’re a rapidly growing, award winning franchise that is not your typical company!

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AQUATICS

Westtown Aquatic Club (WA) is looking for an Assistant Director of Aquatics. WA is located on the grounds of Westtown School. A pre-k through 12, Quaker boarding school located in the back roads of West Chester, Pa.  Interested applicants should have prior USA-swimming coaching experience or college level swimming experience.  Hourly rate will be commensurate with experience.

HEAD COACH – VIRGINIA GATORS OF HARRISONBURG

Virginia Gators in Harrisonburg, VA seeks a passionate head coach committed to motivating and developing athletes from novice to state and national levels.

THE RACE CLUB SEEKS FULL-TIME SWIMMING COACH, SAN DIEGO LOCATION

The Race Club is seeking an ambitious, full-time swimming coach for its San Diego location. The focus of our coaching is on swimming technique for camps, private instruction and on-line coaching, using a science-based and technology approach. Must be capable of performing multiple functions, including computer skills, analysis, social media, and leadership.

SWIM CAMP COUNSELORS/COACHES – LONGHORNS SWIM CAMP

The Longhorns Swim Camp at The University of Texas at Austin is seeking 23-30 mature, enthusiastic, team oriented, and knowledgeable counselors/assistant coaches for its 2020 camp sessions.

FORM SEEKS FIELD MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE

FORM  is a sports technology company with a simple mission: to break down the barriers between what swimming is and what it could be. We’re looking for a Field Marketing Representative to join our rapidly growing team.

TEAM OPERATIONS COORDINATOR – MISSION VIEJO NADADORES

Team Operations Coordinator is responsible for supporting the coaches, administration’s development, strategy and implementation of competitive sports programming for the Mission Viejo Nadadores. Primary focus of the position is to coordinate and direct sporting competitions (swimming) and other special events, such as fundraisers and community led events.

11-12 DIVISION DIRECTOR OF THE MISSION VIEJO NADADORES

To align with the policy and procedures set forth by the Mission Viejo Nadadores and to assist the Head Age Group Coach, Associate Head Coach and Head Coach in developing age group athletes to make an uncompromised commitment to the pursuit of excellence, through the process of striving to be the best that they can be, to acquire life enhancing attributes such as integrity, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship. 

ASSISTANT SWIM COACH – CAYMAN ISLANDS

The primary coaching responsibility for this position will be preparing the 10 to 13 year old swimmers for the senior and high performance groups. Swimmers will need to be introduced to and begin implementing complex training concepts. The pre-senior ‘Gold Group’ has six 2 hour swimming sessions per week and three 30 min dryland sessions per week. The position will require the coach to plan and guide all 9 sessions.

AGE GROUP LEAD COACH – AUSTIN, TEXAS

Waterloo Swimming, LP (WS) is looking for an energetic, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable Swim Coach to direct/lead one of our age group swim groups at Waterloo Swimming. You will be responsible for working with an assistant coach helping you run this group.  Entering Waterloo Swimming you will be going through our Rotation Program…learning our swim lessons business, leading programs, assisting Lead Coaches and becoming a Lead Coach.

WILTON YMCA WAHOOS ASSISTANT SWIM COACH

The Wilton Wahoos Swim team (www.wywahoos.org), is seeking an enthusiastic and energetic Part time Assistant Swim Coach(s) to join its staff. The Wilton Wahoos (WYW) is USA Swimming Level 4 Recognized competitive swimming team in Fairfield County.

ASSISTANT SWIM COACH- PART TIME

To represent the YMCA personally, professionally and in a manner in accordance with the mission and goals of the YMCA.  The Assistant Swimming Coach, under the supervision of the Swim Team Director, provides safe, motivational and knowledgeable leadership to the members, volunteers and program participants.

By Reid Carlson on SwimSwam

2020 ACC MEN’S SWIMMING AND DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

• When: Wednesday, February 26th to Saturday, February 29th Prelims 10:00 am | Finals 6:00 pm (1650 prelims Saturday at 4:00 pm)
• Where: Greensboro Aquatic Center, Greensboro, North Carolina (Eastern Time Zone)
• Defending Champion: North Carolina State University (NC State) (29x, 5th-straight) (results)
• Streaming: ACC Network
  • Day 2 Finals
  • Day 3 Finals
  • Day 4 Finals
• Championship Central: Here
• Detailed Timeline: Here
• Psych Sheets: Here
• Live Results

In case you missed it, Louisville junior Nick Albiero had a pretty solid weekend of racing at the 2020 Men’s ACC Swimming & Diving Championships. Albiero, alongside a solid Louisville squad including the likes of heavy-hitters Evgeny Somov and Mitchell Whyte, buoyed Louisville to a third-place team finish.

Though the 2020 ACC Championships proved an exciting meet thanks to a multitude of fast swims, none was so impressive as Albiero’s 200 butterfly. Already the favorite to win the title, Albiero’s chances of breaking the 1-minute, 40-second barrier–in other words, swimming 200 yards of butterfly faster than 2-yards-per-second–were quite good. What Albiero actually did, however, was outstanding.

After kicking out to right about the second red buoy following his 7th and final turn of the race, Albiero pounded the last 10 meters to the wall, securing himself a smidgen of history as the 4th-fastest performer ever in the 200 yard butterfly with a time of 1:38.65.

Despite his multitude of accomplishments, Albiero is still just a college kid who is not above helping “change the pool,” in other words, move lane lines.

Read the full story on SwimSwam: Nick Albiero Talks Father-Son Coaching Dynamic and Moving Lane Lines (Video)

By Lauren Neidigh on SwimSwam

2020 MEN’S PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Wednesday, March 4 – Saturday, March 7 (Diving Feb. 26-29)
• Federal Way, WA (Pacific Time Zone)
• Defending Champion: Cal (2x) (results)
• Live results (Coming soon)
• Championship Central
• Psych Sheets (Coming soon)

The Cal Golden Bears are the 2-time defending Pac-12 Champions, and the heavy favorites to make it a threepeat at the 2020 Pac-12 Championships. Things could get interesting in the runner-up race. Stanford has taken that position over the last 2 years, but they could be battling closely with Arizona and Arizona State.

SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY

• 800 Freestyle Relay
• 400 Medley Relay

THURSDAY

• 500 Freestyle
• 200 Individual Medley
• 50 Freestyle
• 200 Freestyle Relay

FRIDAY

• 400 Individual Medley
• 100 Butterfly
• 200 Freestyle
• 100 Breaststroke
• 100 Backstroke
• 200 Medley Relay

SATURDAY

• 1650 Freestyle
• 200 Backstroke
• 100 Freestyle
  200 Breaststroke
• 200 Butterfly
• 400 Freestyle Relay

STARS

ARIZONA

STARS: Thomas Anderson (senior IM/backstroker), Brooks Fail(junior freestyler), Marin Ercegovic (sophomore sprinter),Jorge Iga(senior sprinter), Sam Iida (junior breast/IMer), Isaac Stump (junior back/IMer), Brendan Meyer (senior fly/freestyler), Eric Correa (sophomore diver), Etay Gurevich(senior fly/IMer), Casey Ponton (junior diver) – The Wildcats return most of their top scorers, but are without Pac-12 medalist Chatham Dobbs as he’s now graduated. David Schlict, the runner-up in both IMs in 2019, is taking a redshirt. Fail has been a star for this team, picking up several winning triples in dual meets this season. He’s a big threat for the distance titles and leads the Pac-12 this season. The Wildcats should also get a boost from their IM depth with Anderson, Gurevich, and Iida.

ARIZONA STATE

STARS:Zachary Poti (senior backstroker), Jack Dolan(freshman freestyler), Evan Carlson (junior sprinter),Carter Swift(junior freestyler), Ben Olszewski(senior distance freestyler), Cody Bybee (sophomore fly/freestyler), Liam Bresette (sophomore freestyler), Youssef Selim (senior diver) – The biggest loss to graduations for the Sun Devils are diver David Hoffer, and Grant House is taking a redshirt, but they should still get plenty of points on the boards from Selim. He’s the team’s top returning scorer and the reigning 1-meter and platform champion. They also return Pac-12 champ Poti, one of their top swimming scorers in 2019. Freshman Dolan is a key addition an could come up big for them on relays.

CALIFORNIA

STARS: Hugo Gonzalez(redshirt sophomore back/IMer),Zheng Quah(senior back/butterflier),Pawel Sendyk(senior sprinter), Ryan Hoffer(junior sprinter), Reece Whitley(sophomore breaststroker),Sean Grieshop(junior IMer),Trenton Julian(junior free/fly/IMer),Bryce Mefford(junior free/backstroker),Michael Jensen(senior freestyler),Daniel Carr(junior backstroker) – Though they’re now without All-Americans Seliskar, Norman, and Thomas, the Bears still have a loaded lineup. Gonzalez joins them this season after transferring from Auburn. The SEC champion is a big threat here in the IMs and 200 back. Sprinters Jensen, Hoffer, and Sendyk will continue to light up the relays. Cal is loaded in a ton of areas, including the sprints, backstrokes, and IMs.

STANFORD

STARS: Matthew Hirschberger(junior distance freestyler), Conor Casey (sophomore diver), Shane Blinkman(freshman breast/IMer), Jack LeVant(somphomore fly/freestyler), Alex Liang (junior fly/IMer), Noah Vigran (sophomore diver), Grant Shoults (senior freestyler), Hank Poppe (senior breaststroker), Johannes Calloni(junior IM/freestyler), James Murphy(senior distance freestyler), Brennan Pastorek (junior breast/IMer), Daniel Roy(sophomore IM/breaststroker) – NCAA Champion Abrahm DeVine has now graduated, but Pac-12 champ Shoults returns after missing last season due to injury. Shoults’ return is also a big help as All-American distance swimmer True Sweetser is taking a redshirt this season. They should still bring in a good distance hall between Shoults, Murphy, LeVant, and Calloni. Another one of the Cardinal’s strengths is their depth in the breaststrokes with Roy, Pastorek, and Poppe. With Casey and Vigran on the boards, they should get a big boost from diving.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

STARS: Victor Johansson(sophomore distance freestyler), Nikola Miljenic(sophomore sprinter), Alexei Sancov(sophomore freestyler), Mark Jurek (senior fly/IMer) – USC will have to make up for some big losses now that Vissering, Valente, Grissom, and Mulcare have graduated. That leaves a lot of spots to fill from last season’s relays as well. They return Pac-12 champion Johansson and should bring in a lot of freestyle points as Sancov also has the potential to final in 3 freestyle events. Sprinter Miljenic was the team’s top scorer last season.

UTAH

STARS: Tony Chen (sophomore diver), Liam O’Haimhirgin (senior sprinter), Rahiti De Vos(senior distance freestyler), David Fridlander (redshirt-sophomore backstroker), Ryan Little (sophomore diver), Andrew Britton (sophomore breaststroker), Cooper Deryk(transfer sophomore freestyler) – The Utes are now without a couple of last season’s top scorers: Daniel McArthur and Austin Phillips. They’ll also have to fill their shoes in the relays. O’Haimhirgin is a returning championship finalist in 2 events. Deryk, a transfer from FSU, is a key addition for relays and sprint points.

SHOWDOWNS

500 FREE – After winning the event as a freshman, USC’s Victor Johansson will look to defend his title. Teammate Alexei Sancov didn’t swim this event last season, but his lifetime best is about a second off last season’s winning time. Stanford’s Grant Shoults, a 2-time Pac-12 Champion in this event, is back after redshirting last season. The event could get very crowded as it’ll also include the Cardinal’s Jack LeVant, Matthew Hirschberger, James Murphy, and Johannes Calloni. Cal’s Trenton Julian and Sean Grieshop are returning medalist. Arizona’s Brooks Fail is back after just missing the podium last season and is the current Pac-12 leader for the season.

100 BACK – Arizona State returns reigning champion Zach Poti in this race. He has a good shot to repeat, but it’s no guarantee as Cal’sDaniel Carr is also a sub-45 backstroker and leads the Pac-12 this season. The Bears’ Bryce Mefford has been close with a 45-low best time. Arizona’sThomas Anderson also has an outside shot to win it with a 45-high best.

100 FREE – Cal could wind up with a podium sweep here, with sprint stars Ryan Hoffer, Pawel Sendyk, and Michael Jensen all battling for the win. Last season, Sendyk just edged out Jensen for the title. Arizona’s Marin Ercegovic and Arizona State’s Carter Swift are also in the title conversation as they’ve been 42-mid this season. Returning finalists Liam O’Haimhirgin (Utah),Jorge Iga (Arizona), and Nikola Miljenic (USC) will also factor in.

SELECTIONS

The Swimulator meets our expectations of Cal taking the title. We could see a 3-team fight for the 2nd place spot. Arizona is projected to finish as the runner-up, with in-state rival ASU less than 100 points back. Stanford is a distant 4th in the Swimulator rankings, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them perform significantly better. USC is projected 6th, and will need some of their freshmen to step up in order to fight for another top 3 finish. Diving points, which are not included in the Swimulator, will probably play a big role in the outcome between those 3 teams.

SWIMULATOR PICKS

SWIMSWAM PICKS

We have to take some things into consideration when looking at the Swimulator rankings, which are based on the fastest times posted this season ahead of the meet. It’s worth noting that we’ll actually have the diving scores well before the meet even starts, as the men’s divers compete during the women’s championships a week prior. Considering the diving points that will factor into play, Stanford could be given an edge before the meet even starts. They return 98 points between their top 2 divers from last season. Relays are also likely to shake up from their midseason standings.

1. Cal
2. Stanford
3. Arizona
4. Arizona State
5. USC
6. Utah

Read the full story on SwimSwam: 2020 Men’s Pac-12 Championships Fan Guide: Bears Hunting Threepeat

By SwimSwam on SwimSwam

SwimSwam welcomes reader submissions about all topics aquatic, and if it’s well-written and well-thought, we might just post it under our “Shouts from the Stands” series. We don’t necessarily endorse the content of the Shouts from the Stands posts, and the opinions remain those of their authors. If you have thoughts to share, please send themtoshare@swimswam.com.

This “Shouts from the Stands” submission comes from Steve Crocker, a swim coach and engineer who designs aquatics facilities for Water Technology, Inc., and Danylo Proskura, the associate head coach at the Golden West Swim Club in California.

There are two different seasons and two different types of pools used for the sport of swimming. Long course pools are 50 meters in length and short course pools are half as long — either 25 meters or in some cases, 25 yards. The US is the only place in the world that trains and competes in 25-yard distances and we do this for all high school and college swimming championships.

The US is unique in that we have large high school and college swimming organizations hosting championships in every state and every college division each year. We also have USA Swimming with hundreds of USA Swimming clubs around the county. In most of the world, there is only club swimming which is probably a major factor to explain the success of American swimmers on the international stage.

The Olympic Swimming Competition is held in a long course pool. Surprisingly, many people who watch the Olympics are unaware that the pool they race in is over twice as long as their local 25-yard pool. Generally, the world swims a long course season from about January through August and a short course season from about September through December. FINA hosts world championships in both short course and long course seasons.

In the US, the short season is dominated by training and competitions in 25-yard courses. A 25-yard course is about 10% shorter than a 25-meter course which is barely noticeable. Times are roughly 10% faster in yards. In 25-yard meets there is the 500 free — not the 400 and the 1,650 — not 1500.

College Swimming consists primarily of NCAA, NAIA, and Junior College institutions — over 900 schools have swimming teams and championships in 25-yard courses. American college swimming is the international arena for athletes all over the world to train and compete during the college year. They have access to great facilities and are coached by many of the world’s top coaches. Many can use swimming to get a free or low-cost education.

The NCAA Division 1 swimming championships is considered to be one of the fastest international swimming meets in the world. It’s the culmination of a 7-month season and is made more intense by the team aspect. Interestingly, the rest of the world barely notices as the times (in yards) are completely foreign to the rest of the world.

It can be argued that such emphasis on 25-yard swimming does and injustice to college swimmers — American and international. One issue is that training and racing have been conducted over distances that are 10% short. Because pool floor markings, backstroke flags locations, etc. are unique in 25-yard pools, athletes spend time developing technique to those specific requirements which have to be unlearned during their long course seasons. International athletes are significantly penalized by the completion of a 7-month season without times which could be used to qualify for their national teams/international competitions.

A true “Olympic Pool” has dimensions of 50-meters x 25- meters. Interesting among 50-meter college facilities in the US is that the vast majority are only 25 yards wide (allowing 25-yard training and/or competition in either direction). These pools are less desirable than Olympic pools for hosting international events.

Competing frequently in the correct course is what is most important. In 1992, the author set a world record in the short course 50-meter freestyle with 100% of the training sessions being conducted in a 25-yard pool. Racing meters is more worthy of getting a proper experience for events like 200 and 400 stroke and IM, and 1500. But training meters is crucial in getting proper skills. There is an argument about how to train 200 LCM Free in yards, whether you should train 200 SCY or 500 SCY. But none of that is close in racing strategy and/or times.

There are record books and so much history based upon 25-yard swimming “you can’t just throw that away”. Yes, you can — we do it frequently in the sport of swimming when we make rule changes or allow new technology such as wedge blocks, bodysuits, etc. While you can’t convert records from 25 yards to 25-meters, converting an individual’s times from 25-yard to 25-meter is simple and accurate.

I argue that the advantages of switching short course swimming in the US to 25-meters far exceed the reasons for sticking with the status quo. In the NCAA Division 1 meets in 2019 there would have likely been 5 or 6 world records set. Instead, there were zero. At the end of 2019, the International Swimming League brought in a SCM Championship to the US. That made it possible for American athletes to set the world record and national records as well. Unlike the NCAA track and field championship, the world pays no attention to NCAA swimming. American and international athletes deserve to finish their college seasons with times that really count. Times that can qualify them for national teams, Olympic Trials, etc. Standardization of rules just makes sense. Why should swimmers practice different turns, etc. because the pool markings are odd for their championship meet. Why swim 10% shorter distances? Does this seem like a smart thing to do if you want to be successful against the world’s best?

It’s going to be an uphill battle to convince the governing bodies that it’s time to make a change.

Collegiate track and field used to compete in yards and have successfully transitioned to meters. We can too. If not now, then when?

Read the full story on SwimSwam: The Time Has Come For The US To Join The Rest Of The World And Race Meters

By Tomas Rodriguez ES on SwimSwam

Noticia inicialmente reportada en el canal de SwimSwam en inglés.

Hace unos días, Estefanía García, ex-miembro del seleccionado junior mexicano de natación sincronizada, se pronunció a través de las redes sociales a raíz del supuesto abuso y corrupción por el que habría pasado su hermana Teresa García, actual miembro del seleccionado mexicano de natación sincronizada.

Estefanía fue miembro del seleccionado juvenil y está actualmente retirada del deporte.

La seleccionadora Adriana Loftus ha sido acusada de presuntamente abusar psicológicamente de las deportistas. Algunas de ellas también han sido críticas del hecho de que su marido, Alberto Calderón, fuese designado como el psicólogo para el equipo mundialista de 2017.

García además alegó que, en lugar de viajar con el entrenador adyacente, Loftus designó a su marido como el otro acompañante del equipo nacional. Además ha afirmado que concluir con la plata en los Juegos Panamericanos de Lima en 2019, las deportistas presuntamente fueron obligadas a donar parte de su beca fiduciaria al marido de Loftus.

Según declaró Estefanía, varias deportistas más pasaron por las mismas circunstancias que Teresa.

“Eran abusadas tanto físicamente así como psicológicamente,” García confirmó a SwimSwam. “Debido a la presión que conlleva bajar de peso, las deportistas entraron en huelga de hambre, se inyectaban o devolvían la comida que entraba en sus sistemas.”

Los padres de García visitaron a Kiril Todorov a raíz de la situación de Teresa.

National team member Teresa Alonso’s sister Estefania tells me that her family has spoken to the federation’s president Kiril Todorov about Teresa’s case. They spoke to him on Feb. 7. (Photo via Estefania Alonso, used with permission). pic.twitter.com/v9Yw1ZNjII

— Tomas Rodriguez (@TomasFRoBeltran) February 23, 2020

Desde que Estanía hiciera sonar la alarma a través de la situación de su hermana, varias otras deportistas más han acudido a las redes sociales para compartir sus testimonios.

View this post on Instagram

Subo este video con el único fin de ayudar a futuras generaciones. Sin embargo también agradezco los buenos momentos y las buenas personas que se cruzaron mi camino en mi carrera deportiva de Natación artística. Agradezco también a mis iconos y grandes mujeres de mi actual deporte! #niunaatletamas #niunamas

A post shared by Madison Lòpez (@m_demadison) on Feb 21, 2020 at 3:15pm PST

La ex-componente del equipo nacional de sincronizada Madison López también recurrió a Instagram para compartir su experiencia personal en el equipo mexicano de sincronizada. López y Teresa compartieron entrenamientos como parte del equipo nacional de natación sincronizada.

Así como Estefanía, en su acontecimiento de los hechos López reveló el supuesto abuso al que se enfrentó bajo Adriana Loftus y que la obligó a retirarse del deporte.

Una tercera deportistas, Karen Soto, compartió su historia a través de Youtube.

Más recientemente, Teresa García y varias otras nadadoras sincronizadas mexicanas se pronunciaron ante el parlamento mexicano acerca de las recientes alegaciones del abuso y la corrupción, según informó el diario mexicano Milenio.

Sin embargo, la FMN lleva una larga trayectoria de polémicas bajo el mandato de Kiril Todorov.

El pasado mes de octubre informábamos que Ernesto D’Alessio, presidente de la Comisión del Deporte de la Cámara de Diputados, ha acusado a la Federación Mexicana de Natación (FMN) de recibir millones en recursos públicos y por la falta de transparencia en la gestión de dichos ingresos.

La federación mexicana se ha topado con varias polémicas bajo el mandato de Todorov, incluyendo la falsificación de los tiempos de inscripción para el mundial de 2015, una suspensión de la FINA por echar marcha atrás en la organización del mundial de 2017, y el reemplazamiento de todo el cuerpo técnico del país a principios de este año a raíz de unas disputas que tuvieron lugar a finales de 2018.

A raíz de sendos desacuerdos, México estuvo bajo riesgo de ser vetado del mundial de Gwangju que tuvo lugar el pasado mes de julio en la localidad coreana, así como los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio 2020.

La polémica surgió después de que Ernesto D’Alessio, presidente de la Comisión del Deporte en la Cámara de Diputados, intentara intervenir en los criterios de selección expuestos por la Federación Mexicana de Natación. D’Alessio cuestionó los criterios de selección para las pruebas de saltos de cara al mundial de Gwangju.

Por consiguiente, FINA envió un comunicado solicitando que ambos llegaran a un acuerdo mutuo.

Días después, Todorov exhortaba a D’Alessio a no involucrar a los deportistas mexicanos en asuntos políticos.

En respuesta, el Diputado D’Alessio envió un tuit pidiendo a Todorov “que deje de hacer vídeos y póngase a trabajar.” D’Alessio además publicó un hilo de tuits acusando a Todorov de corrupción.

principios de septiembre informábamos que México se podría enfrentar a una sanción a raíz de los gorros que el país utilizó durante los Juegos Panamericanos de Lima 2019.

Más recientemente, informábamos acerca de que Kiril Todorov, presidente de la Federación Mexicana de Natación (FMN), acusó al vicepresidente de la federación, Rodolfo Zarco Rodríguez, a raíz de una supuesta agresión que habría tenido lugar durante el Torneo Interclubes Casablanca de Natación el pasado 5 de octubre.

Escasamente un mes antes de aquel incidente, el medio de información mexicano proceso.com.mx reveló una lista de propiedades a nombre de la familia Todorov, y como aquella lista no refleja el bajo salario que la familia tradicionalmente ha ingresado.

La semana pasada informábamos que la federación habría sido acusada de ocultar sus criterios de selección de cara a los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio.

Read the full story on SwimSwam: La Seleccionadora Mexicana De Sincronizada, Acusada De Abuso Y Corrupción

By Giusy Cisale on SwimSwam

In Giappone altre due manifestazioni sono state cancellate per la crescente minaccia del coronavirusCOVID-19.

Si tratta del Niigata Open, originariamente previsto per i giorni 7-8 Marzo e del Kanazawa Open.

La decisione dopo che il governo giapponese ha ordinato di cancellare eventi sportivi e culturali su larga scala, per evitare la diffusione del virus.

Al momento della pubblicazione, ci sono 89.137 casi confermati di COVID-19 in tutto il mondo.

In Italia il numero di contagiati è attualmente di 1694 persone con 34 decessi.

Il Giappone per una popolazione di oltre 126 milione di abitanti ha attualmente 256 persone infette. L’afflusso di visitatori da ogni parte del mondo però, aumenterà nei prossimi mesi, con l’avvicinarsi delle Olimpiadi di Tokyo 2020.

GIAPPONE E TRIALS OLIMPICI

La Federazione nuoto giapponese ha pubblicato la notizia che il Japan Swim potrebbe essere una competizione chiusa. Ciò significa che non sarà permesso agli spettatori di entrare nell’impianto durante le gare. (Yahoo)

• leggi qui l’approfondimento 

La manifestazione, in programma dal 1° all’8 aprile, rappresenterà per gli atleti giapponesi l’unica possibilità per essere convocati ai Giochi Olimpici.

Daiya Seto, medaglia olimpica e bi-campione del mondo lo scorso anno a Gwangju, era tra gli atleti attesi al Niigata Open questo fine settimana.

Seto ha dichiarato che la cancellazione della manifestazione non ha particolare impatto sul suo programma.

“La mia intenzione era di usare questo incontro come allenamento, quindi non c’è davvero nessun impatto per me in vista del Japan Swim o sulle Olimpiadi”. (NHK)

Seto si è già qualificato per i Giochi Olimpici sia nei 200 che nei 400 metri misti.

Tuttavia, il venticinquenne ha dichiarato: “Voglio migliorare la mia condizione fisica e prendere misure anti-virus. Spero che il Japan Swim si svolga con gli spettatori”.

Read the full story on SwimSwam: Giappone: Altri 2 Eventi Cancellati-Seto “Adotterò Misure Preventive”

By SwimSwam Partner Content on SwimSwam

Courtesy of Gary Hall Sr., 10-time World Record Holder, 3-time Olympian, 1976 Olympic Games US Flagbearer and The Race Club co-founder.

With the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo, coaches and swimmers are very concerned about the Coronavirus spread in Asia, and rightfully so. An upper respiratory infection caused by this virus can not only take a swimmer out of competition, but it can also be life-threatening.

While the total numbers of Coronavirus infection cases in China have been reported at 15,000, no one knows the true numbers. As of February 2nd, there have been 8 confirmed cases of Coronavirus infection diagnosed in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control. The virus does spread from human to human contact. We won’t know the outcome of this virus for some time, but the World Health Organization has already declared it as a Global Emergency.

As a physician, here are five recommendations I offer as preventive measures for Coronavirus or other viral illnesses. Do not travel to China in the near future (or other parts of Asia). Avoid contact as much as possible with other humans with upper respiratory infections Stay warm, well-hydrated, well-nourished and avoid sleep deprivation. Take Platinum Immune Support (two capsules) daily as a preventive measure Platinum Immune Support contains Bovine Colostrum. Colostrum is the early-formed breast milk than contains a very high percentage of protein and antibodies, which have strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. Bovine means it comes from cows (not humans) but has been shown to contain similar quantities of antibodies as human Colostrum. Colostrum has not been listed as a banned substance by WADA. Anecdotally, we have a very positive experience using Platinum Immune Support. We sent 17 Race Club swimmers to Beijing for the Olympic Games in 2008. All were taking Platinum Immune Support daily and none of our Race Club swimmers got sick.

Whenever I feel a viral illness coming on, I immediately take two capsules of Platinum Immune Support. Typically, by the next morning, the viral infection is completely eradicated. It seems to be much more effective than taking Vitamin C, Echinacea or any other products known for cold or flu prevention.

For all of our Race Club members, to help avoid getting ill near major competition, we recommend taking two capsules of the Platinum Immune Support daily from 6 weeks out of the championship meet. Then continue taking the supplement through the competition. After the competition, we recommend going off of the supplement until 6 weeks before the next big meet. It can be taken at any age. However, it seems to work better if the swimmer does not continue taking it all of the time.

As we get through the winter flu season, try taking Platinum Immune Support, stay healthy and swim fast!

Yours in Swimming,

Gary Sr.

Gary Hall, Sr., Technical Director and Head Coach of The Race Club (courtesy of TRC)

Like The Race Club on Facebook

Follow The Race Club on Instagram

Follow The Race Club on Twitter

Connect to The Race Club / Gary Hall Sr. on Linkedin

INFO@THERACECLUB.COM

See The Race Club HQ here.

THE RACE CLUB

Because Life is Worth Swimming, our mission is to promote swimming through sport, lifelong enjoyment, and good health benefits. Our objective is for each member of and each participant in The Race Club to improve his or her swimming performances, health, and self-esteem through our educational programs, services and creativity. We strive to help each member of The Race Club overcome challenges and reach his or her individual life goals.

The Race Club provides facilities, coaching, training, technical instruction, video, fitness and health programs for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Race Club swim camps are designed and tailored to satisfy each swimmer’s needs, whether one is trying to reach the Olympic Games or simply improve one’s fitness. Our programs are suitable for beginner swimmers, pleasure swimmers, fitness swimmers, USA swimming or YMCA swimmers, or triathletes; anyone who wants to improve swimming skills. All of our Race Club members share an enjoyment of being in the water and use swimming to stimulate a more active mind and body.

Read the full story on SwimSwam: The Race Club: Coronavirus Update Preventative Measures

By Jared Anderson on SwimSwam

Catholic University’s women won the program’s first-ever Landmark Conference (D-III) title, and with a fourth-straight men’s win, Catholic U became the first program to sweep Landmark swimming titles.

Full results

Catholic U’s Caroline Beal set a new conference record in winning the 100 back – she was 57.58. The junior won that race by three tenths over Lauren Byrne from Scranton. That denied Byrne a three-win meet. The Scranton junior won the 200 IM (2:04.41) and 200 back (2:05.20), breaking conference meet records in both races. And her 23.70 leadoff in the 200 free relay was yet another conference record.

Swimmer of the meet on the women’s side went to Drew senior Malavika Vishwanath. She dominated the 500 free (5:04.14), 200 free (1:54.47), and 1650 free (17:46.97), though she didn’t approach her conference records in any of the three. Vishwanath did split 1:54.0 on Drew’s 800 free relay, joining Katie Jefferson, Katie Cashin and Mackenzie Garcia to break the conference record in 7:46.73.

Other conference records for the women:

• Byrne joined Audrey Campo, Liz Howlin and Amber Diehl to go 1:36.36 and break the conference 200 free relay record.
• Drew’s Katie Cashin, a freshman, broke the 400 IM mark in 4:32.30.

On the men’s side, Catholic broke the only two conference records to fall at this year’s meet. Chris Grunbok went 2:03.75 to win the 200 breast. His teammates George Isaacs, Matthew Mahon, Jeffrey Schriefer-Flores and Kevin Jay went 1:23.78 to break the conference 200 free relay record, led by 20.6 splits from Mahon and Schriefer-Flores.

Swimmer of the Year went to Catholic’s Gregory McCarthy, who won the 200 IM (1:51.82), 400 IM (4:02.53), and 200 fly (1:52.96).

Team Scores

Women:

1. Catholic – 814.5
2. Scranton – 719
3. Susquehanna – 613
4. Drew – 564.5
5. Juniata – 218
6. Elizabethtown – 208
7. Goucher – 89

Men:

1. Catholic – 939
2. Susquehanna – 637.5
3. Drew – 541.5
4. Scranton – 535
5. Elizabethtown – 249
6. Goucher – 177
7. Juniata – 56

Catholic U sophomore Daniel Taylor put together a hype video of the championships, which you can see below:

Read the full story on SwimSwam: Catholic University Becomes First Program To Sweep Landmark Conference Swimming

By SwimSwam Contributors on SwimSwam

Courtesy: Elizabeth Wickham

Dear Swim Mom,

I have an 11-year-old girl who swims competitively. I am finding out that age group swimming is full of new stuff, good and bad.

I want to get your input on the following matter. The first thing that never crossed my mind was the different rates kids grow regardless of their ages. In my observation, the early bloomers seem to be faster than their teammates—even when these early bloomers are younger in age—about six months to a year younger. Is that a correct observation?

My daughter is a much later bloomer compared to these younger swimmers. If my observation is correct, what can she do in the meantime?

I heard that the true speed will show once everyone stops growing, which can be around 14 or 15 years old. Is that correct?

Thank you for any advice you can give me.

—Late Bloomer Mom

————-

Dear Late Bloomer Mom,

I do believe you are correct in your observations. Early bloomers have an advantage, but eventually things even out after differences in growth level out.

My kids were both late bloomers, too, so I understand your feelings. One thing my kids focused on when they were behind growth-wise was technique. Good technique will help out in the long run. Also, a strong work ethic and a desire to compete and swim are things that helped my daughter compete against earlier bloomers and those with more talent. Consistency in coming to practice is so important, too.

As a parent, try not to focus too much on times. It can make your daughter be more focused on times, too. At age 11, it’s important to have fun and love being in the water. Remember there is so much more to swimming than just the times.

I saw some kids struggle after they had rapid growth spurts, too. It’s like they weren’t used to their new bodies and they plateaued or got slower until they got used to their added inches and pounds. So, even when your child grows and catches up to her peers, she may struggle for a bit.

I hope you find this helpful and your daughter sticks with swimming for the long-term. With hard work and passion, anything can happen!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Wickham

What advice do you have for Late Bloomer Mom? What should her daughter focus on rather than the clock as an 11-year-old swimmer?

If you have a question for Elizabeth Wickham, please email her at ewickham@me.com.

Elizabeth Wickham volunteered for 14 years on her kids’ club team as board member, fundraiser, newsletter editor and “Mrs. meet manager.” She’s a writer with a bachelor of arts degree in editorial journalism from the University of Washington with a long career in public relations, marketing and advertising. Her stories have appeared in newspapers and magazines including the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Parenting and Ladybug. You can read more parenting tips on her blog.

Read the full story on SwimSwam: Ask Swim Mom: About Those Late Bloomers

By SwimSwam on SwimSwam

SwimSwam welcomes reader submissions about all topics aquatic, and if it’s well-written and well-thought, we might just post it under our “Shouts from the Stands” series. We don’t necessarily endorse the content of the Shouts from the Stands posts, and the opinions remain those of their authors. If you have thoughts to share, please send themtoshare@swimswam.com.

This “Shouts from the Stands” submission comes from Steve Crocker, a swim coach and engineer who designs aquatics facilities for Water Technology, Inc., and Danylo Proskura, the associate head coach at the Golden West Swim Club in California.

There are two different seasons and two different types of pools used for the sport of swimming. Long course pools are 50 meters in length and short course pools are half as long — either 25 meters or in some cases, 25 yards. The US is the only place in the world that trains and competes in 25-yard distances and we do this for all high school and college swimming championships.

The US is unique in that we have large high school and college swimming organizations hosting championships in every state and every college division each year. We also have USA Swimming with hundreds of USA Swimming clubs around the county. In most of the world, there is only club swimming which is probably a major factor to explain the success of American swimmers on the international stage.

The Olympic Swimming Competition is held in a long course pool. Surprisingly, many people who watch the Olympics are unaware that the pool they race in is over twice as long as their local 25-yard pool. Generally, the world swims a long course season from about January through August and a short course season from about September through December. FINA hosts world championships in both short course and long course seasons.

In the US, the short season is dominated by training and competitions in 25-yard courses. A 25-yard course is about 10% shorter than a 25-meter course which is barely noticeable. Times are roughly 10% faster in yards. In 25-yard meets there is the 500 free — not the 400 and the 1,650 — not 1500.

College Swimming consists primarily of NCAA, NAIA, and Junior College institutions — over 900 schools have swimming teams and championships in 25-yard courses. American college swimming is the international arena for athletes all over the world to train and compete during the college year. They have access to great facilities and are coached by many of the world’s top coaches. Many can use swimming to get a free or low-cost education.

The NCAA Division 1 swimming championships is considered to be one of the fastest international swimming meets in the world. It’s the culmination of a 7-month season and is made more intense by the team aspect. Interestingly, the rest of the world barely notices as the times (in yards) are completely foreign to the rest of the world.

It can be argued that such emphasis on 25-yard swimming does and injustice to college swimmers — American and international. One issue is that training and racing have been conducted over distances that are 10% short. Because pool floor markings, backstroke flags locations, etc. are unique in 25-yard pools, athletes spend time developing technique to those specific requirements which have to be unlearned during their long course seasons. International athletes are significantly penalized by the completion of a 7-month season without times which could be used to qualify for their national teams/international competitions.

A true “Olympic Pool” has dimensions of 50-meters x 25- meters. Interesting among 50-meter college facilities in the US is that the vast majority are only 25 yards wide (allowing 25-yard training and/or competition in either direction). These pools are less desirable than Olympic pools for hosting international events.

Competing frequently in the correct course is what is most important. In 1992, the author set a world record in the short course 50-meter freestyle with 100% of the training sessions being conducted in a 25-yard pool. Racing meters is more worthy of getting a proper experience for events like 200 and 400 stroke and IM, and 1500. But training meters is crucial in getting proper skills. There is an argument about how to train 200 LCM Free in yards, whether you should train 200 SCY or 500 SCY. But none of that is close in racing strategy and/or times.

There are record books and so much history based upon 25-yard swimming “you can’t just throw that away”. Yes, you can — we do it frequently in the sport of swimming when we make rule changes or allow new technology such as wedge blocks, bodysuits, etc. While you can’t convert records from 25 yards to 25-meters, converting an individual’s times from 25-yard to 25-meter is simple and accurate.

I argue that the advantages of switching short course swimming in the US to 25-meters far exceed the reasons for sticking with the status quo. In the NCAA Division 1 meets in 2019 there would have likely been 5 or 6 world records set. Instead, there were zero. At the end of 2019, the International Swimming League brought in a SCM Championship to the US. That made it possible for American athletes to set the world record and national records as well. Unlike the NCAA track and field championship, the world pays no attention to NCAA swimming. American and international athletes deserve to finish their college seasons with times that really count. Times that can qualify them for national teams, Olympic Trials, etc. Standardization of rules just makes sense. Why should swimmers practice different turns, etc. because the pool markings are odd for their championship meet. Why swim 10% shorter distances? Does this seem like a smart thing to do if you want to be successful against the world’s best?

It’s going to be an uphill battle to convince the governing bodies that it’s time to make a change.

Collegiate track and field used to compete in yards and have successfully transitioned to meters. We can too. If not now, then when?

Read the full story on SwimSwam: The Time Has Come For The US To Join The Rest Of The World And Race Meters

By Lauren Neidigh on SwimSwam

2020 MEN’S PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Wednesday, March 4 – Saturday, March 7 (Diving Feb. 26-29)
• Federal Way, WA (Pacific Time Zone)
• Defending Champion: Cal (2x) (results)
• Live results (Coming soon)
• Championship Central
• Psych Sheets (Coming soon)

The Cal Golden Bears are the 2-time defending Pac-12 Champions, and the heavy favorites to make it a threepeat at the 2020 Pac-12 Championships. Things could get interesting in the runner-up race. Stanford has taken that position over the last 2 years, but they could be battling closely with Arizona and Arizona State.

SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY

• 800 Freestyle Relay
• 400 Medley Relay

THURSDAY

• 500 Freestyle
• 200 Individual Medley
• 50 Freestyle
• 200 Freestyle Relay

FRIDAY

• 400 Individual Medley
• 100 Butterfly
• 200 Freestyle
• 100 Breaststroke
• 100 Backstroke
• 200 Medley Relay

SATURDAY

• 1650 Freestyle
• 200 Backstroke
• 100 Freestyle
• 200 Breaststroke
• 200 Butterfly
• 400 Freestyle Relay

STARS

ARIZONA

STARS: Thomas Anderson (senior IM/backstroker), Brooks Fail(junior freestyler), Marin Ercegovic (sophomore sprinter),Jorge Iga(senior sprinter), Sam Iida (junior breast/IMer), Isaac Stump (junior back/IMer), Brendan Meyer (senior fly/freestyler), Eric Correa (sophomore diver), Etay Gurevich(senior fly/IMer), Casey Ponton (junior diver) – The Wildcats return most of their top scorers, but are without Pac-12 medalist Chatham Dobbs as he’s now graduated. David Schlict, the runner-up in both IMs in 2019, is taking a redshirt. Fail has been a star for this team, picking up several winning triples in dual meets this season. He’s a big threat for the distance titles and leads the Pac-12 this season. The Wildcats should also get a boost from their IM depth with Anderson, Gurevich, and Iida.

ARIZONA STATE

STARS:Zachary Poti (senior backstroker), Jack Dolan(freshman freestyler), Evan Carlson (junior sprinter),Carter Swift(junior freestyler), Ben Olszewski(senior distance freestyler), Cody Bybee (sophomore fly/freestyler), Liam Bresette (sophomore freestyler), Youssef Selim (senior diver) – The biggest loss to graduations for the Sun Devils are diver David Hoffer, and Grant House is taking a redshirt, but they should still get plenty of points on the boards from Selim. He’s the team’s top returning scorer and the reigning 1-meter and platform champion. They also return Pac-12 champ Poti, one of their top swimming scorers in 2019. Freshman Dolan is a key addition an could come up big for them on relays.

CALIFORNIA

STARS: Hugo Gonzalez(redshirt sophomore back/IMer),Zheng Quah(senior back/butterflier),Pawel Sendyk(senior sprinter), Ryan Hoffer(junior sprinter), Reece Whitley(sophomore breaststroker),Sean Grieshop(junior IMer),Trenton Julian(junior free/fly/IMer),Bryce Mefford(junior free/backstroker),Michael Jensen(senior freestyler),Daniel Carr(junior backstroker) – Though they’re now without All-Americans Seliskar, Norman, and Thomas, the Bears still have a loaded lineup. Gonzalez joins them this season after transferring from Auburn. The SEC champion is a big threat here in the IMs and 200 back. Sprinters Jensen, Hoffer, and Sendyk will continue to light up the relays. Cal is loaded in a ton of areas, including the sprints, backstrokes, and IMs.

STANFORD

STARS: Matthew Hirschberger(junior distance freestyler), Conor Casey (sophomore diver), Shane Blinkman(freshman breast/IMer), Jack LeVant(somphomore fly/freestyler), Alex Liang (junior fly/IMer), Noah Vigran (sophomore diver), Grant Shoults (senior freestyler), Hank Poppe (senior breaststroker), Johannes Calloni(junior IM/freestyler), James Murphy(senior distance freestyler), Brennan Pastorek (junior breast/IMer), Daniel Roy(sophomore IM/breaststroker) – NCAA Champion Abrahm DeVine has now graduated, but Pac-12 champ Shoults returns after missing last season due to injury. Shoults’ return is also a big help as All-American distance swimmer True Sweetser is taking a redshirt this season. They should still bring in a good distance hall between Shoults, Murphy, LeVant, and Calloni. Another one of the Cardinal’s strengths is their depth in the breaststrokes with Roy, Pastorek, and Poppe. With Casey and Vigran on the boards, they should get a big boost from diving.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

STARS: Victor Johansson(sophomore distance freestyler), Nikola Miljenic(sophomore sprinter), Alexei Sancov(sophomore freestyler), Mark Jurek (senior fly/IMer) – USC will have to make up for some big losses now that Vissering, Valente, Grissom, and Mulcare have graduated. That leaves a lot of spots to fill from last season’s relays as well. They return Pac-12 champion Johansson and should bring in a lot of freestyle points as Sancov also has the potential to final in 3 freestyle events. Sprinter Miljenic was the team’s top scorer last season.

UTAH

STARS: Tony Chen (sophomore diver), Liam O’Haimhirgin (senior sprinter), Rahiti De Vos(senior distance freestyler), David Fridlander (redshirt-sophomore backstroker), Ryan Little (sophomore diver), Andrew Britton (sophomore breaststroker), Cooper Deryk(transfer sophomore freestyler) – The Utes are now without a couple of last season’s top scorers: Daniel McArthur and Austin Phillips. They’ll also have to fill their shoes in the relays. O’Haimhirgin is a returning championship finalist in 2 events. Deryk, a transfer from FSU, is a key addition for relays and sprint points.

SHOWDOWNS

500 FREE – After winning the event as a freshman, USC’s Victor Johansson will look to defend his title. Teammate Alexei Sancov didn’t swim this event last season, but his lifetime best is about a second off last season’s winning time. Stanford’s Grant Shoults, a 2-time Pac-12 Champion in this event, is back after redshirting last season. The event could get very crowded as it’ll also include the Cardinal’s Jack LeVant, Matthew Hirschberger, James Murphy, and Johannes Calloni. Cal’s Trenton Julian and Sean Grieshop are returning medalist. Arizona’s Brooks Fail is back after just missing the podium last season and is the current Pac-12 leader for the season.

100 BACK – Arizona State returns reigning champion Zach Poti in this race. He has a good shot to repeat, but it’s no guarantee as Cal’sDaniel Carr is also a sub-45 backstroker and leads the Pac-12 this season. The Bears’ Bryce Mefford has been close with a 45-low best time. Arizona’sThomas Anderson also has an outside shot to win it with a 45-high best.

100 FREE – Cal could wind up with a podium sweep here, with sprint stars Ryan Hoffer, Pawel Sendyk, and Michael Jensen all battling for the win. Last season, Sendyk just edged out Jensen for the title. Arizona’s Marin Ercegovic and Arizona State’s Carter Swift are also in the title conversation as they’ve been 42-mid this season. Returning finalists Liam O’Haimhirgin (Utah),Jorge Iga (Arizona), and Nikola Miljenic (USC) will also factor in.

SELECTIONS

The Swimulator meets our expectations of Cal taking the title. We could see a 3-team fight for the 2nd place spot. Arizona is projected to finish as the runner-up, with in-state rival ASU less than 100 points back. Stanford is a distant 4th in the Swimulator rankings, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them perform significantly better. USC is projected 6th, and will need some of their freshmen to step up in order to fight for another top 3 finish. Diving points, which are not included in the Swimulator, will probably play a big role in the outcome between those 3 teams.

SWIMULATOR PICKS

SWIMSWAM PICKS

We have to take some things into consideration when looking at the Swimulator rankings, which are based on the fastest times posted this season ahead of the meet. It’s worth noting that we’ll actually have the diving scores well before the meet even starts, as the men’s divers compete during the women’s championships a week prior. Considering the diving points that will factor into play, Stanford could be given an edge before the meet even starts. They return 98 points between their top 2 divers from last season. Relays are also likely to shake up from their midseason standings.

1. Cal
2. Stanford
3. Arizona
4. Arizona State
5. USC
6. Utah

Read the full story on SwimSwam: 2020 Men’s Pac-12 Championships Fan Guide: Bears Hunting Threepeat

By Daniela Kapser on SwimSwam

Jadé Foelske studiert im ersten Jahr an der Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, USA. Zu dem Trainerstab, von dem sie betreut wird, gehört u.a. Michael Phelps Erfolgstrainer Bob Bowman und Rachel Stratton-Mills. Bowman trainiert seit der Saison 2015/2016 das Schwimmteam der ASU und einige Profischwimmer wie die Olympiasiegerin von 2012, Allison Schmitt, ziehen ebenfalls ihre Bahnen im sonnigen Arizona. Michael Phelps hat sich hier auf die Olympischen Spiele 2016 vorbereitet.

Die “Sun Devils” sind Teil der Divisision I der NCAA College Liga. Zur Division I gehören die besten Collegeschwimmteams der USA, regelmäßig treten einige der besten amerikanischen und internationalen Schwimmer in den Wettbewerben an. Weltstars wie Katinka Hosszu haben in den USA studiert und sind für Collegeteams geschwommen, aber auch US Stars von Natalie Coughlin, Nathan Adrian, Ryan Lochete bis zu Missy Franklin, Katie Ledecky oder Caeleb Dressel holten Punkte und Siege für ihre Uni. Geschwommen wird in der NCAA auf der 25 Yards Bahn. Neben Schwimmen gehören zu den NCAA Sportarten u.a. American Football, Leichtathletik, Basketball. Die Endekämpfe finden immer im März eines Jahres statt, die Amerikaner sprechen dann von der “March Madness”. An den Superbowl Sunday reicht die Euphorie nicht heran, aber selbst für Ivy League Unis wie Stanford oder Princeton sind Siege in der NCAA prestigeträchtig (Ivy League: die acht besten Unis im Nordosten der USA: Brown, Colombia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Pennsylvania und Yale). Die Colleges der Division I und II dürfen Sportstipendien vergeben, diese sind natürlich sehr begehrt und auch für ausländische Sporttalente erreichbar.

Jadé Foelske hat neben der deutschen auch die amerikanische Staatsbürgerschaft. Bis zum Beginn ihres Studiums lebte sie mit ihrer Familie in Atlanta und schwamm sehr erfolgreich für ihre High School und den Dynamo Swim Club. Bei den Pac-12 Championships am vergangenen Wochenende war sie fleißige Punktesammlerin für die ASU: Über 100 Yards Schmetterling wurde sie Neunte in 52,98 Sekunden, über 200 Yards Schmetterling sogar 6. in 1:56,53 Minuten. Am Sonntag dann nahm sie ihre Chance wahr, in einem Time Trial (Pac-12 Last Chance Meet) nochmals die 200 Yards Schmetterling zu schwimmen und dabei erreichte sie wiederum eine neue persönliche Bestzeit von 1:55,36 Minuten. Diese Zeit ist ein neuer Schulrekord der ASU und sie belegt zur Zeit Platz 23 im aktuellen NCAA Ranking. Somit ist sie beim Endkampf startberechtigt. Als Freshman (ein Student im ersten Studienjahr) ein hervorragendes Ergebnis für die 18-Jährige.

Die Colleges/Unis treten in sogenannten “Conference” Wettbewerben, z.B. Pac-12 oder B1G an. Aus diesen Wettbewerben ergeben sich dann Rankings, die 30 besten Schwimmer-/innen in jedem Wettbewerb werden zum NCAA Finale eingeladen. Dort gewinnt dann die Mannschaft mit den meisten Punkten den begehrten Titel!

Read the full story on SwimSwam: Jadé Foelske erreicht TOP Platzierung im Vorkampf der US Collegeliga NCAA

By SwimSwam Partner Content on SwimSwam

Courtesy: TritonWear, a SwimSwam partner. 

Improving the underwater phase of a swim is a key component to swimming faster. Maximizing time underwater isn’t about spending the longest time underwater. It’s about using this time to gain distance off the walls quickly, while retaining as much speed as possible.

Here are 5 tips to maximize time underwater.

1. Maintain a tight streamline

Swimmers reach maximum speed right at the end of the push-off, before drag starts to take hold. In this moment, reducing drag is a critical factor in improving the underwater portion of a swim.

The easiest, most effective way to reduce drag is to keep a tight streamline position throughout the underwater phase. This will allow you to go farther, faster.

2. Aim for high push-off strength

Given that the fastest speed for any given length occurs right at the end of the push-off, a stronger push-off will produce greater speed that can be sustained longer during the underwater phase.

A powerful push-off helps you accelerate off the walls quicker, and provides more speed to carry you through the underwater all the way to the breakout and stroking portion of the swim.

3. Know when to break surface

A large part of maximizing time underwater is breaking out at the optimal time. Taking the first stroke too early minimizes the advantage gained from the initial speed off the walls. Conversely, spending too long underwater will also slow you down.

The ideal distance to break surface is at the point where speed underwater drops far enough to match maximum stroking speed.

4. Be consistent

Most swimmers tend to drop time underwater as a race progresses, but one thing that sets faster swimmers apart is their ability to maintain consistency throughout the race.

The key is to focus on producing consistent time underwater, without sacrificing distance or speed. This means being consistent with a strong push-off and powerful dolphin kicks.

5. Have a strong up-kick

In dolphin kicks, most swimmers tend to have a strong down kick and weaker up kick. While majority of the propulsive force comes from the down kick, the up kick is also a significant source of speed.

To truly maximize time underwater, every component should be optimized. A missed detail is a missed opportunity to swim faster.

Check out TritonWear’s Resource Library for more awesome content to help you drop time and win your races.

VISIT THE TRITONWEAR HQ

LIKE TRITONWEAR ON FACEBOOK

FOLLOW TRITONWEAR ON TWITTER

FOLLOW TRITONWEAR ON INSTAGRAM

Courtesy: TritonWear, a SwimSwam partner. 

Read the full story on SwimSwam: 5 Swimming Tips to Improve Your Underwaters

By Lauren Neidigh on SwimSwam

2020 MEN’S PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Wednesday, March 4 – Saturday, March 7 (Diving Feb. 26-29)
• Federal Way, WA (Pacific Time Zone)
• Defending Champion: Cal (2x) (results)
• Championship Central
• Psych Sheets (Coming soon)
• Estimated NCAA Invite Times
• NCAA ‘A’ Cuts
• Live Results (coming soon)

The swimming events of the 2020 men’s Pac-12 Championships are set to begin with relays on Wednesday. However, the diving events were already completed last week. That gives us an idea of which teams will get an early lead from diving, and which teams have some ground to make up. Read on for a summary of the team scoring through diving and how that may impact the team race. Keep in mind that while the women’s Pac-12 meet is scored through the C final, the men only score the top 16.

While USC has the fewest swimming points in the Swimulator scores of the current season rankings, they come into the meet with a lead. Their divers tallied 110 points. Henry Fusaro was the bronze medalist on the 3-meter. Teammate Georgii Korovin earned silver on the platform.

Arizona (96) and Stanford (93) are closely behind. Bjorn Markentin was the platform champion for Arizona and earned 1-meter bronze. Stanford’s Conor Casey won both the 1-meter and 3-meter for the Cardinal. They went 1-2 in the 3-meter with teammate Noah Vigran taking silver. Vigran earned platform bronze. You can view all diving results here.

1-METER SCORES

1. USC 35
2. Arizona 32
3. Utah 30
4. Stanford 24
5. ASU 17
6. Cal 12

3-METER SCORES

1. Stanford 41
2. USC 39
3. Arizona 29
4. Utah 21
5. ASU 15
6. Cal 7

PLATFORM SCORES

1. USC 36
2. Arizona 35
3. Stanford 28
4. Utah 23
5. ASU 15
6. Cal 9

CURRENT TEAM SCORES (ALL DIVING)

1. USC 110
2. Arizona 96
3. Stanford 93
4. Utah 74
5. ASU 47
6. Cal 28

SWIMULATOR SCORES 3/2

These are the results of the Swimulator for the Pac-12, which do not include diving. It’s important to note that this is not a prediction of the meet outcome. It’s a scoring simulation based on the top times thus far in the season.

CURRENT TEAM SCORES (ALL DIVING) + SWIMULATOR PROJECTIONS

Even though Cal had the fewest diving points, they’re still the heavy favorites to win this meet. The biggest difference-maker came between USC and Utah. If you add diving points to the Swimulator scores, the Trojans come out a few points ahead. However, Utah performed dominantly in their dual meet with USC a couple of weeks ago, so this should be a fun race between them.

1. Cal 853.5
2. Arizona 665.5
3. ASU 558.5
4. Stanford 452.5
5. USC 417.5
6. Utah 413.5

Read the full story on SwimSwam: 2020 Men’s Pac-12 Championships: USC Comes in with a Diving Lead

By Jared Anderson on SwimSwam

A retired swim coach in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan has been arrested and accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old child, local media report.

66-year-old David Alsager was arrested last Wednesday, according to The Morning Sun, a newspaper out of Michigan. The paper reports that Alsager was arrested after an investigation by Mt. Pleasant police into allegations that Alsager had engaged in sexual activity with a child. Alsager was briefly jailed, then released on $20,000 bail. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3.

Local police said the investigation followed a November 2019 report that involved a 12-year-old girl.

Alsager was a coach in the Mt. Pleasant Public School district, and also coached with the Mt. Pleasant Pacers Swim Club, according to The Morning Sun. A website for the Mt. Pleasant Pacers doesn’t appear to have been updated since 2016. A 2015 news article on UpNorthLive.com lists Alsager as a coach of the Mt. Pleasant High School girls swimming & diving team“for more than a decade,” but notes that the program was set to be discontinued due to a pool shutdown.

MINews26 reports that Alsager has been charged with criminal sexual conduct, and that he was retired as a swim coach.

Read the full story on SwimSwam: Retired Michigan HS Swim Coach Arrested, Accused of Sexual Assault

By Karl Ortegon on SwimSwam

Distance freestyler Anna Kalandadze, who has raced with Cal in her freshman season, has entered the NCAA transfer portal. She came to Cal from Pennsylvania, where she trained with Radnor Aquatic Club and Lower Moreland High School.

PRE-COLLEGE BESTS

• 200y free – 1:48.34
• 500y free – 4:46.25
• 1000y free – 9:56.61
• 1650y free – 16:24.31

BEST TIMES AT CAL

• 1000y free – 9:46.58 (split during mile)
• 1650y free – 16:12.01
• 200y breast – 2:18.69

Kalandadze had a big drop in the mile at the 2019 Minnesota Invitational, dropping over 12 seconds and setting a new personal best in the 1000 free in the process. She was also within a tenth of her 500 free time at that meet, clocking a 4:46.33, and she was 1:49.97 in the 200 free at that meet, too.

Kalandadze entered the portal prior to the Pac-12 Championships; however, her season-best ranks her 30th in the country, which would have earned her an NCAA invite.

Her last meet with Cal was the last meet the team contested, their dual against rivals Stanford.

Part of a strong freshman distance crew, Kalandadze holds the #2 mile time and #5 500 free time on the Cal roster this season. Cal has been very thin on distance of late (nobody raced the mile once for the Bears last year), but freshmen Rachel Klinker and Sarah Dimeco remain on the roster. Dimeco holds the top mile time this season for Cal (16:11.14) with Klinker third behind Kalandadze.

Read the full story on SwimSwam: Cal Freshman Anna Kalandadze Enters NCAA Transfer Portal

By Lauren Neidigh on SwimSwam

2020 MEN’S PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Wednesday, March 4 – Saturday, March 7 (Diving Feb. 26-29)
• Federal Way, WA (Pacific Time Zone)
• Defending Champion: Cal (2x) (results)
• Live results (Coming soon)
• Championship Central
• Psych Sheets (Coming soon)

The Cal Golden Bears are the 2-time defending Pac-12 Champions, and the heavy favorites to make it a threepeat at the 2020 Pac-12 Championships. Things could get interesting in the runner-up race. Stanford has taken that position over the last 2 years, but they could be battling closely with Arizona and Arizona State.

SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY

• 800 Freestyle Relay
• 400 Medley Relay

THURSDAY

• 500 Freestyle
• 200 Individual Medley
• 50 Freestyle
• 200 Freestyle Relay

FRIDAY

• 400 Individual Medley
• 100 Butterfly
• 200 Freestyle
• 100 Breaststroke
• 100 Backstroke
• 200 Medley Relay

SATURDAY

• 1650 Freestyle
• 200 Backstroke
• 100 Freestyle
• 200 Breaststroke
• 200 Butterfly
• 400 Freestyle Relay

STARS

ARIZONA

STARS: Thomas Anderson (senior IM/backstroker), Brooks Fail(junior freestyler), Marin Ercegovic (sophomore sprinter),Jorge Iga(senior sprinter), Sam Iida (junior breast/IMer), Isaac Stump (junior back/IMer), Brendan Meyer (senior fly/freestyler), Eric Correa (sophomore diver), Etay Gurevich(senior fly/IMer), Casey Ponton (junior diver) – The Wildcats return most of their top scorers, but are without Pac-12 medalist Chatham Dobbs as he’s now graduated. David Schlict, the runner-up in both IMs in 2019, is taking a redshirt. Fail has been a star for this team, picking up several winning triples in dual meets this season. He’s a big threat for the distance titles and leads the Pac-12 this season. The Wildcats should also get a boost from their IM depth with Anderson, Gurevich, and Iida.

ARIZONA STATE

STARS:Zachary Poti (senior backstroker), Jack Dolan(freshman freestyler), Evan Carlson (junior sprinter),Carter Swift(junior freestyler), Ben Olszewski(senior distance freestyler), Cody Bybee (sophomore fly/freestyler), Liam Bresette (sophomore freestyler), Youssef Selim (senior diver) – The biggest loss to graduations for the Sun Devils are diver David Hoffer, and Grant House is taking a redshirt, but they should still get plenty of points on the boards from Selim. He’s the team’s top returning scorer and the reigning 1-meter and platform champion. They also return Pac-12 champ Poti, one of their top swimming scorers in 2019. Freshman Dolan is a key addition an could come up big for them on relays.

CALIFORNIA

STARS: Hugo Gonzalez(redshirt sophomore back/IMer),Zheng Quah(senior back/butterflier),Pawel Sendyk(senior sprinter), Ryan Hoffer(junior sprinter), Reece Whitley(sophomore breaststroker),Sean Grieshop(junior IMer),Trenton Julian(junior free/fly/IMer),Bryce Mefford(junior free/backstroker),Michael Jensen(senior freestyler),Daniel Carr(junior backstroker) – Though they’re now without All-Americans Seliskar, Norman, and Thomas, the Bears still have a loaded lineup. Gonzalez joins them this season after transferring from Auburn. The SEC champion is a big threat here in the IMs and 200 back. Sprinters Jensen, Hoffer, and Sendyk will continue to light up the relays. Cal is loaded in a ton of areas, including the sprints, backstrokes, and IMs.

STANFORD

STARS: Matthew Hirschberger(junior distance freestyler), Conor Casey (sophomore diver), Shane Blinkman(freshman breast/IMer), Jack LeVant(somphomore fly/freestyler), Alex Liang (junior fly/IMer), Noah Vigran (sophomore diver), Grant Shoults (senior freestyler), Hank Poppe (senior breaststroker), Johannes Calloni(junior IM/freestyler), James Murphy(senior distance freestyler), Brennan Pastorek (junior breast/IMer), Daniel Roy(sophomore IM/breaststroker) – NCAA Champion Abrahm DeVine has now graduated, but Pac-12 champ Shoults returns after missing last season due to injury. Shoults’ return is also a big help as All-American distance swimmer True Sweetser is taking a redshirt this season. They should still bring in a good distance hall between Shoults, Murphy, LeVant, and Calloni. Another one of the Cardinal’s strengths is their depth in the breaststrokes with Roy, Pastorek, and Poppe. With Casey and Vigran on the boards, they should get a big boost from diving.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

STARS: Victor Johansson(sophomore distance freestyler), Nikola Miljenic(sophomore sprinter), Alexei Sancov(sophomore freestyler), Mark Jurek (senior fly/IMer) – USC will have to make up for some big losses now that Vissering, Valente, Grissom, and Mulcare have graduated. That leaves a lot of spots to fill from last season’s relays as well. They return Pac-12 champion Johansson and should bring in a lot of freestyle points as Sancov also has the potential to final in 3 freestyle events. Sprinter Miljenic was the team’s top scorer last season.

UTAH

STARS: Tony Chen (sophomore diver), Liam O’Haimhirgin (senior sprinter), Rahiti De Vos(senior distance freestyler), David Fridlander (redshirt-sophomore backstroker), Ryan Little (sophomore diver), Andrew Britton (sophomore breaststroker), Cooper Deryk(transfer sophomore freestyler) – The Utes are now without a couple of last season’s top scorers: Daniel McArthur and Austin Phillips. They’ll also have to fill their shoes in the relays. O’Haimhirgin is a returning championship finalist in 2 events. Deryk, a transfer from FSU, is a key addition for relays and sprint points.

SHOWDOWNS

500 FREE – After winning the event as a freshman, USC’s Victor Johansson will look to defend his title. Teammate Alexei Sancov didn’t swim this event last season, but his lifetime best is about a second off last season’s winning time. Stanford’s Grant Shoults, a 2-time Pac-12 Champion in this event, is back after redshirting last season. The event could get very crowded as it’ll also include the Cardinal’s Jack LeVant, Matthew Hirschberger, James Murphy, and Johannes Calloni. Cal’s Trenton Julian and Sean Grieshop are returning medalist. Arizona’s Brooks Fail is back after just missing the podium last season and is the current Pac-12 leader for the season.

100 BACK – Arizona State returns reigning champion Zach Poti in this race. He has a good shot to repeat, but it’s no guarantee as Cal’sDaniel Carr is also a sub-45 backstroker and leads the Pac-12 this season. The Bears’ Bryce Mefford has been close with a 45-low best time. Arizona’sThomas Anderson also has an outside shot to win it with a 45-high best.

100 FREE – Cal could wind up with a podium sweep here, with sprint stars Ryan Hoffer, Pawel Sendyk, and Michael Jensen all battling for the win. Last season, Sendyk just edged out Jensen for the title. Arizona’s Marin Ercegovic and Arizona State’s Carter Swift are also in the title conversation as they’ve been 42-mid this season. Returning finalists Liam O’Haimhirgin (Utah),Jorge Iga (Arizona), and Nikola Miljenic (USC) will also factor in.

SELECTIONS

The Swimulator meets our expectations of Cal taking the title. We could see a 3-team fight for the 2nd place spot. Arizona is projected to finish as the runner-up, with in-state rival ASU less than 100 points back. Stanford is a distant 4th in the Swimulator rankings, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them perform significantly better. USC is projected 6th, and will need some of their freshmen to step up in order to fight for another top 3 finish. Diving points, which are not included in the Swimulator, will probably play a big role in the outcome between those 3 teams.

SWIMULATOR PICKS

SWIMSWAM PICKS

We have to take some things into consideration when looking at the Swimulator rankings, which are based on the fastest times posted this season ahead of the meet. It’s worth noting that we’ll actually have the diving scores well before the meet even starts, as the men’s divers compete during the women’s championships a week prior. Considering the diving points that will factor into play, Stanford could be given an edge before the meet even starts. They return 98 points between their top 2 divers from last season. Relays are also likely to shake up from their midseason standings.

1. Cal
2. Stanford
3. Arizona
4. Arizona State
5. USC
6. Utah

Read the full story on SwimSwam: 2020 Men’s Pac-12 Championships Fan Guide: Bears Hunting Threepeat

By Lauren Neidigh on SwimSwam

2020 PRO SWIM SERIES DES MOINES

• March 4-7, 2020
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Long Course Meters
• Meet Info
• Psych Sheets

The 3rd Pro Swim Series meet of the 2019-2020 swim series is set to take place this week in Des Moines, Iowa. Initial pre-scratch psych sheets for the meet have been released. Star sprinter Caeleb Dressel is entered in 8 events. In addition to his traditional focus races (50 free/100 free/100 fly), in which he’s the American Record holder and even the World Record holder in the 100 fly, Dressel has placed entries in the 100 back, 100 breast, 200 free, 200 fly, and 200 IM.

Dressel is the American Record holder in the yards version of the 200 IM and was at one time the American Record holder in the yards 100 breast, but we’ve never really seen him swim those events at a long course focus meet. He’s already swum a lifetime best in the 200 IM this season with a 1:59.97 at the U.S. Open in December. The 200 fly isn’t an event he swims too often, but he raced to a lifetime best 1:56.29 last year.

Fellow Florida postgrad Ryan Lochte has entered 6 events: the 100 free, 200 free, 400 free, 200 IM, 400 IM, and 200 IM. He isn’t entered in the 200 back, an event in which he’s an Olympic gold medalist. At the Pro Swim Series in Greensboro this season, Lochte swam his fastest 100 free since 2016 (50.56). He and Dressel recently swam the 400 free at the Olympic Trials qualifier in Orlando.

On the women’s side, reigning World Champion Simone Manuel is entered in her traditional events: the 50 free, 100 free, and 200 free. She’s also entered in the 100 fly and 100 back. She swam those events in the Pro Swim Series at Knoxville and Greensboro this season.

World Record holder Regan Smith returns after taking down a pair of PSS Records in Knoxville. She’s got another packed schedule and will go after her record in the 100 and 200 backstrokes. Smith will also swim the 100 free, 100 fly, 200 fly, and 200 IM. Smith set the 17-18 NAG Record in the 100 fly in Knoxville. Torri Huske, whose record she broke, won’t be at this meet.

A few more notable entries:

• World Champion Jordan Wilimovsky, who specialized in distance free and open water, will swim his first meet of the year.  He’s entered in the mile, 400 free, and 800 free.
• Olympic champion Katie Ledecky will also swim her first meet of the year. She’s entered in the distance races and the 200 free.
• Kathleen Baker, another Olympic medalist, is coming off a strong performance in France where she neared her lifetime best in the 200 IM. She’s entered in both backstrokes, as well as the 100 free, 100 breast, and 200 IM.
• Chase Kalisz, an IM World Champion, is entered in the 100 fly, 200 fly, 200 back, 200 breast, and 200 IM. This would be his first Pro Swim Series meet of the season. So far, he’s only competed in December’s U.S. Open since August. Notably, he’s not entered in the 400 IM, where he was the 2016 Olympic silver medalist and 2017 World Champion.

Read the full story on SwimSwam: 2020 Des Moines Pro Swim Series Psych Sheets: Dressel Enters 8 Events

By Retta Race on SwimSwam

We reported how the Niigata Open and Kanazawa Open swimming competitions for able-bodied swimmers were both cancelled by the Japanese Swimming Federation due to health concerns, but now an even more impactful meet has been eliminated.

Due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Japanese Para Swimming Federation has just cancelled the Para Olympic Swimming Trials (Spring Championships).

Originally slated for March 6th – March 8th in the Shizuoka Prefecture, the organization’s Trials are now in limbo, with the possibility of them being held towards the end of May instead.

The action was undertaken due to the Japanese government’s request for the cancellation of large-scale sports and cultural events as the COVID-19 virus spreads worldwide.

Per the official announcement, “The time and method of selecting the Tokyo 2020 Para Swimming National Team will be discussed, but we are possibly considering the Japan Para Swimming Competition to now be held on May 22nd – May 24th.

“The entry fee will not be refunded, but instead will be applied to next year’s Para Swimming Spring Championships.”

The Japanese Para Swimming Federation announcement also stated that it asks for understanding in response to the urgent announcement.

Official JPN Para Swimming Cancellation Announcement

As of publishing, there are 88,371 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with 256 of those stemming from Japan. To note, Japan’s population hovers around 126 million people, but the influx of travelers to the nation will be growing rapidly in the next several months as the globe gears up for the 2020 Olympic Games hosted in Tokyo.

The news of the swimming meet cancellations comes just days after the Japanese Swimming Federation said it is considering conducting April’s Japan Swim without spectators. Set for April 1st – April 8th, the Japan Swim represents the sole Olympic-qualifying meet for Japanese able-bodied swimmers.

Read the full story on SwimSwam: Japan Cancels Para Swimming Olympic Trials Meet Due To Coronavirus

By Braden Keith on SwimSwam

Hungarian Eva Szekely, the 1952 Olympic gold medalist in the 200 meter breaststroke, died on Saturday at 92-years old. A rarity for the era, Szekely won her first Olympic gold medal at 25-years old, and four years later took silver in the same 200 breaststroke at 29.

A 1976 inductee into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Szekely was part of a dominant era of Hungarian women’s breaststroking in the post-World War II era.

Szekely was a prominent Jewish swimmer before, during, and after the holocaust where between 5 and 6 million Jewish people were killed in Europe, including an estimated 70 percent of the Jewish population in Hungary. In 1941, she was expelled from the Hungarian National Team for being Jewish. Later, in 1944, when members of Hungary’s Arrow Cross party came to round up Jews in her community, her father told the young Hungarian Nazi who arrived first that she was sick, and then that she was a swimming champion of Hungary and that he would later be happy that he saved her life.

“‘Say your name!'” Szekely later recounted what the Nazi shouted at her when he arrived. “He looked at me and I looked at him, said my name and saw that one of his eyes was grey and the other one was brown. And this stayed with me as never before had I seen a man with different colored eyes.

“This is how I stayed alive, that Dad told him I was a swimming champion and he would still remember me.”

The Nazi and the swimmer would have at least one more encounter in their life: Szekely says that after winning a gold medal at a major international swimming competition on Margaret Island in the 50s, that she was given a special prize by the major of the Communist Political Police (AVO), and that this man was the same man who years earlier was convinced to not kill her because she was a swimming champion.

• Watch Szekely’s telling of the story here.

After the war, Szekely resumed her championship swimming career, winning 32 Hungarian titles between 1946 and 1954. In 1947, she won a silver medal at the European Championship in the 200 breaststroke; that same year, she won 3 gold medals at the World University Games. She won 5 more gold medals at the 1952 World University Games.

In 1948, she was 4th in the 200 breaststroke, 5th in the 400 free relay, and 6th in the 400 free. Four years later, she won gold and set an Olympic Record in the 200 breaststroke. Szekely would marry Deszo Gyarmati, who was a 5-time Olympic medalist in water polo (including 3 gold medals) and is one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport. He died in 2013. The couple left for the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne shortly after the Hungarian revolt against Communism began, leaving their young daughter at home in Hungary. The stress is said to have caused Szekely to lose 12 pounds in a week in the lead-up to the Olympics, but she endured for a silver medal in the 200 breast and a 5th-place finish in the 400 free.

Very few swimmers in that era competed in as many Olympic Games as she did.

In 1957, the pair visited Vienna and then defected to the United States. They returned in 1958 to Hungary to care for Szekely’s parents, at which point she retired. Szekely would go on to become a prominent swim coach in Hungary (and her husband a prominent water polo coach), including coaching their daughter Andrea Gyarmati, who won 2 Olympic medals of her own. Like her parents, she too would eventually be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1995.

After retiring from swimming Szekely worked as a pharmacist and published several literary works, including a short story entitled “The True, Great Love of My Life in Water.” Besides the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Szekely is a member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Read the full story on SwimSwam: Eva Szekely, Who Used Swimming to Survive Holocaust, Dies at 92