Chloe Sutton Scratches Columbus Grand Prix; Phelps, Schmitt and Coughlin Still a Big Go

Columbus, Ohio will act as the fourth stop in the USA Swimming's Grand Prix Series this season, but will be without one of the bright young stars of the swimming world: Chloe Sutton. In talking with Sutton, the Grand Prix series this year has been treated differently than in the past (and rightfully so). While the GP's in previous years have been rested, suited and fast, this year the true focus has been on trials. With that said, there was a coaching decision made today that she will not attend the Columbus Grand Prix. However, this will still be a star studded meet as we near trials.

To that end, Coach Bob Bowman confirmed via twitter, Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt will participate in the meet. To what extent and ability is the true question, though. Through e-mail, Coach Bowman relayed, “This meet offers (the North Baltimore swimmers) the opportunity to race and work on racing skills as part of our preparations for the Olympic Trials/ Games.”

So, with the overall focus of this meet (for a majority of the athletes) being to prepare for trials, what are the races that we should be watching? Here are the top seeds of each event (a closer look will be taken later this week at each of the races):