Sports Figure of Year: Hansen, a true Olympic hero
By JOHN LOHN
jlohn@delcotimes.com
HAVERFORD - The year was 1996, and a highly touted youngster was ready to embark on his scholastic swimming career. There was a buzz around the state, keen interest in the potential that surrounded a 15-year-old at Haverford High.
Brendan Hansen had all the ingredients of the prototypical breaststroker, the catcher-mitt-sized hands and flipper-like feet. Those were the obvious tools. Beneath the surface, he carried an insatiable work ethic and a mental drive found in a miniscule percentage of individuals.
But, how good could he become? Would all these gifts blend together and produce one of the finest athletes in Delaware County history? Of course, we now know the answer: Emphatically, yes.
For the last eight years, Hansen has systematically constructed a resume of lofty proportions. His portfolio features championships at every level - state and collegiate, national and international. Nothing has been left unaccomplished.
His 2004 season was one for the ages, perhaps the finest calendar year packaged by an athlete with Delco roots. It included NCAA titles, world-record swims and a triple-medal haul from the Olympic Games. Not surprisingly, then, Hansen has been named the Daily Times Sports Figure of the Year.
En route to winning the honor for a second time, complementing his nod from 2001, Hansen beat out Jameer Nelson, the Chester High product who earned consensus national player of the year recognition while leading Saint Joseph's University to the No. 1 ranking in college basketball.
In the nine years the Daily Times has selected a Sports Figure of the Year, Hansen is the first person to capture the award twice. As a result, he headlines the back page of this newspaper for the twenty-something time.
It's fitting, really. After all, Hansen is the current face of Delaware County sports.
As long as the sporting world grabs the attention of the public, daily arguments will take place, primarily in the form of Who-was-the-best questions. Such debates are the focal point of many pub chats. Rarely is there a clear-cut answer.
In Hansen's case, though, it can be suggested that his just completed 12-month run was the greatest this corner of Southeastern Pennsylvania has ever witnessed. His year was that extraordinary.
From coast-to-coast to across the Atlantic Ocean, Hansen dazzled. He made history in Long Island (N.Y.), made some more in Long Beach (Calif.) and returned from Athens having accomplished a feat never before achieved by someone from these parts. Overall, he set five world records during the year and watched his popularity skyrocket.
"I'd say it was a breakout year," Hansen said. "You wait for something like this. I feel like I put myself in a special category. The whole Olympic experience was amazing. It's still hard to swallow. The entire year was a way of becoming one of the greatest breaststrokers ever."
How did he earn that distinction? Here's a recap.
- In March, Hansen punctuated his competitive days at the University of Texas with a sweep of the breaststroke events at the NCAA Championships in East Meadow, N.Y.
By doubling up in his specialty stroke, Hansen became the first man in history to win both breaststroke events in each of his four years of NCAA Championship competition.
- Four years after narrowly missing an Olympic berth to Sydney, Hansen used July for redemption. In winning the 100 and 200 breast races at the Olympic Trials in Long Beach, Hansen shattered a pair of world records, clocking 59.30 in the shorter distance and 2:09.04 in the four-lap discipline.
Not only did Hansen erase the pain of a pair of third-place finishes from the 2000 Trials, he enhanced his profile on the international scene and won over a 10,000-strong crowd that fell in love with his comeback tale.
- A month later, as the Olympic Games returned to their homeland, Hansen racked up a trio of medals, claiming silver (100 breast) and bronze (200 breast) on an individual basis and gold as a member of the United States' world-record setting 400-meter medley relay. That medal trifecta was a first for a Delco native in Olympic competition.
- As an encore to his year, Hansen left Indianapolis and the World Short-Course Championships in October with a quartet of gold medals. Aside from winning the 50, 100 and 200-meter breaststroke events, evidence of his versatility, Hansen again helped the U.S. to a world-record in the medley relay.
Without question, Hansen's year was nothing short of amazing, and not just for his efforts in the pool. His campaign was equally spectacular for the way he handled himself as an ambassador to the sport and for his demonstration of sportsmanship.
While placing second to Kosuke Kitajima in the 100 breast at the Olympics, Hansen fell victim to an illegal dolphin kick that propelled his Japanese rival to victory. Still, Hansen didn't sulk. Even as his teammates spoke up, Hansen took the high road, and never once publicly raised a question over Kitajima's tactics.
"Brendan Hansen is not only one of the world's premier athletes, he's also a world-class human being," said Phillip Whitten, the Editor-in-Chief of Swimming World Magazine, considered the bible of the sport. "2004 was a watershed year for Brendan, a year in which he established his credentials as the man in his events.
"It is entirely fitting that Brendan is the first person to be named your Sports Figure of the Year twice. Be prepared, though, to select him again next year, and the next."
Undoubtedly, Hansen's year will be remembered best for his competitive achievements. Yet, 2004 also allowed Hansen to establish a strong financial base and heightened visibility.
Under contract with Nike and Mutual of Omaha, Hansen purchased a 3,600-square foot home in Austin, Texas with plenty of roaming room for Jack, his black Labrador retriever. More important, Hansen has made a mark during speaking engagements and swim clinics.
Long known for giving back to his sport, specifically the age-group contingent, Hansen has continued to motivate youthful swimmers and has served as proof that anything is attainable.
"I enjoy talking to kids and seeing their eyes light up when you hang an Olympic medal around their neck," said Hansen, who regularly allows his fans an up-close-and-personal view of his hardware. "I can tell those kids that I was in their place once and there's nothing stopping them from accomplishing their dreams."
Beyond the youth demographic, Hansen has also connected at the corporate level, where he's told his story to the likes of company honchos on down the line. Rarely has Hansen failed to communicate his message: When knocked down, get off the mat.
In addition to his speaking chores, Hansen has also taken advantage of his post-Olympic popularity. He taped a scene for the FOX television series The O.C., serving as a bartender, and was asked to contribute to VH1's 100 Hottest Bodies. He's also made several appearances on NBC's Today Show and has handled numerous photo shoots.
"I think the thing that sets Brendan apart is that you get a sense of who he is and where he's from," said his agent, Evan Morgenstein, the head of Premier Management Group. "He's honest and straight forward. He is who he is, and people like that. In swimming, his visibility is heightened. Long Beach and the Olympics were a continuation of his success, and I anticipate that there's more fire in the tank."
Since Hansen's tidal-wave performances of the summer, his fan base has grown on a daily basis. Backed by his family and appreciated by the local community for years, the 23-year-old now boasts a national following.
Aside from the thousands of autograph seekers he has appeased at various functions, Hansen's talents, coupled with his personable nature, have sparked an Internet phenomenon. That's where Michelle Wilson fits into the equation.
A graphic designer, Wilson was stunned to learn that Hansen, despite his success, lacked a Web site - unlike his Olympic teammates from the University of Texas, Aaron Peirsol and Ian Crocker. So, Wilson took action in September and developed a fan page (brendanhansenonline.com) for what has become a dedicated group.
Simply put, a flickering flame has morphed into a wildfire. Featuring biographical information, photos and news articles, along with a calendar of Hansen's upcoming events, the site offers a little of everything. Its hottest aspect, however, is the Brendan Blog, the forums that allow fans to chat - mostly in an entertaining fashion - about their favorite swimmer.
During the past three months, Hansen has fielded a handful of marriage proposals and countless dating offers. He's also been tagged with a number of nicknames, as his female supporters have taken to calling him Bren Bear and Pumpkin.
In typical fashion, Hansen has playfully engaged his fans. He took part in a question-and-answer session and posts his own messages on occasion. Meanwhile, his family has been a major player in the Web site's feel-good environment.
Miriam Hansen, Brendan's mother, has routinely offered pictures for posting. More, Hansen's grandparents, aunts and uncles have taken part, sharing stories from the past.
On a serious side, the site has raised money in Hansen's name for the Leukemia Research Foundation. It's also allowed for a number of computer-built friendships to emerge. Entertaining and productive, the site has been a booming success.
"I'm having a lot of fun with it, and so is the family," said Hansen, who is also featured on texas-trio.com, a site dedicated to himself, Peirsol and Crocker. "I really appreciate it. This is something you wouldn't see in swimming five years ago, but now it's there. It really means a lot to have the support of the fans."
What does the future hold? Can he get faster? Will his popularity continue to soar? Those are just some of the questions surrounding Hansen as he enters the New Year, and the next stage of his career.
Although Hansen slightly geared down his training for a brief period following the Olympics, he has since returned to his body-battering regimen, a routine carefully constructed by Eddie Reese, his coach at Texas. The goal: A breaststroke sweep this summer, when the World Championships are held in Montreal...or elsewhere, depending on Canada's ability to salvage the event from financial hardship.
Each day Hansen enters the water, he does so with a purpose. In the long run, he's fighting the clock, the enemy of every swimmer. But, every now and then, he hears the screams. They're from Kitajima, whose gold-medal celebration in Athens was highlighted by an exuberant bellowing - in Hansen's ear.
"I haven't forgotten. I have a chip on my shoulder from the Olympics," Hansen said. "It's not my style to sit back. I'm always at the drawing board. I want to win at World Championships, and not have it be close. I think I can lower my times. I've always said there's no such thing as the perfect race. My fire is still burning."
At his peak, it's questionable whether any breaststroker on the planet, including Kitajima, can touch Hansen. His global standards, especially the mark in the 100 breast, are that distinguished. The second-fastest man in history, Kitajima sits nearly a half-second behind Hansen in both distances.
Still, Hansen wants that head-to-head triumph and the satisfaction of knocking off his main rival. With that sort of success, Hansen could proclaim himself the greatest breaststroke specialist of all-time. Then again, it's a title he may already own.
"The kid is technically nearly perfect," Whitten said. "He's incredibly strong and he has both the endurance and the mental toughness to stay on top of the heap for a long time to come."
With the introduction of 2005, the events of 2004 become part of history. As much as anyone, Brendan Hansen understands this fact. He has never been one to kick back and admire his accomplishments. He has always asked himself for more. So, it is time to begin a new journey.
As Hansen sets out to explore new waters, the waves he created these last 12 months have left lasting ripples. Where his year rates in Delaware County history is subject to debate. At the very least, Hansen can make a claim for the top spot.
His year was not based on a single flash of glory. It was 365 days of excellence. Nothing less is expected from the face of Delaware County athletics.
jlohn@delcotimes.com
HAVERFORD - The year was 1996, and a highly touted youngster was ready to embark on his scholastic swimming career. There was a buzz around the state, keen interest in the potential that surrounded a 15-year-old at Haverford High.
Brendan Hansen had all the ingredients of the prototypical breaststroker, the catcher-mitt-sized hands and flipper-like feet. Those were the obvious tools. Beneath the surface, he carried an insatiable work ethic and a mental drive found in a miniscule percentage of individuals.
But, how good could he become? Would all these gifts blend together and produce one of the finest athletes in Delaware County history? Of course, we now know the answer: Emphatically, yes.
For the last eight years, Hansen has systematically constructed a resume of lofty proportions. His portfolio features championships at every level - state and collegiate, national and international. Nothing has been left unaccomplished.
His 2004 season was one for the ages, perhaps the finest calendar year packaged by an athlete with Delco roots. It included NCAA titles, world-record swims and a triple-medal haul from the Olympic Games. Not surprisingly, then, Hansen has been named the Daily Times Sports Figure of the Year.
En route to winning the honor for a second time, complementing his nod from 2001, Hansen beat out Jameer Nelson, the Chester High product who earned consensus national player of the year recognition while leading Saint Joseph's University to the No. 1 ranking in college basketball.
In the nine years the Daily Times has selected a Sports Figure of the Year, Hansen is the first person to capture the award twice. As a result, he headlines the back page of this newspaper for the twenty-something time.
It's fitting, really. After all, Hansen is the current face of Delaware County sports.
As long as the sporting world grabs the attention of the public, daily arguments will take place, primarily in the form of Who-was-the-best questions. Such debates are the focal point of many pub chats. Rarely is there a clear-cut answer.
In Hansen's case, though, it can be suggested that his just completed 12-month run was the greatest this corner of Southeastern Pennsylvania has ever witnessed. His year was that extraordinary.
From coast-to-coast to across the Atlantic Ocean, Hansen dazzled. He made history in Long Island (N.Y.), made some more in Long Beach (Calif.) and returned from Athens having accomplished a feat never before achieved by someone from these parts. Overall, he set five world records during the year and watched his popularity skyrocket.
"I'd say it was a breakout year," Hansen said. "You wait for something like this. I feel like I put myself in a special category. The whole Olympic experience was amazing. It's still hard to swallow. The entire year was a way of becoming one of the greatest breaststrokers ever."
How did he earn that distinction? Here's a recap.
- In March, Hansen punctuated his competitive days at the University of Texas with a sweep of the breaststroke events at the NCAA Championships in East Meadow, N.Y.
By doubling up in his specialty stroke, Hansen became the first man in history to win both breaststroke events in each of his four years of NCAA Championship competition.
- Four years after narrowly missing an Olympic berth to Sydney, Hansen used July for redemption. In winning the 100 and 200 breast races at the Olympic Trials in Long Beach, Hansen shattered a pair of world records, clocking 59.30 in the shorter distance and 2:09.04 in the four-lap discipline.
Not only did Hansen erase the pain of a pair of third-place finishes from the 2000 Trials, he enhanced his profile on the international scene and won over a 10,000-strong crowd that fell in love with his comeback tale.
- A month later, as the Olympic Games returned to their homeland, Hansen racked up a trio of medals, claiming silver (100 breast) and bronze (200 breast) on an individual basis and gold as a member of the United States' world-record setting 400-meter medley relay. That medal trifecta was a first for a Delco native in Olympic competition.
- As an encore to his year, Hansen left Indianapolis and the World Short-Course Championships in October with a quartet of gold medals. Aside from winning the 50, 100 and 200-meter breaststroke events, evidence of his versatility, Hansen again helped the U.S. to a world-record in the medley relay.
Without question, Hansen's year was nothing short of amazing, and not just for his efforts in the pool. His campaign was equally spectacular for the way he handled himself as an ambassador to the sport and for his demonstration of sportsmanship.
While placing second to Kosuke Kitajima in the 100 breast at the Olympics, Hansen fell victim to an illegal dolphin kick that propelled his Japanese rival to victory. Still, Hansen didn't sulk. Even as his teammates spoke up, Hansen took the high road, and never once publicly raised a question over Kitajima's tactics.
"Brendan Hansen is not only one of the world's premier athletes, he's also a world-class human being," said Phillip Whitten, the Editor-in-Chief of Swimming World Magazine, considered the bible of the sport. "2004 was a watershed year for Brendan, a year in which he established his credentials as the man in his events.
"It is entirely fitting that Brendan is the first person to be named your Sports Figure of the Year twice. Be prepared, though, to select him again next year, and the next."
Undoubtedly, Hansen's year will be remembered best for his competitive achievements. Yet, 2004 also allowed Hansen to establish a strong financial base and heightened visibility.
Under contract with Nike and Mutual of Omaha, Hansen purchased a 3,600-square foot home in Austin, Texas with plenty of roaming room for Jack, his black Labrador retriever. More important, Hansen has made a mark during speaking engagements and swim clinics.
Long known for giving back to his sport, specifically the age-group contingent, Hansen has continued to motivate youthful swimmers and has served as proof that anything is attainable.
"I enjoy talking to kids and seeing their eyes light up when you hang an Olympic medal around their neck," said Hansen, who regularly allows his fans an up-close-and-personal view of his hardware. "I can tell those kids that I was in their place once and there's nothing stopping them from accomplishing their dreams."
Beyond the youth demographic, Hansen has also connected at the corporate level, where he's told his story to the likes of company honchos on down the line. Rarely has Hansen failed to communicate his message: When knocked down, get off the mat.
In addition to his speaking chores, Hansen has also taken advantage of his post-Olympic popularity. He taped a scene for the FOX television series The O.C., serving as a bartender, and was asked to contribute to VH1's 100 Hottest Bodies. He's also made several appearances on NBC's Today Show and has handled numerous photo shoots.
"I think the thing that sets Brendan apart is that you get a sense of who he is and where he's from," said his agent, Evan Morgenstein, the head of Premier Management Group. "He's honest and straight forward. He is who he is, and people like that. In swimming, his visibility is heightened. Long Beach and the Olympics were a continuation of his success, and I anticipate that there's more fire in the tank."
Since Hansen's tidal-wave performances of the summer, his fan base has grown on a daily basis. Backed by his family and appreciated by the local community for years, the 23-year-old now boasts a national following.
Aside from the thousands of autograph seekers he has appeased at various functions, Hansen's talents, coupled with his personable nature, have sparked an Internet phenomenon. That's where Michelle Wilson fits into the equation.
A graphic designer, Wilson was stunned to learn that Hansen, despite his success, lacked a Web site - unlike his Olympic teammates from the University of Texas, Aaron Peirsol and Ian Crocker. So, Wilson took action in September and developed a fan page (brendanhansenonline.com) for what has become a dedicated group.
Simply put, a flickering flame has morphed into a wildfire. Featuring biographical information, photos and news articles, along with a calendar of Hansen's upcoming events, the site offers a little of everything. Its hottest aspect, however, is the Brendan Blog, the forums that allow fans to chat - mostly in an entertaining fashion - about their favorite swimmer.
During the past three months, Hansen has fielded a handful of marriage proposals and countless dating offers. He's also been tagged with a number of nicknames, as his female supporters have taken to calling him Bren Bear and Pumpkin.
In typical fashion, Hansen has playfully engaged his fans. He took part in a question-and-answer session and posts his own messages on occasion. Meanwhile, his family has been a major player in the Web site's feel-good environment.
Miriam Hansen, Brendan's mother, has routinely offered pictures for posting. More, Hansen's grandparents, aunts and uncles have taken part, sharing stories from the past.
On a serious side, the site has raised money in Hansen's name for the Leukemia Research Foundation. It's also allowed for a number of computer-built friendships to emerge. Entertaining and productive, the site has been a booming success.
"I'm having a lot of fun with it, and so is the family," said Hansen, who is also featured on texas-trio.com, a site dedicated to himself, Peirsol and Crocker. "I really appreciate it. This is something you wouldn't see in swimming five years ago, but now it's there. It really means a lot to have the support of the fans."
What does the future hold? Can he get faster? Will his popularity continue to soar? Those are just some of the questions surrounding Hansen as he enters the New Year, and the next stage of his career.
Although Hansen slightly geared down his training for a brief period following the Olympics, he has since returned to his body-battering regimen, a routine carefully constructed by Eddie Reese, his coach at Texas. The goal: A breaststroke sweep this summer, when the World Championships are held in Montreal...or elsewhere, depending on Canada's ability to salvage the event from financial hardship.
Each day Hansen enters the water, he does so with a purpose. In the long run, he's fighting the clock, the enemy of every swimmer. But, every now and then, he hears the screams. They're from Kitajima, whose gold-medal celebration in Athens was highlighted by an exuberant bellowing - in Hansen's ear.
"I haven't forgotten. I have a chip on my shoulder from the Olympics," Hansen said. "It's not my style to sit back. I'm always at the drawing board. I want to win at World Championships, and not have it be close. I think I can lower my times. I've always said there's no such thing as the perfect race. My fire is still burning."
At his peak, it's questionable whether any breaststroker on the planet, including Kitajima, can touch Hansen. His global standards, especially the mark in the 100 breast, are that distinguished. The second-fastest man in history, Kitajima sits nearly a half-second behind Hansen in both distances.
Still, Hansen wants that head-to-head triumph and the satisfaction of knocking off his main rival. With that sort of success, Hansen could proclaim himself the greatest breaststroke specialist of all-time. Then again, it's a title he may already own.
"The kid is technically nearly perfect," Whitten said. "He's incredibly strong and he has both the endurance and the mental toughness to stay on top of the heap for a long time to come."
With the introduction of 2005, the events of 2004 become part of history. As much as anyone, Brendan Hansen understands this fact. He has never been one to kick back and admire his accomplishments. He has always asked himself for more. So, it is time to begin a new journey.
As Hansen sets out to explore new waters, the waves he created these last 12 months have left lasting ripples. Where his year rates in Delaware County history is subject to debate. At the very least, Hansen can make a claim for the top spot.
His year was not based on a single flash of glory. It was 365 days of excellence. Nothing less is expected from the face of Delaware County athletics.
posted by Michelle at
12/30/2004 01:10:00 PM
26 Comments:
*THUD, stands up, THUD, climbs back up on chair, THUD, types from floor*
Holy smokes! Michelle, you are famous! And you have a last name! And a shout out to texas-trio.com too. Nice.
Its hottest aspect, however, is the Brendan Blog, the forums that allow fans to chat ”mostly in an entertaining fashion” about their favorite swimmer.And their favorite writer. ;-) Look, we're a hot aspect! An entertaining hot aspect at that. That sounds like a personals ad, LOL.
In all seriousness, another insightful and stunningly well written article. John should really be giving writing lessons to some of the other hacks who call themselves "writers."
By
crackinup, at 12/30/2004 1:53 PM
Amazing, amazing, amazing article. I actually squeed and teared up when I read it. Michelle!!! You got a shout out! And the site too! That's so cool.
John is the man.
By
Dana, at 12/30/2004 1:54 PM
OMG! What a great shout out John gave you. We know how great it is here but it's nice to have someone say it to everyone else. You know,I started out as a fan of Phelps because I had never watched swimming before. I still have respect for him but he is a product now. He's not someone I would see in a crowd and get all that excited about. So I'm grateful he grabbed my attention but it's guys like Bren and Ian as well as Natalie and Kaitlin that actually inspired me. The article points out over and over how down to earth Bren is and that is what makes him special. So John is the smart one for choosing to write about someone so amazing. The fact that he also mentioned Momma H and Michelle shows he sees the complete picture.
Also,I'm taking donations for the kleenex fund if anyone has any spare change...lol. If only I could breathe is what I keep saying over and over. :D
Side note: I'm making a cd of motivational songs that inspire me. If anyone has any song they listen to when they are feeling a little down could you share it with me. There is a song that makes me think of Bren. It's Win by Brian McKnight from the movie Men of Honor.
By
blairbecky, at 12/30/2004 1:57 PM
Wow, great article, John! And yes, we're a very entertaining bunch. Can't timagine what would happen if it ever went beyond the internet and into real life. Well I can, I just think it would be better not to speculate!
And congrats Brendan on the award! Tres cool and awesome! (pathetic attempt to practice french just in case Montreal works out...when do we find out again?)
By
JHD, at 12/30/2004 1:59 PM
BlairBecky- I started out a swimming fan the same exact way. Phelps caught my attention due to all the media surrounding him at the Olympics. It's true Phelps is a product now. There's so much to Brendan and his family, everyone's so sincere and open. I'm sure this relationship on the blog doesn't happen anywhere else.
By
Anna, at 12/30/2004 2:10 PM
This was a terrific article from John! And shout outs to Michelle and texas-trio.com. Way cool. Congrats Brendan on your award!
By
BeachGirl, at 12/30/2004 2:29 PM
I think John has displaced E.M. swift as my favorite sports writer. What an azmazing article. It was great to see the mention of this site (Yay Michelle!) and texas-trio.com (Yay T-G!)
I love that the article not only focused on the aspects of Brendan that make him such a wonderful athlete - his drive, his determination, his natural talent; but also the aspects that make him such a wonderful human being - his kindness, his love of family and fans, how he gives his time to kids with no expectation of fame or financial reward. He is truly a class act.
Congrats Brendan, you deserve it! =)
By
Stephie Mc, at 12/30/2004 2:35 PM
What an awesome article!! I had no idea he was going to go as far as to mention the Brendan Blog. Yea! Its so cool that the site is so important to Brendan and his family. I am so glad he enjoys it just as much as we do.
Im with a lot of people that Phelps got me into watching swimming in the first place but when i found out that a lot of swimmers were from UT I started to branch out and discover other swimmers. Thats when I found out about our Pumpkin. ahhhh
By
jenny, at 12/30/2004 3:05 PM
What a wonderfully written article. I *squeed* a little when I saw the shout-out to Michelle and the Blog (as well as T-G and texas-trio). How exciting.
I really enjoyed the article. It brought up such a nice combination of both his acheivements as an athlete and what a stand up person he is.
By
afadingvoice, at 12/30/2004 3:39 PM
Wow. I basically echo all that everyone else has said. That was an awesome article, as John's always are. The shoutout to the fans, BHO, and Michelle in particular (You ARE famous girl!) were great.
My favorite part: "Hansen fell victim to an illegal dolphin kick that propelled his Japanese rival to victory." Damn straight!
By
Sarah, at 12/30/2004 3:56 PM
John calls it like it is. It's so refreshing. :)
From the second paragraph on I had the theme to that Flipper the Dolphin song in my head.
Question, is he actually going to be on VH1 Hottest Bodies? Because if he is, it might be the first hour in BHO blog history that no one posts. Everyone will pay rapt attention to the TV instead.
By
Dana Cara, at 12/30/2004 4:27 PM
What an awesome article from John!!! Seemed like I couldn't read it fast enough, :). Thought it was cute when John mentioned 'our' nicknames for Brendan...tee-hee.
I really loved when he mentioned that we (his fans here) have also donated to the leukemia foundation in his honor, :o).
B-Man is just so adorable when he discusses the clinics/meetings with the kids...what a sweetheart, :).
Big shout out to his family for being so supportive.
*Hugs to everyone*
-Maria
By
Maria, at 12/30/2004 4:45 PM
Awesome article John...as always you capture Brendan as no one else can.
Congrats to Michelle on the site mention, maybe we will be hearing from more people soon.
Someone asked a out VH1, from what I know, Brendan was asked to give comments on the ones that were selected and I am pretty sure Aaron was with him doing this but I have no idea when that will aired. Now I am going back to try and match names with faces.
In case I do not post later....Happy New Year to all!!
By
Aunt K, at 12/30/2004 4:48 PM
Awwwwwwe..We got love from Brendan and John in the same week. That was a great article. Now everyone knows we call him "pumpkin!"
By
Kimberly, at 12/30/2004 6:17 PM
Hi All-
I've been swamped at work and unable to check in as often as I'd like. Of course, I miss the great stuff, but now I'm sprung for the weekend so I can try and catch up.
Michelle-I hope you recognize what a service that you do by maintaining this site to such a high standard. I love visiting here, not only to read about our favorite swimmer, but also to find out what's going on with all of the regular bloggers. Even though I don't post too often, I feel like I know many of you and I'm happy that we share a common interest. (Well, really 2 common interests....can't forget about Sean!) It is also a great avenue for getting the word out about the need to raise money for Leukemia research. I'm sure that this site is getting a ton of hits today, and hopefully the contributions are increasing as well.
As for Brendan, we all know that he is beyond awesome in all aspects of his life, and it is nice to read about it. I'm looking forward to another amazing swimming year, and I'm sure Brendan won't disappoint us.
Happy New Year, everyone!
By
No Good User Names Left, at 12/30/2004 6:19 PM
That article was GREAT! I sent the link to friends so they could see what a great athlete and person Brendan is. And how amazing his family and fans are. We love you Brendan.
By
Kate, at 12/30/2004 7:14 PM
Faith in mankind and some fellow journalists restored. 2004 can now peacefully end. -- Jane
By
Anonymous, at 12/30/2004 7:33 PM
Wow... Great article. Congrats Michelle!
By
Lena, at 12/30/2004 8:09 PM
Amen to what Jane said. John's articles and the one from...it was either ESPN.com or SI...about Ian Crocker this past summer have restored my faith in feature journalism. I love writers who paint such a vivid picture that I actually stop and think, "Wow." That and I've run out of patience for "journalists" who write things like "none are" and have yet to figure out that Peirsol violates the I before E rule every time. Hmm, how did I get on a grammar platform?
I just want to reiterate -- this article and this site and the amount that Michelle, the Hansen clan, and the blogger community have accomplished over the past few months is truly astonishing. I look forward to the anarchy that ensues in the stands next time we all get to see Bren swim. ;-)
By
crackinup, at 12/30/2004 8:41 PM
Blairbecky....I actually made a motivational cd for myself two years ago and it had WIN on it! That is an awesome song. I also had the following on there.
fighter..christina a
fire and rain..james taylor
i can make it through the rain...mariah carey
when you come back to me again..garth brooks
i think it just depends on where you are in your life, and what you need to be motivated about. "when you come back to me again," is my song to my mom. where it says
there's a ship out, on the ocean
at the mercy of the sea
it's been tossed about lost and broken
wandering aimlessly,
and God somehow you know that ship is me.
cause there's a lighthouse in a harbor,
shining faithfully.
pouring it's light out across the water,
for this sinking soul to see.
That someone out there still believes in me.
That song is just great. So yeah there is my motivational cd. I think everyone needs one.
By
Kimberly, at 12/30/2004 8:54 PM
So my last post had nothing to do with Brendan, so I will add...along with my cd, many people inspire me. Brendan is one. He works incredibly hard and handles himself with humility and grace. I need to be a little more like that, I think we all do. The world would be a much nicer place. I also thoroughly enjoy how he is a super-duper cheerleader (anyone else just get an image of Craig from Saturday night live....my name is Brendan, I like to party. I've got lots of fan girls..so check me out...)for team USA. He was cheering EVERYONE on at worlds. Very nice indeed.
By
Kimberly, at 12/30/2004 9:08 PM
"Simply put, a flickering flame has morphed into a wildfire. Featuring biographical information, photos and news articles, along with a calendar of Hansen's upcoming events, the site offers a little of everything. Its hottest aspect, however, is the Brendan Blog, the forums that allow fans to chat - mostly in an entertaining fashion - about their favorite swimmer."
Nicely put...
"During the past three months, Hansen has fielded a handful of marriage proposals and countless dating offers."
And he had yet to answer to those... Pumpkin, we asked you to marry us like a while ago. Never heard back from you
"He's also been tagged with a number of nicknames, as his female supporters have taken to calling him Bren Bear and Pumpkin."
*cough* it's out there now... you cannot escape the Pumpkin nickname now.
"Miriam Hansen, Brendan's mother, has routinely offered pictures for posting. More, Hansen's grandparents, aunts and uncles have taken part, sharing stories from the past."
This was so nice...
"I'm having a lot of fun with it, and so is the family," said Hansen, who is also featured on texas-trio.com, a site dedicated to himself, Peirsol and Crocker. "I really appreciate it. This is something you wouldn't see in swimming five years ago, but now it's there. It really means a lot to have the support of the fans."
Aww... Pumpkin! Thanks for letting us in!
By
Lena, at 12/30/2004 9:18 PM
anyone else just get an image of Craig from Saturday night live....my name is Brendan, I like to party. I've got lots of fan girls..so check me out...This is too cute, Kimberly! Next person who sees Brendan should get him to do this! Muahahaha
By
BeachGirl, at 12/30/2004 9:46 PM
I will be
Ariana...
Kimberly: "My name is Kimberly, Iam a fan-girl. I like guys in speedo's. So check me out. Yeah!" "Cha Cha bouchy Cha cha bouchy role call...Hey Pumpkin Aaron is getting ready to swim you know what he needs?"
Pumpkin: "The perfect cheer!"
I must go now, I think I need to run away before Brendan has me involuntarily committed!
By
Kimberly, at 12/30/2004 9:59 PM
*Liz stands on her couch and claps* What a well written article John. It's nice to see a writer that can paint a picture and get the facts straight! The shout-out to our wonderful webmistress was a nice touch too!
By
lizook12, at 12/30/2004 10:04 PM
John - once again, a great job on covering every aspect of Brendan and his accomplishments and the poise with which he carries himself. I hope that the Daily Times knows what a gift they have in you. In my opinion, Jameer can't touch Brendan's accomplishments.
By
Anonymous, at 12/31/2004 8:32 AM
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