The good, the bad and the sexy

We're wrapping up 2004 with tons of things. We got the 20 questions, another article from John, new pics, the boys in Santa hats..
Let's add one more.

Let's share the best and worst of 2004 both personal and swimmer related.
Which are your resolutions for 2005?

Tons of New Stuff!

I've been overwhelmed the last few days with people sending fan art and photos and I'm just going to post it all at once. Happy New Year!

First, Verbal's photos from the Hockey game last night. You can't see his baby blues but you get a pretty good idea of his lovely shape and form.




Wallpapers galore! Thanks primarily to afadingvoice who has taken it upon herself to create her own BHO gallery annex. ;) Check out the Fan Stuff page to see 4 NEW wallpapers from her featuring Brendan and the Texas Trio to go with the 1 we already had. And a soon to be new member of the blog sent me her own wallpaper. Everyone encourage Esther and her friend Simmy to stop lurking and start posting. Simmy has a great Brendan encounter story to tell. :)

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.

Blogger Photo Contest - Start Guessing!

The list is up - post your guesses in this thread.

Wheeeeee!

20 Question Tuesday...

WITH BRENDAN HANSEN! WOOT!

He was winning medals left and right at the Olympics and was nothing but golden in Indianapolis at Short-Course World Championships. University of Texas product Brendan Hansen was travel weary from racking up holiday miles, but took time to talk about the Olympics. Hansen talks about his special Christmas gift, his meaningful New Year's Eve plays, the "Texas Boys" (himself, Aaron Peirsol and Ian Crocker - all world record holders and the new website he's building which includes his own photo work, www.brendanhansenonline.com in this week's 20 Question Tuesday with special correspondent Bob Schaller.

1 What did you get for Christmas?

Brendan: I got a digital camera - I'm excited about it! Now everyplace I go I can send pictures back to my family, remembering these times because I know they won't last forever. I also have a website I'm doing a lot of work on, www.brendanhansenonline.com. People can see photos that I've taken.

2 What's the best gift you gave for Christmas this year?

Brendan: Hmmmm (pause), oh, I know: I gave my parents a gas fireplace for Christmas. It's a great gift because our family home gets really drafty. I just bought a place in Texas for Christmas and I had two, so giving them one (laughs) balances things out a little!

3 What's your favorite holiday memory?

Brendan: This is pretty funny - there was this one Thanksgiving where my Mom forgot to put sugar in the pumpkin pie. Being the good kids that we were, we just forced it (laughs) down and didn't say anything because she worked so hard on the meal and we love her so much! The next year when Mom was making pumpkin pie we (kids) were like, "Hey Mom, does that have sugar?"

4 What are you doing for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day?

Brendan: I'm actually staying here in town (Austin, Texas) and I'm going to the hospital on New Year's Eve to visit some kids who have leukemia. After that I will go hang out with my family. It's my first time being able to hang out with my family around New Year's - that's something I missed doing in college because of swimming, but now that I'm a professional, I get to spend more time with them on special occasions, so this will be nice.

5 Backtrack for a second - you said you are visiting kids in the hospital - how did that start?

Brendan: I don't know how it started to be honest. One day I went to the hospital here in Austin, to see their faces, and once you do that, you will never forget them. Now, with the Olympics and some of the things I've done, I've built a little platform where maybe I can help these kids - affect them in a positive way. But it's not a promotional deal or a media opportunity so I won't make it a public event. Let me just say this: You can't look into these kids' eyes without wanting to do something for them. They are very special and doing this means a lot to me.

6 Looking back at the Olympics, you must be pleased with your medal haul, but do the silver and bronze motivate you to go for gold in '08?

Brendan: Absolutely! It would be tough for me if I had won three golds to come back again in 2008. That's the final goal (all Olympic gold). This time, the goal was to make sure I made the Olympic team in my events - not let what happened in 2000 happen in 2004. This time I made it and medaled in every event, which is great, but with what happened in Athens (not getting individual gold) I'm even more motivated to leave my mark in the sport. I want people to be able to look back and say, "Hey, this guy dominated the breaststroke for a long time." So that is motivating me for the next four years.

7 How was your Olympic experience overall?

Brendan: It was great! It's one of those things I will never forget. To do it with six guys from my team at Texas - and with the class of those guys...that's what I will never forget - to swim with the guys that I did, is what means so much, not just the medals we brought home, but that we really were so close as a team.

8 People say that a lot about teams - "We were close" - whether it's true or not. Scott Usher, your Olympic and breaststroke teammate said you helped him out a lot. So there really was a special bond on the men's team this year, wasn't there?

Brendan: It was one of those things where everyone asks me or thinks that when you get that caliber of athletes together that others might not help out. But the truth was we were helping each other - everyone on that team - from the first training camp in Stanford and onto Spain and into Athens. We were helping each other every day - everyone had something they did well, that they could offer suggestions or help to someone else on. In fact, that's probably what won the 800 relay for us, having worked with each other to make us the best possible - and that's why we medalled in every event, except the one freestyle.

9 What's it like to be the world record holder in both breaststroke events?

Brendan: To this day - when I talk to kids and I'm introduced as the world record holder - it still doesn't sink in for me. And I know it should (laughs) because it's six or seven months after the Olympics now! I just remember that when you are on top it is easier to fall back then to stay atop the mountain and even make more progress. I know now that if I do a personal best, it will be a world record, and that's encouraging, but also a challenge.

10 But those world record swims - and to have set world records in both breaststroke events - don't you look back on those as amazing swims?

Brendan: When I (set the world records) in both events people might think since they were world records they were prefect swims - "You went so fast and never slowed down" - but that's not true, because I went long into my turns...in fact, I can break it down to where I think I swam badly! So knowing that I have work to do to improve makes me stronger and motivates me. If I have the world record when I retire, sure, that would be great. But right now I don't think about being the world record holder because if I do that it makes me weaker and before you know it, someone snaps those records.

11 Indy - the short course World Championships - was phenomenal, and you dominated. How'd you do in relation to your goals?

Brendan: I was just coming off the Olympics and had a little bit of a chip on my shoulder from how I finished in Athens in the breaststrokes. So for Indianapolis, I tried to maintain my level of focus and wanted to keep swimming. I'm the kind of swimmer who feeds off the crowd, so to swim in Indianapolis in front of 10,000 or 11,0000 people each night...of course I will swim as good as I possibly can! The fans made that meet what it was. The timing, being what it was (so close to the Olympics) made it so we needed something special, and the fans were it - they made it amazing.

I can't even describe how great the fans were - I didn't feel like a swimmer! I felt like a baseball player or football player or rock star! I'd get out of the pool and have people everywhere asking for autographs. The whole thing was so cool, to have people recognize us for how hard we've worked and what we've done. It was well deserved for every swimmer there. But I'd like to point out the fans were great to everyone - cheering for all swimmers, not just the ones from our country, which showed a lot of class.

12 How does life change for you now, being a professional after four great years as a student-athlete for the University of Texas?

Brendan: I think I'll continue to train with the team and at Texas, but coming off the Olympics, people recognize me now - recognition I never had to this degree before. But if you saw the group I hang out with, which includes Ian and Aaron - and my family - it's not hard for me to stay grounded (laughs) and actually, it's easy. So I won't change much. I won't swim the dual meets obviously (that college teams do) but I will be the same vocal leader I've always been.

13 What is swimming for Eddie Reese like - seems like he's pretty intense and serious most of the time - but there's a different side to Eddie, isn't there?

Brendan: Yes, there sure is. He was a father figure to me in college when I went to school here in 2000 - I'm very family oriented, so that was important for me to have that kind of relationship with my coach. We respect him, and he respects us, which is the best relationship to have as a swimmer with your coach. He works hard as you can tell because he had us ready for the Games. Outside the pool he is a good friend to you, and inside the pool he wants what's best for you - you could not ask for more in a coach.

14 What will you do with your time outside of the pool now that you are a professional swimmer and not a college swimmer?

Brendan: I'm continuing to go to school while I try to fit in as many clinics and speeches as I can. I want to be there for the kids. I want them to realize I'm just a regular person who made a decision to make a difference and do the best I could. I think it's especially important to all three of us (Ian and Aaron) to find a way to give back to the kids. And when you see a kid's face light up, it is so inspiring and special.

14 Your event, the breaststroke, is arguably the most difficult stroke to master - what's a piece of advice you'd give someone who is just starting that event, who wants to get better in the breaststroke?

Brendan: Kick, kick, kick! You have to learn how to kick before you learn anything else. The first thing to go in the breaststroke is your legs. So if you work on your kick, you will see phenomenal improvement in your stroke.

15 You've been on some amazing relays at the Olympics, and then more recently at short course worlds - what makes a good relay swimmer?

Brendan: Someone who can feed off the other three people, who can realize that working as a team is more important than trying to do it all yourself. When Ian, Aaron, me and Jason (Lezak) do a relay, we look at it as a team effort, "How will we do," not "How fast is my own split going to be?"

16 It seems like the rest of the world is getting a lot better at swimming - a few countries in particular at least - who is a country that is about to reach that upper echelon in the near future that maybe we don't hear a lot about?

Brendan: Japan. Absolutely, Japan. They've been swimming better and better over the years after being not so great for a while, but this time (in Athens) they have world-class swimmers - a breaststroker, backstroker and butterflyer in the finals. So the men's program is getting a lot better.

17 Obviously, you have your sights set down the road on the Beijing Games - do you focus only on yourself or do you fully expect to be at some point looking over your shoulder at some 15-year-old breaststroker who comes out of nowhere in '07, as was the case with Michael Phelps a few years ago in the fly, or Katie Hoff this year in the IM?

Brendan: That always comes up. That's what keeps you motivated, knowing some 15- or 17-year-old will come up in your event. That's always a possibility and you think about that a lot when you are training and it helps you get better. People could say I'm peaking, but I don't think that. I'm hoping to get better. You have to respect that; there are kids who want to beat you and have the same mentality of wanting to get where you are. Every year I look back and think, "Where can I get better?" I don't let age get in the way. People say, "Oh, you are 23, this has to change doesn't it?" No, I want to get better. Eddie changes the program to get us better, and the harder you work the better you will be. Of course the body accepts hard work differently at 23 than it did at 15 or 18, but there are still ways to get better. Age never comes up in that regard. I will continue to swim as long as I have the drive and can get better.

18 What do these young fans mean to you?

Brendan: Man, they are just great. To hear, "What's it like to be so successful?" That's a question that makes you realize how important your "support staff" is - my family, friends, teammates and coaches. This is something I'm going to write about on the website I have, www.brendanhansenonline.com - about what great support can do for you.

19 You seem so comfortable being a role model - what's that all about?

Brendan: I just think there aren't enough good role models in the world today, especially in the world of sports. Ian, Aaron and I talk about this - we want to be there for the kids because there is a lack of role models. It doesn't take a lot of effort to do the right thing. A lot of it has to do with how you are brought up - your values, character - that's part of my message to kids, that your closest role models are, or should be, your parents or brother or sister or someone else close to you.

20 You've mentioned your parents several times - how important has that family support been to your success?

Brendan: It's been a part of all of my successes - a key to success. I can only put in so much, so at some point I will break down, will need that boost, encouragement and support. To have your family there to back you up and offer some guidance, "Why is it you are doing this? What's the goal? What's the big picture?" The thing is, my family has never forced me to swim, they've always made it my choice, and then they've supported me and encouraged me. My family saw that in swimming, I think early on, that I could learn from it about life. That if you want things in life, just like in the water, you have to work hard for it - it'll never be handed for you. You have to go after it.

More about the hockey game, etc.

And we have a BHOer who will be in attendance and taping the coverage at home (YAY VERBAL!), so we'll have nice video of the event for everyone to enjoy. I wish I could go.

Also, another of our lovely bloggers, Kimberly, sent me some photos of the trio that she took at Indy Worlds. Only one of Brendan...(we'll have to talk about that later Kimberly. )

Athens 2004 - The Video Game

I've got to confess that I really blow at the online mini game and have won 0 wreaths for the USA (I wuzrobbed!). I need to go waste a little more time playing it and see if I can break the 12 second barrier. So does anyone here own this? Any of the swimmers look like the Texas Trio? Is it worth the money? Anyone?

ETA: Another fun online "game", although some take it very seriously. ;) Measure your biorhythm compatibility with that special someone. All you need is their birthdate to know if you were meant to be together.

Bio Love Match

Of course, I know it's bunk because it only gives Brendan and myself an overall score of 53% which just CAN'T be right. :p But it does give me a 99% Physical compatibility rating with the Thorpedo, so maybe there is something to it after all.

Year's Best: From UT swimmers to Olympic medalists

A nice summary article about the Texas Trio. Nothing new really but there is a video link as well.

So y'all, was Santa good to you? Tell us what you got and how you spent your holiday.

Aunt K's Christmas Gift to the Ladies of BHO

Taken with her camera phone on Christmas Day.

Staying in the Swim

Scroll down...

Natalie Coughlin, who won five medals in Athens, is wrapping up school and training at the University of California. She plans to stick with it at least through 2008. Ian Crocker, a triple medalist in Athens, will continue to train at UT, as will Brendan Hansen, another who returned with three medals. Three-time gold medalist Aaron Peirsol went surfing in Costa Rica, among other travels, and will return to training at UT in the spring.

Santa knew just what I wanted...

Christmas Eve, I get home late from my Aunts, check the mail and WHEEEEEE! A letter from Aunt C with photo. I knew Santa (and Aunt C) wouldn't let me down! For those of you who'd like to print posters I've uploaded an extra high res version that you can download here.

Holiday Wishes FROM the Hansen Family

Holiday Wishes FOR the Hansen Family

Thanks to Angie for the beautiful artwork. :)

BHO Photo Contest

As my early gift to each of you, my PEEPS!, my homies, a sneak peak at the good looking fans posting here at BHO. We're all so cute we should charge admission. It's not finished yet due to slow mail delivery. It may be several days more until I get all the entries in and NO GUESSING until the list is up. Enjoy y'all! And I hope each of you has a wonderful holiday.

The day before Christmas

One day and is going to be Christmas! (Navidad, Navidad, llega Navidad)

So, as activity of the day in the blog, let's trade stories.
Give us your funny/tender Christmas story and we would give you ours. Feel free to share any story, they all count.

And if you still have the spirit of the season:
What's the gift you're waiting for Santa to get you?
And what gift are you most excited to be giving?

Finally remember you can post your wishes to the Hansen's family in think link:

Christmas messages for the Hansen Family

PS: Michelle is still teh boss.
PS 2: Voting is not over. Keep voting!!

A New Blog Feature...

Bren Bear stories from Grandmom & Grandpop!

For the Friends of Brendan - Since the pictures are finished, and all your cookies made, how about a few stories about Brendan to fill the void??? Thanks to all of you faithful voters for spending so much time voting for Brendan. After all the hard work if we come in second to Aaron it would be a great honor. We have met his late grandfather, father and uncle and they are great people.
When Brendan was in 7/8th grade and Sean was swimming with the High School we would go to the meets. Brendan would be on the deck with the H.S boys, cheering them on as if he were one of them. In his freshman year when he went out for the swim team, at the first meeting, the coach asked Brendan, what was his best time in the breast and when Bren. told him, the coach said 'your breaststroke not your freestyle'. Needless to say the coach was amazed. Sean's team, of which he was captain, the year earlier, won the league championship, for the first time in many years. With Brendan having a major part they were league champions when he was in his freshman year. His times in I.M. and the breaststroke were the best in the county.

Prior to districts,at which you have to qualify for states, Brendan was in woodshop class and cut the top of two fingers on the power saw. After the accident Brendan was really upset because the doctor told him no swimming for 10 days. His father seeing how upset he was reassured him that he always had next year to prove himself. Brendan said, 'Dad, I am not upset for me, I am upset for the seniors on the relay team who will not go to states if I don't swim." So his father called the family doctor and explained the situation, the doctor did not want to override the surgeon who stitched the fingers. However, his father told him that Brendan would not be in the water for more than 1 min. for Breast, and 30 seconds,for the relay. Finally, the doctor said, 'no warm-ups, and cover the bandage with a rubber glove, to keep it from getting wet. After each time in the water you have to change the bandage. Before entering the water at Districts Brendan had to go to the officials, show the bandage and glove, and get permission to swim. The officials said it was okay because they felt it was more a hindrance than an advantage. He swam and took a first in the breast and the relay team qualified for states. Following the districts, John Lohn's article in the Del. Co. News read, "HANSEN IS A CUT ABOVE".

At States Brendan was seated third behind the AAA champion from the previous year and the AA Champion from the previous year who moved up to AAA. Swimming with these two champions Brendan was behind until the last five yards of the last lap pulling ahead and winning the race. This was one of the most memorable of Brendan's races. The first of his four consecutive state titles. The relay team took a fifth which was great for those swimmers. In his sophomore year, Brendan tied Jeremy Linn's state record, in his Junior year he broke the state record, and in his senior he broke his own state record, which was and still is the National Public School Record. That year he was voted the "Most Outstanding Swimmer in Pennsylvania."

Next Week's Story -"How Lena's Pumpkin met Ian"

Wheeeee! I can't wait to read next week's story! Many thanks to Gmom and Gpop for taking the time to do this for us.

2005 World Championships in Montreal Canceled? Moved to Long Beach? Confusion Reigns

By Phillip Whitten

MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada, December 21. THE 2005 FINA World Swimming Championships will not be held in Montreal, according to a report issued just 10 minutes ago by the presse canadienne.

However, Harold Cliff, Special Adviser and Competition Director for the World Championships told SwimInfo that the report was "premature," indicating that the Organizing Committee would be given an extension until January 17, 2005 to come up with the funding needed to support the meet. "We will be issuing an update later today," he said.

Follow the link to read more.

Here we go: Cards and Cookies

This is my first post so I hope you'd all be kind to me.
First, some greetings from Buenos Aires




You'll excuse the poor art in the card, Photoshop is not listed among my skills. But this is how my city looks like.

Second: by popular demand and because you've been voting and voting, Mrs. H cookie recipe

RICOTTA COOKIES

1/2 lb butter or margarine 2 teaspoons vanilla
1 lb. Ricotta cheese 4 cups Flour
2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon salt
3 eggs 1 teasoon baking soda


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Cream shortening
3. Add eggs, sugar, cheese, and vanilla.
4. Mix well, then add dry ingredients.
5. Drop by spoonful onto ungreased cooking sheet.
6. Bake 12 to 15 minutes; cookies will be light in color.
7. When completely cool, frost tops of cookies with icing recipe.



ICING RECIPE
3 cups of powdered sugar (sifted)
1/4 cup of warm water (may need more)
1 Tablespoon corn syrup (use light color)
1/4 teaspoon of flavoring (I use almond)

Add syrup to warm water and stir until dissolved. Add remaining ingredients.

When you're icing the cookies you can decorate them right away with colored sugars or anything festive. They will stick if you put them on right before the icing drys.

Finally, I declare the beginning of the BHO Cookie Trade. Feel free to post all your cookis recipes to share them with the rest.

PS: Michelle is still Teh Boss

It's Official - Lena's the boss

As of this past Saturday Lena is an official Brendan Blog Admin, so don't go making her angry! She now has more weapons at her disposal than just her bow and arrow.

P.S. I'm still the boss too. :p

Best of the Blog 2004

John Lohn is writing a story about Brendan for an upcoming article and asked me to get your feedback on some of your best blog moments. Lala's "toight as a toiger" longhorn tattoo post and Mrs. H's follow up to that are certainly some of MY most memorable blog moments. What are yours? Any particular member posts that really stand out for you?

Favorite Photo Poll Results

Brendan as Chad Carvin/Olympic Skit 17% 17
Someone remind me cause I've already forgotten which photo this was 15% 15
Crouching Toiger 11% 11
Blonde girl pruning up Brendan's cheek 15% 15
BabyBren with Fish 24% 24
Diving, Worlds 2003 14% 14

Of course, I'm sure we all have a NEW favorite photo by now. I'm not sure how these photo choices hold up next to shirtless Brendan with cute puppy, or BabyBear on the Beach, not to mention Coppertone Brendan doing some serious tanning, the list goes on. We'll have to have a new Favorite Photo Poll in the New Year so ya'll start making your suggestions and help me get the list down to a top 5 or 6.

By Special Request

A thread for each of you to leave your Christmas wishes for Brendan and his family.

The last two photos

Wearing Nelson Diebel's gold medal - a moment that inspired him on to his own.



A man and his Chevy.

Cutie McHottie Revealed!

RAWR!

Vote for Brendan!

He's listed in both the World Swimmer of the Year and American Swimmer of the Year categories.

Show Brendan your support by donating to the Leukemia Research Foundation

Fans have requested a way to support Brendan's favorite charity in his name and the Leukemia Research Foundation has responded by creating a special web page just for us. Please take note of the LRF logo in the sidebar just under his schedule. Brendan will be notified of every donation made in his name and the web page will be updated with totals as contributions come in. It's a welcome addition to the blog for those who would like to show their support in a truly meaningful way.

Only two photos remaining after this group...It's going to be a sad, sad day when they're all gone.

I'm too sad to comment. Ok, the curls and big smile cheer me up a little.



Wheeeee! How seasonal. And look Lena, the person next to him got Nerf bow and arrow. I'm so jealous!



Another one for the baseball fans.

Oy is just Yo backwards - A few links....

It really pays to check out Scott Goldblatt's Blog from time to time. This is the funniest Holiday song I've ever heard. Thank you Scott and Colleen! (If you're bored home alone Scott you could always come over to BHO and hang with us. We've got to be better than red jello.)

This article really only mentions Brendan's name but thought some might like to read it anyway. Of course the author and I are in total disagreement. I think Brendan should be in the top 5 at the very least, if not numero uno. But that's just me. Smarty who?

Brendan's 200 m from 2000 Trials at Texas-Trio.com - He looks so young, and yet so hot. It's confusing for an old woman like me.

A souvenir pin for the Brendan Hansen Fan in your life. Would make a nice stocking stuffer.

It's Wednesday...more pictures.

Blonde Curls - Check
Overalls - Check
Little blue hoodie - Check
Brendan was a total triple threat even at 2!



All smiles.



The photographer in me just LOVES this picture. It's gorgeous.

20 Question Who?

Little Baby Bear



GI Joe Bear



Just when you think you couldn't love him more...Mom & Bren Bear

Making Monday a little brighter

Ok, he's 5 and taking his tanning soooo seriously. And what do 5 year olds listen to on headphones?



The proud hunter (I have a feeling this one didn't get thrown back).



A shot we are all too familiar with by now.

Sunday Picture Blogging

No time for comments - I've got shopping to do! (and they are pretty self explanatory I think, more water, more innocent victims, etc. :)

Saturday "fix"

The Krayzelburg fans will love this one (Krazy version thanks AimsRos.) I think Brendan does it better.



Brendan with a "friend" at 13.



Where are we going Bren Bear?

It's a Brendan Christmas!

A little graphic greeting from our soon to be newest member Angie, and welcome to all the other new posters as well. It's good to see the Brendan Blog growing.

Ho hum...another day of fab pictures

Notice Charlie Brown in the bottom of the pool. And those feet.



Already working on the 8 pack.



Wheeee! :running to get my life jacket:

Aunt C made me do it!

Ok, that's not really true, she just suggested it. A fun new "contest", although it's not really a contest since there will be no losers, only winners! Since Brendan's mom has so graciously shared these pictures of Brendan (and Aunt C) with us, it would be really fun if everyone here would share pictures of themselves. The way we'll do it is YOU send me a picture of yourself (locarbdesign@juno.com) and I'll post it, but with no ID. Everyone tries to guess who is who. It doesn't have to be a recent picture, it can be any picture you want. Your most funny, most cute, most sexy, whatever. Everyone who participates will get something besides just the joy of sharing with their fellow bloggers. What exactly depends on how many people participate.

If you don't have access to a scanner I'd be happy to scan your photo for you and send it back - just email me for instructions. No deadline for entries - but I'd like this to be a fun activity for the Holidays so don't procrastinate. I'll start posting them as quickly as they come in.

Chrismukkah - Day 2

There are no words to adequately describe the cuteness. Who's the babe next to Brendan? Mom or an Aunt?



I know there are several bloggers who've been anxiously awaiting a picture of Brendan in a baseball uniform.



HA! Love the expression. And the blue eyes.

I'VE GOT MOM MAIL!

Christmas has come early! Brendan's mom sent me some of the BEST pictures of him y'all. But I'm eville and I'm only going to post a few a day. Oh, come on now...you know you can't handle them all at once. It's for your own good. I only BARELY survived the experience myself. I've selected 3 of my favorites for today...

Brendan's mom says this is Brendan's favorite picture of he and his brother Sean...so cute. It appears as though the Hansen's only make good looking babies. Good for them!



Brendan in what appears to be the same Superman shirt he wore for 2000 Trials. Is that right mom? He also appears to be shaving his legs. I guess that answers the eternal question - do they wax, Nair or shave?



The picture that USA Swimming should have put in their calendars. They'd have sold a lot more of them. Shirtless Brendan with a puppy...I'm assuming it's Jack...does it get any better than that?

I'VE GOT MAIL!

I sent a magazine and calendar to Brendan for autographs and got them back in this morning's mail with a bonus Ian autograph! How cool is that? Wheeee!

Texas Twister

Here is the text of the article from November 2001's Swimming World Magazine. I posted the photos earlier this week. And MWAH! to John Lohn for sending this to me so I wouldn't have to retype the whole thing. I hate typing.

A funnel cloud of unabated talent, Brendan Hansen has risen from promising prospect to world champion, an athlete with a rare combination of power and grace, endurance and speed, on the verge of redefining his specialty, the breaststroke.
By John Lohn

The Hansen File
Age: 20
Birthdate: Aug. 15, 1981
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180
Parents: Miriam and Buzz
Hometown: Havertown, Pa.
High School: Haverford High School '00
College: University of Texas
Coach: Eddie Reese
Club: Circle C Swimming
Former Club: Suburban Swim Club
Youth Coach: Charlie Kennedy
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite TV Show: "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"
Favorite Band: U2, Dave Matthews Band
Favorite Movie: "Dumb and Dumber"
Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing

It was only five years ago that he stepped on the blocks at Penn State University and walked away with the first of four consecutive Pennsylvania high school championships in the 100 yard breaststroke. Along the way, he established a national public school record, captured of state titles in the 100 yard breast, but he also erased the state championship record previously held by 1996 Olympic silver medalist in the 100 breast, Jeremy Linn. By the time Hansen graduated, his 53.67 effort as a senior was the fastest 100 time ever turned in by a public school competitor. (Only Patrick Fowler, who holds the independent school record at 53.66, has gone faster as a high school swimmer.)

Competing for Suburban Swim Club and under the tutelage of Charlie Kennedy, Hansen's accomplishments went far beyond the high school scene. Just before his senior year commenced, Hansen snared his first national title, taking the 200 breast at the 1999 summer nationals. There was also an invitation to compete at the 1999 World Short Course Championships in Hong Kong.

But while Hansen achieved so much during his scholastic days, he was only scraping the surface of a glorious career, one that is now directed by Eddie Reese, the longtime coach at the University of Texas and one of the world's famed swimming minds.

"There's a combination of things that have made Brendan as good as he is," Kennedy said. "But the one thing that stands out is the X-factor. He has something extra. What that is, no one knows. But it's something special.
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