Latest from John Lohn

By JOHN LOHN
jlohn@delcotimes.com

MONTREAL - Long before the championship heat was contested, the deal was pretty much sealed. All Brendan Hansen did was deliver the handshake, doing so with a firm grip. More accurate, a ferocious squeeze.

Completing a breaststroke double at the World Swimming Championships, Hansen obliterated the field in the 200 breast Friday night, blazing through the water at Parc Jean-Drapeau in 2:09.85, the sixth-fastest time in history.

Hansen's victory arrived four days after he captured top honors in the 100 breast with the second-fastest time ever produced, trailing only his world record in that event. In every way, it has been a magical meet for the Haverford High graduate, already considered the greatest breaststroker the sport has seen and, seemingly, creating greater separation from his adversaries with each stroke.

Hansen pressed from the start and was under world-record pace through the first 150 meters, before slowing slightly on the final lap. Still, the swim was spectacular and gave Hansen an easy win over Canada's Mike Brown, who set a national record in 2:11.22. Japan's Genki Imamura was the bronze medalist in 2:11.54.

"I had a good strategy for the 200," Hansen said. "It's a different race altogether and I went after it. The last 50 meters just weren't there for me, but that's the nature of the sport. It'll give me something to work on. That's the nature of the game."

Through the years, Hansen has unquestionably improved his speed, whether through an improved start and pullout phase to his wall-to-wall quickness. Yet, all along, he has been blessed with tremendous endurance, a trait on display in what is considered by some to be the most grueling race in the sport.

When Hansen mined gold in the 100 breast, that performance was accompanied by redemption, namely the defeat of Japan's Kosuke Kitajima. At the Olympic Games in Athens, it was Kitajima who edged Hansen for top honors. The 200 distance, however, had a distinctly different feel.

This race had nothing to do with a rivalry or revenge. Instead, it was about pure exhibition and a battle with the clock. So outclassed was the field that Hansen was, basically, a mortal lock for gold. Obviously, his margin of victory served as proof.

Although this was Hansen's second world title in the event, it was markedly different from the one he claimed during the 2001 World Champs in Japan. Then, Hansen was a known commodity on the international scene, but not necessarily favored to win. These days, nothing short of championship efforts are expected.

Since that triumph from four years ago, Hansen has picked up a medal in each race he has contested at the international level. Between the Olympic Games, World Championships and Pan-Pacific Championships, Hansen is 15-for-15 in his medal pursuits.

Chalk that success up to a dynamite work ethic. While a handful of swimming's major names have taken the year off or have eased through their workload, Hansen has maxed out his training.

"My days in the sport are numbered," he said. "I want to make every year count and be better than I was the year before. I do what I have to do, no matter how tough the training might be."

A University of Texas product, Hansen has always shown a knack for the history books. That is, how to enter them. With each major competition, the 23-year-old finds a way to bolster his legacy. If not through time, then achievement. Sometimes, both.

In completing the 100-200 breast double, Hansen became just the fourth man to turn the trick at the World Championships. More, by claiming his third individual breast title, he joined Great Britain's David Wilkie and Hungary's Norbert Rosza in the trifecta category.

While this competition is over for Hansen on an individual basis, he'll take part in the meet's final event Sunday night, the 400 medley relay. Handling the breaststroke leg, Hansen is likely to corral a third gold medal. From there, he'll board a flight to Southern California and participate in the Duel in the Pool, the head-to-head matchup between the United States and Australia. A handful of engagements will follow, and then it's home to Havertown for some well-deserved rest.

"It really hurt," Hansen said of the race. "But, it's supposed to hurt. It's not supposed to be easy. I gave it everything I had, and that's all I can ask of myself. It was tough without anyone (pushing). But, I'll take the win. It's nice to have."

World Champs, Day 6 Evening Session: Hansen Overwhelms Field to Capture Gold Medal in Men's 200 Breaststroke

By John Lohn

MONTREAL, Canada, July 29. NO debate: Brendan Hansen is the premier breaststroker in the world. Four days after winning the 100-meter breast over his Japanese rival Kosuke Kitajima, Hansen blew away the opposition in the 200 breast on Friday night, winning the event in 2:09.85. The swim marked the second time in his career in which he broke the 2:10 barrier.

The world-record holder at 2:09.04, Hansen gave his global standard a scare, as he was ahead of the pace through the opening three laps. Hansen tired slightly on the final leg, but still produced a sizzling time. The championship is Hansen's third of an individual variety, as he also won the 200 breast crown during the 2001 World Champs in Fukuoka, Japan, plus the 100 title here.

Hansen touched the wall at the halfway mark in 1:01.29, a superb time on the international scene for the 100-meter distance. While Hansen dazzled with his victory, the Montreal crowd went crazy for the silver-medal showing of Canada's Mike Brown, who entered the final as the second seed and set a national record with his time of 2:11.22.

Japan's Genki Imamura collected the bronze medal with a swim of 2:11.54, fast enough to deny Australia's Jim Piper of a place on the medal podium. Piper was timed in 2:12.42 and was followed by Poland's Slawomir Kuczko (2:12.44) and Russia's Grigory Falko (2:12.51). The seventh and eighth positions went to Italy's Loris Facci (2:12.62) and Kazakhstan's Vladislav Polyakov (2:12.72).

Swimming: Hansen puts in on cruise control

MONTREAL -- Nobody is going to touch him. That message became abundantly clear Thursday night, when Brendan Hansen dominated the semifinals of the 200-meter breaststroke at the World Swimming Championships in Montreal. While seven other competitors will climb atop the starting blocks tonight for the final, they're not battling for gold.

A bold statement? Maybe. But, it's the truth.

Three days after claiming a world title in the 100 breast at Parc Jean-Drapeau, Hansen blistered through his semifinal race in the 200 breast, covering the distance in 2 minutes, 10.23 seconds. The next-fastest qualifier was Canada's Mike Brown, who registered a mark of 2:11.26, a national record.

What's scary is the fact that Hansen, a Haverford High graduate, was in cruise control, expending just enough energy to comfortably advance to the championship heat. So, with plenty of ammo remaining, only one question surrounds the final: Can Hansen dip under his world-record time? The magic number is 2:09.04, produced at last summer's United States Olympic Trials in Long Beach (Calif.).

"I'm going to be close to my record," Hansen said, only minutes after his race. "I felt really good. The race was nice and easy. I fed off the crowd. They were going nuts, and I used it. I know it wasn't for me, but I fed off it anyway. It was a real strong swim and I'll be even better in the final."

With Brown next to Hansen in the first semifinal, the Montreal crowd went crazy for its home-grown athlete. The fans cheered during the introductions and became louder during the race. Always one to use boisterous conditions in his favor, Hansen treated the crowd support as his own.

A University of Texas product, Hansen was just off his world-record pace at the 50-meter mark and settled into a smooth rhythm during the final three laps. His performance was comfortable from start to finish.

"It's great to race beside that guy," Brown said of Hansen. "He's a phenomenal athlete, the best in the world in that event."

Although Hansen's name has circulated on the international scene since 1999, it was this event that elevated his status to world-class at the 2001 World Championships. Competing in Fukuoka, Japan, Hansen won his first global crown, accomplishing the feat in the 200 breast.

Since that day, Hansen has consistently built his portfolio, adding world and national championships, along with numerous world and American records. Considered the greatest breaststroker in history, Hansen is simply creating more distance between himself and his opposition.

During the morning preliminaries, Hansen eased through the water in 2:12.74, just behind the 2:12.73 of Kazakhstan's Vladislav Polyakov. While Hansen exerted minimal energy, Polyakov pushed himself to the max. Yes, the difference between Hansen and his counterparts is astounding.

If Hansen secures gold in the 200 breast, he will become just the fourth man to win the 100 and 200 distances at the same World Championships. More, he will join Great Britain's David Wilkie and Hungary's Norbert Rosza as a three-time champion in breaststroke action on the world-championship stage.

A world record would be a sweet bonus.

"I was so relaxed out there," Hansen said of his semifinal. "In the morning, I was a little tight. This race, I got real loose and had a solid swim. I'm looking forward to the final."

MORE JELLO ARTICLES from Worlds

Thursday Results

Morning Heats:

1. Vladislav Polyakov 2:12.73
2. Brendan Hansen 2:12.74
3. Slawomir Kuczko 2:12.76
9. Scott Usher 2:13.89

Brendan looked great and backed off at the end gliding into the wall.

Evening Prelims:

1. Brendan Hansen
2. Mike Brown
3. Genki Imamura

Another effortless swim. Tomorrow's final should be interesting. And fast.

News Links

News Links

Hansen catches Kitajima

Kitajima settles for runner-up to archrival

Hansen regains upper hand in Montreal

Hansen expunges memory of Athens defeat with world title

Hansen beats biggest rival

Hansen gets payback

Pure delight as American makes up for Athens flop

Hansen revenges and five major records fall

Hansen gains revenge on Kitajima

Hansen takes 100; Phelps in final today

Kitajima settles for silver in 100m breaststroke final

Hansen Is Vindicated, Wins 100 Breaststroke

Hansen gets back at Kitajima

Hansen Beats Rival Kitajima In 100 Breast Final

More

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREA!

Hansen Claims Crown in 100 Breaststroke

By JOHN LOHN
jlohn@delcotimes.com

MONTREAL - Let it be known that, during the 25th day of July 2005, Brendan Hansen stamped himself as the greatest breaststroker in history. No debate, just pure fact. The numbers indicate this much to be true. So does his endless array of championship hardware. Monday night, simply, confirmed his status in the sport.
Taking control from the start, Hansen blazed through the pool at Parc Jean-Drapeau, capturing the gold medal in the 100-meter breaststroke at the 11th edition of the World Swimming Championships. Hitting the wall in 59.37, Hansen narrowly missed his world record (59.30), but posted the second-fastest time in history.

Although satisfying in itself, the Haverford High graduate's victory was made special by the fact that he avenged his Olympic defeat last summer to Japan's Kosuke Kitajima. This time around, with significant fan support evident on every stroke, Hansen took the top slot - for the present, and for all-time.

Kitajima, a former world-record holder, supplied a swim of 59.53, the third-fastest in the record books. Of the 11 sub-minute swims produced through the years, Hansen (four) and Kitajima (five) have combined for nine of the efforts. Hansen, however, has three of the top five and the top two.

"The extra thing I had tonight was emotion," Hansen said. "When you get beat in front of the crowd like I did last summer, and come out here in the same situation and on the same block, it was like giving me a second chance. I didn't want to screw it up twice.

"I don't think there was any justice to this, but I was motivated. The mark of any great athlete is that after he gets knocked down, he finds a way to get back up. That's what I did."

One of the premier rivalries in the sport, Hansen vs. Kitajima isn't exactly filled with warmth. Competitors since 2001, the men have clashed on the international stage with frequency. Four years ago, Hansen won his first world title at the expense of Kitajima in the 200 breast. The two also dueled at the 2002 Pan-Pacific Championships and at the 2003 World Champs.

But, their defining moment arrived in Athens last summer, during the Olympic Games. When the competition was finished, Hansen possessed a trio of medals, gold in the 400 medley relay, silver in the 100 breast and bronze in the 200 breast. As for Kitajima, he won gold in the 100 and 200 breaststroke disciplines and added a bronze in the medley relay.

It was in the 100 breast where the rivalry was elevated. Narrowly outdistancing Hansen at the wall, Kitajima used his post-race celebration as a vocal audition or sorts, repeatedly screaming in Hansen's ear. Worse, video footage displayed Kitajima blatantly using a dolphin kick off the start and turn, an illegal propulsion maneuver that experts say can cut half a second during the course of the race. The judges failed to call the violation and Kitajima won the race by .17.

Hansen refused to accept a similar outcome. Since the Olympics, he has repeatedly discussed the screaming of Kitajima, acknowledging that the bellows remained fresh in his mind. He also dedicated himself to his training, pushing himself to the max during a year that some athletes are using for a sabbatical.

"Kitajima brings out the best in me," Hansen said. "That's one of the great things about a rivalry and sports. There's someone there to push you and help set new standards. We've taken the event into a new era. To have that many races under a minute, it shows that the barrier can be smashed. To compete at this level, you're going to have to go under a minute."

Hansen split 27.95 at the midpoint of the race, moving out to a comfortable lead over Kitajima, who turned in 28.29. Down the final 50 meters, Kitajima tried to make a move on the American, but was rebuffed. Surging to another level, Hansen maintained his advantage to the wall, leaving no doubt at the finish.

After hitting the touchpad, Hansen looked to the scoreboard, assured himself that he won, and splashed the water in Lane 4. He followed with a fist pump, the most emotion he's shown since the Olympic Trials, where he set each of his world records last summer. In Long Beach (Calif.), his expression was more disbelief. In Montreal, there was satisfaction.

"I think it's good to have Hansen," Kitajima said through an interpreter. "He's going to make me keep my level up. To win, I knew I would have to go around the world record. The last 50, I got stiff and that led to my result."

Replicating the Olympic finish, France's Hugues Duboscq picked up the bronze medal with a time of 1:00.20, slightly faster than the 1:00.36 of the Ukraine's Oleg Lisogor. Russia's Dmitry Komornikov was fifth (1:00.66).

Since making his first international appearance in 1999, at the World Short Course Championships in Hong Kong, Hansen has been a staple on the global scene. Difficult to maintain superiority over a six-year span in any stroke, the breaststroke - historically - has been the most demanding when it comes to longevity. A body-beating discipline, the breast has seen its share of champions fade from the spotlight in rapid fashion, Russia's Roman Sloudnov and the United States' Ed Moses serving as recent examples. Both were world-record holders, but suddenly found their times rising, a death blow in swimming.

Hansen, though, has maintained a firm grip on his excellence for more than half a decade, continually cashing in during major competitions. More important, there is no reason to believe he will slide at any time in the near future. His times in his first event at these World Champs were dazzling and, if his instincts are on target, Hansen anticipates grander accomplishments later this week, once the 200 breast kicks into gear.

For the next two days, Hansen will have the opportunity to recharge his battery, as he has opted to bypass the 50 breast. Qualified for the event, a non-Olympic discipline, he saw no reason to expend unnecessary energy with the 200 distance on the horizon. His decision, also bolstered by unselfishness, has given American Scott Usher a second race this week, complementing the 200 breast.

So, for 48 hours, Hansen will have the chance to cherish his redemption. Well, more likely, the ultra-focused athlete will turn his attention to the 200 breast and devise a strategy for breaking his world record (2:09.04) in that event.

"I was prepared for this," Hansen said. "I treated this like it was the Olympics. I was more fresh and faster than I was in Athens. To not do my best at the Olympics hurt so bad. The coaches told me to put on blinders, like they do with the horses. In Athens, I swam (Kitajima's) race. Here, I swam mine."
Right into history.

ETA: Photos from Worlds now in the Photo Gallery.

100 Breast Semi-Final Results and News Links

Brendan Hansen - 59.75
Kosuke Kitajima - 59.78
Oleg Lisogor - 1:00.05

Everyone is having a great time. Sean "Cutie McHottie" Hansen and John "Jello" Lohn are even cuter in person, hard to believe I know. Peter Bick is a total rockstar as are all the Hansens. The rest of the girls and I are exhausted after our first full day of swimming but excited for the finals tomorrow. Here are a few article links until then and hopefully by tomorrow I'll have some photos uploaded as well. You guys following online send Brendan all your positive energy tomorrow night. Maybe we'll see a new personal best from him.

World Swimming Championship results

Break from training didn't faze Peirsol

A stunner: Phelps fails to qualify for 400 free final

Rule change won't affect Kitajima-Hansen showdown

Results of 100 Breast Heats

Kosuke Kitajima - 59.71
Brendan Hansen - 59.84
etc. etc.

Brendan looked really relaxed and everyone was amazed how fast they swam in this first heat. Tonight should be a little slower with Kitajima and Brendan in seperate prelims.

Y'all don't forget you can follow the results live at www.omegatiming.com

FINA changes rules after Athens dispute

Swimming's world governing body FINA has changed one of its most contentious rules after the controversy triggered by Kosuke Kitajima's victories at last year's Athens Olympics.

The Japanese student won gold medals in the 100 metres and 200 metres breaststroke in the Greek capital despite complaints from American backstroker Aaron Peirsol that he had performed an illegal, though fairly common, dolphin kick on one of his turns.

However, FINA announced on Friday it had decided to end the long row over dolphin kicks by changing the rule, allowing swimmers to legally make one underwater kick after each turn.

The controversy over dolphin kicks has been around since the finger was first pointed at competitors at the 1978 world championships in Berlin, but US head coach Dave Salo said he did not agree with FINA's decision to change the rule just because of the recent drama.

"It's not a rule I'm in favour of," he told a news conference.

"Any time the rules change there's always going to be coaches who will try to find ways to get around it. "It's always open to interpretation ... so hopefully we'll get officials well trained in observing a second dolphin kick."

FINA also announced two technical changes in backstroke, allowing competitors to start races with their feet above the water line as well as being allowed to submerge on their glide into the wall.

Peirsol, a close friend of American breaststroker Brendan Hansen, was initially disqualified for an illegal turn in Athens after winning the 200 metres backstroke, but was reinstated on appeal.

The new rules will not be introduced for two months, meaning the old ones will still apply at next week's world championships.

Wheeeee! I leave for Montreal in 30 minutes but will be keeping the website updated while away and uploading photos as I can. 100 Breast Prelims tomorrow morning and the Final on Monday. Y'all be sure to follow the results live on the Omega website.

FINA Votes To Allow One Dolphin Kick on Breaststroke Starts and Turns

Swimming World Magazine has a lot of articles about Worlds up right now obviously so I won't post them all but thought I'd go ahead and post this one since so many of you have already been talking about it in another thread.

It's ok y'all. Brendan will smoke the competition either way.

July 21. AS we predicted back in January, FINA has overwhelmingly approved a recommendation by its Technical Committee to permit one downward dolphin kick on the start and each turn in the breaststroke.

The action was taken at today's FINA Technical Swimming Congress meeting in Montreal over the objection of the USA, Australia and several other countries. However it had solid support by the European nations.

According to Carol Zaleski (USA), Chair of the FINA Technical Committee, the change came largely as a result of the controversy engendered last year when Japan's Kosuke Kitajima, winner of both the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke events at the Olympic Games in Athens, took a very large dolphin kick after the start and turn of the 100-meter race but was not disqualified.

The Technical Congress also voted overwhelmingly to clarify the backstroke finish rule. It is now okay for a swimmer to be completely submerged at the finish.

By Phillip Whitten

Havertown's Hansen ready for World Championships

By Jonathan Tannenwald
For The Inquirer

It's been almost a year since Havertown native Brendan Hansen made headlines by winning three medals at the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. Next week, he returns to the spotlight as a member of the U.S. team that is competing at the FINA World Championships in Montreal.

The open-water swimming, diving and water polo events have already started, while the pool-based events - in which Hansen, Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin, among others, are scheduled to participate - are next week.

Although many athletes treat the biennial event as simply a warm-up for the Summer Games, Hansen has put as much into preparing for his trip to Canada as he did for last year's trip to Greece.

"Going into this worlds, I was more motivated than most people," he said. "I value the World Championships just under the Olympics as far as the competition and the rivalries, and just the racing that's going on."

That motivation stems from Hansen's performance last year. Even though he brought a diverse medal collection back from Athens - gold for the world-record 400-meter medley relay, silver for the 100-meter breaststroke, and bronze for the 200-meter breaststroke - he expected more. The World Championships are his opportunity to make amends.

"Right after the Olympics, I went right back to the pool and started working hard again because I didn't want to get second or third ever again," he said.

It's the kind of work ethic that Philadelphia fans expect of their athletes - and Hansen doesn't mind carrying the mantle of his hometown into the pool.

"The respect that I get, and obviously the support that I get through cards and e-mails... it's really refreshing to know that your hometown is behind you," he said.

Hansen admits that he has been able to take advantage of the fame that comes with Olympic medals. "All of a sudden you go to a restaurant and someone says, 'Hey, you're that guy that swam on the relay and won a couple medals,' " Hansen said.

The bright lights have moved on from American swimming since last summer, though. The World Championships won't be televised in this country, and ticket sales in Montreal have been slower than expected. But that won't decrease the rest of the world's desire to knock the United States off the pedestal it has occupied in swimming for so long.

USA Swimming national team director Uchiyama Everett cited Australia and Japan as America's biggest rivals, as well as "the great European nations.

"The French have done very well, Britain is on the rise, and the Italians are always to be reckoned with," he said. "The challenge for us is to maintain our status as the No. 1 swimming team in the world."

Hansen, who will compete in the 100-meter and 200-meter breaststroke as well as the medley relay, agrees. "I've got a little rivalry going with some Japanese breaststrokers, and it would be nice to come out on top on those [races]," Hansen said.

If he does, the chances are fairly high that Hansen will set a world record. The depth of the pool in Montreal will also play a role. At three meters, the venue is considerably deeper than other venues that have hosted high-profile events recently, and deep water is conducive to fast times.

"We haven't swam in a pool deeper than two meters in almost three years," Hansen said. "There's definitely going to be some records broken."

Everett even went so far as to admit that he would be surprised if there wasn't a world record set at this competition.

If Hansen is the one who makes those predictions come true, it will be the fourth time in his career that the 23-year-old has set a world record in an international event.

Interview with Brendan

There's a GREAT interview with Brendan posted on the Duel in the Pool website. He talks about what motivates him in training and in competition. He also talks about what he likes to do outside the pool and even giggles a little at one point. Don't miss it!

Worlds Prediction Contest

I really wanted to start this last week but with no psych sheet it's too difficult. Thank goodness Shannen found the entries. The file is HUUUUUUGE (341 pages!) but thank goodness it has a table of contents. Entries listed by event start on page 62.

So, are y'all up for this? So many events.....But I've got an autographed swim cap and a Montreal t-shirt for the winner.

Women's 100 Fly
Men's 400 Free
Womens 200 IM
Men's 50 Fly
Women's 400 Free
Men's 100 Breast
Women's 4x100 Free
Men's 4x100 Free
Women's 100 Back
Men's 200 Free
Womens' 100 Breast
Men's 100 Back
Women's 1500 Free
Men's 50 Breast
Men's 200 Fly
Women's 200 Free
Men's 800 Free
Women's 50 Back
Men's 100 Free
Women's 200 Fly
Men's 200 IM
Women's 100 Free
Men's 200 Back
Women's 200 Breast
Men's 200 Breast
Women's 4x200 Free
Women's 50 Fly
Men's 50 Free
Women's 800 Free
Men's 100 Fly
Women's 200 Back
Men's 4x200 Free
Women's 50 Free
Men's 50 Back
Women's 50 Breast
Men's 1500 Free
Women's 4x100 Medley Relay
Men's 400 IM
Women's 400 IM
Men's 4x100 Medley Relay

News Links

Phelps hopes for another strong showing at Worlds

Rivalry deepens Japan's pool of swimmers

Air of anti-climax at world swimming meet

All eyes on Phelps at world titles

Canadian diver Hartley grabs host's first gold at swimming worlds

Quebec duo takes synchro diving bronze at aquatic worlds

Swimming: Chinese divers golden on first day of worlds

Water world touches down in Montreal

SWIMMING: Phelps set to light up post-Olympic worlds

Montreal set to welcome aquatic worlds

100 Breaststroke Final

Brendan swam a 1.01.8 in the 100 final. Just before he got up on the blocks his cap ripped so he had to swim without. He thinks someone doesn't want him swimming fast until Montreal.

7 DAYS! WHEEEE!

Friday Morning Prelim Results...

Our secret sources (coughMrsHandAuntKcough) reveal that Bren swam a 1.02.4 in the 100 prelim this morning and feels GREAT!

Wheeeeeeee! What a rockstar!

News Avalanche!

By John Lohn

He had a choice, like the majority of his Olympic teammates. He could ease off the gas and put his high-performance piece of machinery in the garage, only to take it out for the occasional spin. Or, he could slide into the pits, refuel and hit the racetrack for another lap. Brendan Hansen, not surprisingly, went with the second option.

In his mind, that was the only way to go. Since the dawn of his scholastic days at Haverford High, Hansen has never let off the accelerator. Forget fifth gear. Hansen operates at sixth and above, levels few individuals understand. In a sport where performance is measured by the clock, the 23-year-old is a speed demon.

Around the swimming world, many of the sport's top guns have shifted into cruise control during this post-Olympic year. Ian Thorpe, the Australian freestyle ace, is taking a year sabbatical. Ditto for Amanda Beard, a three-time Olympian who is using this year to capitalize - financially - on her ever-growing profile. Others, too, have toned it down. Hansen, though, is a different story.

Had he desired, the University of Texas product could have remained among the elite figures in swimming by simply riding his God-given talent, a mixture of speed and endurance that has made him one of the greatest breaststrokers in history. The Hansen equation, however, is hardly complete without his bulldog work ethic. So, a cavalier approach was never a possibility, not even a cursory consideration.

"That's not me at all," Hansen said Wednesday night from his home in Austin, Texas. "I don't work that way. If I'm going to stay in this sport, I'm going to put everything out there. To be honest, I'm motivated by the fact that a lot of people out there aren't really giving everything they have. If you mellow, you're not going to get ahead. I feel like this is one of those years where I can take a big step. I'm just going to keep trucking and show everyone that I'm the real deal."

Whether he wants to admit it or not, Hansen has already established real-deal standing, a distinction cemented by world records in the 100 and 200 breast events, a trio of Olympic medals and eight world-championship medals. Yet, that portfolio matters little these days. What does matter is what awaits, namely the World Championships in Montreal.

When the World Champs begin in a little more than a week, Hansen will pursue global titles in three events - two in individual action and one in relay duty. While some of the big-time names in the sport are away, Hansen is hoping to benefit from a mental outlook that sets him apart from the competition. More, he has the motivation of last summer's Olympic Games.

Upon returning home from Athens, Hansen clutched a rainbow of Olympic medals, a dream scenario for most athletes, but not completely satisfying to a man who desired a gold-medal trifecta. He was also bitten by misfortune, victimized by an illegal maneuver in the final of the 100-meter breast. In Montreal, a measure of revenge is on the line.

Since 2001, Hansen and Japan's Kosuke Kitajima have built a rivalry that is considered to be one of the finest in swimming. During that four-year span, each man has won multiple world championships and has enjoyed world-record status. Simply put, they have separated themselves significantly from their challengers. Yet, their most well-known moment arrived in Athens.

Going head-to-head in the Olympic final, Kitajima narrowly edged Hansen at the wall. Shortly thereafter, controversy emerged as Kitajima - captured on film - was shown employing an illegal dolphin kick off the start and turn. The propulsion supplied by the kick almost assuredly accounted for Kitajima's 17-hundredths triumph. Although Hansen took the high road and declined to address the kick, two American teammates - Aaron Peirsol and Jason Lezak - sprinted to Hansen's defense, calling Kitajima a cheat. Adding to the controversy was Kitajima's post-race celebration, a scream-filled burst straight out of a Tarzan film.

If nothing else, Hansen has been fueled by the entire event.

"All I remember is his screaming," Hansen said. "Not a day goes by without my thinking of that. I remember hearing it right in my ear, and that's something I'm going to use for motivation. I was disappointed with how the Olympics worked out. I wanted more than what I got. This summer is a chance for me to have a great meet."

Barring any stunning developments in the preliminaries and semifinals, Hansen and Kitajima will clash in the 100 breast final on the second day of competition. Not only will the matchup rekindle a lofty rivalry, it will provide Hansen the chance at redemption, not that his career will be defined by a single race. Certainly, Hansen is eager for his latest world-championship foray, and proud of the way he has handled the past year.

"So much of racing is mental and I'm feeling really good," he said. "I feel fresh and that's huge. One of the big things for me is to show kids that it's not all about talent. It takes a ton of hard work. A lot of people have taken it easy since the Olympics, but I've worked my (butt) off."

He wouldn't have it any other way.

To contact John Lohn, e-mail jlohn@delcotimes.com.

Olympic king Kitajima wants to salvage pride

However, Kitajima has already thrown down the gauntlet to arch-rival Hansen ahead of the 100 metres, telling the American: ''I'm ready for you.'' While doubts linger over Kitajima's form this season, the brash 22-year-old will be fired up by the sight of Hansen on the blocks after a ''cheat'' row at the Olympics.

..snip..

After beating Hansen in Athens, Kitajima boasted: ''I kicked his butt.'' He will need all of that confidence and swagger if he is to produce a repeat in Montreal.

Oh no he di'nt!

All eyes on Phelps at world titles

Meet Schedule for Texas Senior Circuit Championship

Prelims at 9:00 AM and Finals at 6:30 PM unless otherwise noted

Thursday, July 14, 2005 (No Prelims, Final at 5:00 PM)

800 Free and 800 Free Relay

Friday, July 15, 2005 (Prelims at 10:00 AM)

200 Free
100 Breaststroke
100 Backstroke
400 IM
400 Relay

Saturday, July 16, 2005

100 Butterfly
200 Backstroke
50 Free
400 Free
400 Medley Relay

Sunday, July 17, 2005 (Finals begin at 5:00 PM)

200 Butterfly
200 Breaststroke
100 Free
1500 Free
200 IM

I expect most of the Texas boys will be swimming in this meet including Brendan, Aaron, Ian, Nate and Neil. Anyone going?

Worlds, the Texas Senior Circuit Championship and Streakers

Great Worlds preview article on the ChinaView website...

Australian ladies, U.S. misters to dominate pool

Among Phelps' masculine teammates, Aaron Peirsol and Brendan Hansen are particularly in shape. As the title holder, Olympic champion and world record holder in both 100m and 200m backstroke,Peisol showed his sensational form by smashing his own 100m world record at national trials in post-Olympic year. As for Hansen, whoholds the world records of 100m and 200m breaststroke, world titles of the two events is in his range.

Brendan will be swimming in the Texas Senior Circuit Championship meet in Austin this weekend. The 100 Breast is on Friday and the 200 on Sunday but as he leaves for Worlds Sunday he may not make that 200 final.

And finally, Lance is back in the yellow jersey after an impressive race through the alps yesterday. Unfortunately, my boy Dave Z. has withdrawn.

Brendan in July Issue of Swimming World Magazine

Breaststroke Bonanza
by Phillip Whitten and John Lohn

There's no mystery surrounding the breaststroke events, especially from the viewpoint of Brendan Hansen. This is the American's chance to exact some revenge from Athens, although he'll have to settle for - potentially - a half-price reward.

The world record holder in the 100 breast (59.30) and 200 breast (2.09.04), Hansen was originally expected to clash with Japan's Kosuke Kitajima over both distances. Kitajima, however, failed to qualify in the 200 breast, leaving Hansen one less shot at toppling his rival.

En route to a silver medal at the Athens Olympics, Hansen finished second to Kitajima in the 100 breast, in large part due to Kitajima's employment of an illegal dolphin kick. This summer, Hansen is intent on landing gold and defining himself as the globe's undisputed breaststroke champion.

Even without Kitajima, the 200 breast is filled with excitement, as it will be highlighted by a head-to-head face-off between Hansen, the 2001 world champ, and Dani Gyurta, the Hungarian youngster who earned a silver medal in Athens.

New Gallery Additions

I've added several new images to the gallery this weekend. First off our faaavorite photographer Peter Bick (he looks much younger than he professes to be) and Kiwikwis (a new member who joined us at chat last night) have been added to the Blogger gallery. In addition kiwi sent me a couple of really nice photos she took of Brendan at the Santa Clara meet.





And finally, Shannen found this lovely photo of the Texas boys taken in Long Beach during the Olympic Trials. Aaron has such an "interesting" collection of hats doesn't he?



HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAIR! I can't wait to meet you in Montreal.

Happy Birthday lala!

Longhorn Tattoo reveals JUST FOR YOU! I hope it's been a good one!

One year ago this week....

On July 8th, 2004 Brendan broke the world record in the 100 meter breaststroke at the US Olympic Trials and on the 11th he came back and broke the 200m record as well. Records are still standing. Wheeeee!

"Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records."
~ William A. Ward

World's Media Guide available from USA Swimming

BHO gets a shout-out on Brendan's page. WOOT!

Ok y'all, who is your famous blogger twin? Mine is Wil Weaton. (he's still famous?)

News Links

South Africa Will Not Enter 400 Free Relay at World Champs

London beats Paris in final round to secure 2012 Olympics

Armstrong retains Tour de France lead as McEwen wins fifth stage

Peirsol Accepts Role as Ambassador for Surfrider Foundation

U.S. swimmers focused on 'first-string' results at WUGs

USA Swimming announces site of 2008 Olympic Trials

So, how does everyone feel about Omaha in 2008?

Medley Speculation and Tour de Lance Update

World Champs: United States Medley Relay Poses Interesting Possibilities

By John Lohn

PHILADELPHIA, Penn., USA, July 1. THE invincibility of the United States men in the 400-meter medley relay is unquestionable. In Olympic action, the Stars and Stripes has never been beaten, with the only gold not won by America going to Australia in 1980. That was the year the U.S. boycotted the Moscow Games, thanks to Jimmy Carter.

With history serving as support, then, the U.S. is the overwhelming favorite to take gold in the final event at this month's World Championships in Montreal. Considering the improbability of the U.S. being challenged, it's more intriguing to look at which athletes will swim the event. Basically, we're looking at five men for four spots.

Barring any unforeseen developments, the first two legs of the medley relay are locked up. With Aaron Peirsol (backstroke) and Brendan Hansen (breaststroke) sitting as reigning world-record holders, the States has an opening punch that is devastating. But, how will the final two legs shape up? That's where the intrigue surfaces.

On the fly leg, the U.S. will go with either Ian Crocker, the world-record holder, or Michael Phelps, the Olympic champion. The decision will hinge, to a degree, on the result of the 100 fly final. If Crocker wins the event and clinches the relay slot, Phelps could still find action as the anchor. For Phelps to earn the hammer slot, he would - likely - have to defeat Jason Lezak in the 100 freestyle. Lezak, of course, is the American-record holder in the 100 free and a staple on the U.S. medley relay.

However, if Phelps wins the fly, he would have - presumably - control of the fly leg on the relay, thus leaving Lezak as the man for the anchor role. Regardless of what transpires, one high-level performer will be watching the final. Yet, the Americans appear to be positioned well and should have little trouble maintaining their dominance.

Which combination of 4 would y'all like to see? Phelpsies don't hurt me but I'm kind of hoping for the team of Peirsol/Hansen/Crocker/Lezak. I'm fickle though - just ask Lance Armstrong. I've dumped him for Dave Zabriskie after reading Dave's online journal. You've gotta love a shy boy with a wicked sense of humor. I wonder if we could talk Brendan into doing some of those one question interviews at Worlds.

Fourth of July Games

Happy Birthday to Crackinup and Terrie who are celebrating today and Schembsie who will celebrate tomorrow. I hope you guys are having as good a weekend as David Zabriskie is having!

Geography Game: USA (all those middle states confuuuuse me. I only got a 395)
Mosquito Blaster
Beer Pong

Tour de France

Lance begins his quest for #7 today and it continues through the first day of Swimming in Montreal. Wheeeeee! Go Lance!

TGIF!

It's Friday y'all! So in the spirit of procrastination and saving Friday's work for Monday morning let's play...

My contribution to the fine arts...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEACHGIRL!

Longhorn Repeats Club Excellence

USA Swimming is pleased to announce that Longhorn Aquatics is the Club Excellence Team Champion for the second consecutive year. Coach Randy Reese's Austin-based club took top honors in the four year-old program with an amazing 73,951 points - 20,000 points more than last year's record. Irvine Novaquatics placed second with 45,203 points followed by North Baltimore Aquatic Club with 40,705 points. A complete list of teams and rankings can be found at 2005 Club Excellence Program Results.