Cute Overload...

For those of you, like myself, looking for ways to procrastinate during finals...



The Cute Overload Blog

And some Brendan mentions in the press this week...

Taking a Look at the Swimming Scene

By John Lohn (Premium Article at Swimming World)

NEW YORK, April 26. WE'RE a little more than a quarter into 2006 and already there have been some notable performances in our sport, primarily by Australia's Leisel Jones and American Ryan Lochte, a tandem that has rewritten a handful of world records. Here are a few observations on a variety of topics as we head into the summer season.

**Fresh off short-course world records in the 100 and 200 backstrokes, along with the 200 individual medley, Ryan Lochte is scorching hot. He has signed a representation deal with Octagon and Peter Carlisle and recently capped off a sterling collegiate career at the University of Florida. Simply, Lochte's star is as bright as ever.

Now, though, is the chance for Lochte to elevate his presence to another level, namely by sizzling in the long-course realm this summer. The reigning Olympic silver medalist in the 200 I.M., Lochte has already proven himself at the Big Show. But, the multi-event talent can really enhance is identity in the dorsal events by establishing himself as a threat to Aaron Peirsol in the 50-meter pool. He'll get the chance in Irvine this summer during Nationals.

**Speaking of the backstroke, is there an event on the American male scene as deep as the 100 distance. Aside from Aaron Peirsol and Ryan Lochte, the event features the likes of Peter Marshall, Randall Bal and Matt Grevers. That's good stuff, and should make for a dynamite Nationals in Irvine this summer, where the U.S. will select its team for the Pan Pacific Championships and 2007 World Champs in Melbourne.

**While the women's side is stacked with talent, the male breaststroke in the United States is hurting in a big way. While the breast is dominated on a global level by Brendan Hansen, the American dropoff behind the world-record holder is astronomical. Sure, Mark Gangloff picked up a silver medal in the 50 breast and at last summer's World Champs in Montreal. Otherwise, there isn't much to get excited about for the Red, White and Blue.

**As for the women's breaststroke, what Leisel Jones has done to the stroke is almost unbelievable. Once tagged as a swimmer unable to deliver in pressure situations, the Aussie star has separated herself from the competition to such a degree that it's hard to fathom anyone keeping pace in the near future. Such is the strength of her world records of 1:05.09 and 2:20.54.

**The NCAA Championship season was full of spectacular swims, but for my money, I'll take Simon Burnett's 200 freestyle time of 1:31.20 as the premier swim of the collegiate season. The University of Arizona standout and British Olympian absolutely overwhelmed a top-flight field and is equally talented in the long-course ranks. At next year's World Champs, expect Burnett to find a podium position in either the 100 or 200 free, perhaps both.

**Many times, early teenagers break onto the scene with lightning-quick times and find themselves deemed a future star. Sometimes, the forecast of greatness plays out. Sometimes, it doesn't. In terms of North Baltimore Aquatic Club's Felicia Lee, we'll go with a future filled with stardom. Recently, the 13-year-old just missed breaking Mary T. Meagher's National Age Group record in the 100-meter butterfly with a time of 59.72. Meagher's record is 59.71.

Under the tutelage of Paul Yetter and training with Katie Hoff and Courtney Kalisz, Lee is in the perfect environment to continue her progression leading up to the 2008 Olympic Trials in Omaha. Heck, considering Lee's talent and continuous improvement, a World Champs invitation is not out of the question. The same can be said for Kalisz, who recently popped a 2:09 effort in the 200 fly, a breakout performance.

And an article about someone who would argue with John's opinion of the current men's breaststroke scene I think...

Swimmer has Olympic quality
By Dan Mihalik

Senior swimmer Giordan Pogioli has a pretty full trophy case.

Five All-America honors, a Big Ten Championship and a medal from the FINA World Championships are just some of the awards he has accumulated during his Purdue career. But he's missing one thing.

An Olympic medal.

"I wouldn't say it's far-fetched," Pogioli said. "Pretty much if you make the U.S. Team, you are in the running for the medal. For me, just making the team is the ultimate in itself."

Right now, Pogioli is the third-ranked American in the 200-meter breaststroke, only behind Olympic veterans Brendan Hansen and Scott Usher. If those rankings hold up, Pogioli will be making his Olympic debut in Beijing in two short years.

He's already qualified for the 2008 Olympic Trials in both breaststroke events. He's earned top finishes in the Big Ten Conference meet and the NCAA Championships this season. He owns both varsity records in the breaststroke events and has enjoyed a senior season that included more trips overseas in one year than a 65-year-old retired couple would take.

From the World University Games in Turkey to racing with the icons of the swimming world at the FINA World Championships in China, Pogioli has seen his fair share of Olympic caliber competition.

But he'll always miss what he had at Purdue.

"I don't know what I'll do when I have to leave," Pogioli said. "I love training with these guys."

Pogioli finished off his collegiate career with two All-America citations, both coming in the 200-yard breaststroke, and three honorable mention All-America honors. At this year's NCAA Championships, Pogioli's fifth-place finish in the 200-yard breaststroke helped pace the Boilers to 59 points for the championships and a 16th-place overall finish.

Purdue coach Dan Ross, who has now been at the helm of the Purdue men's swimming program for 21 years, has undoubtedly seen his share of gifted athletes strap on goggles.

And to some, it may be surprising to know where Ross ranks Pogioli on his list of great swimmers.

"From a full Big Ten, NCAA and International scale, he's probably the best swimmer I've had, the most successful swimmer I have coached," Ross said. "I would rather not have any other person on the blocks if it comes down to a breaststroke event."

That honor left Pogioli temporarily speechless, but his humble nature tried to deflect the attention.

"I'm flattered by that," Pogioli said. "For him to rank me up there makes me really happy. I've always wanted to go out and compete not only for Purdue, but for him."

Ross said he has seen some swimmers who can't wait to hang up their goggles for good once they use their eligibility.

But the drive he sees in Pogioli to "be the best" gives him every reason to believe he could make the 2008 Olympics.

"Absolutely, there's a possibility," Ross said. "He's dropped a whole bunch of seconds. At this point, it's a realistic goal."

Even though the Olympics may be the ultimate goal for Pogioli, there are some things about Purdue that will always make him feel like a Boilermaker.

"The biggest thing is the relationships I've made," Pogioli said. "Those are relationships I'll never forget. Wherever I go ... I'll always come back and check in. The race memories will fade, but there will always be that connection to Purdue."

Timed Finals

A new website brought to you by Scott Goldblatt. Lot's of great technique tips and swimming news. He's even got Jenny's results from the meet in Italy on there. Y'all be sure to check it out.

Happy Belated Birthday Monica and Happy Birthday Dana Cara.
I hope you girls had great b'days!

20 Question Tuesday with Ian Crocker...

Ian Crocker is at a different stage in his career. The one-time Texas freshman sensation is an Olympic veteran and world record holder. The butterfly specialists talks about the success of his documentary, "Unfiltered," and what it's like hanging out with fellow Longhorn standouts Aaron Peirsol and Brendan Hansen, in this week's 20 Question Tuesday with special correspondent Bob Schaller.

1 What's Aaron Peirsol really like?
Ian: He's that laid-back surfer kind of guy out of the pool, but in it, he has that competitive edge.

2 Unfiltered is shown at Tribeca. How cool is that?
Ian: I think it's great. A lot of people put a lot of effort and hard work into it. It's nice to see that people are enjoying our stories, and that the film is really getting out there and being seen.

3 Will you get into acting?
Ian: It's not (laughs) acting in Unfiltered. If we plan something in the future, that might be fun. Whatever my agent decides.

4 You're regarded as one of the nicest guys around. What do you think about that label?
Ian: I cannot figure out (laughs) how it works that way. I'm just being myself. There are a lot of facets to anyone, and if that's one of mine, I have no problem with that. I just do what I do for a living - swimming - but my personality is very different outside of the pool.

5 Six years ago when we first talked, you were such a shy young kid. You were playing your guitar that night in the dorm room you shared with Brendan Hansen. You've really evolved, haven't you?
Ian: I think it's just normal development. As a person, I've gotten more self-confidence, which is huge in life and in the sport.

6 The Texas Longhorns have been good in so many sports lately - swimming, football, basketball - what's that like?
Ian: I think it's good for the university that we're so well balanced, and that's not just in sports, but academically. It's important to have that duality.

7 How unique is it at Texas with you, Aaron, Brendan, etc.?
Ian: I think it's one of those things where in 20 years, people will say, "Remember in the early 2000s when Texas became a Mecca for swimming?" I really feel it's that way, though they'll only continue to build on it. But Aaron, Brendan and I are three very different personality types, so we reach a wide variety of people who come to the team, and we reach each other differently too.

8 How is Brendan unique?
Ian: I think Brendan brings a lot of confidence to the table, and a lot of knowledge about the sport.

9 Do you guys ever talk about how this is a special time for you three?
Ian: It's not something we talk about that much. But it's something we know is happening.

10 How is swimming going?
Ian: It's going really well. I've been doing some different things this season, a lot of cross-training and dry-land, just things to mix it up physically.

11 What, specifically, have you added for dry-land?
Ian: A lot of running. It doesn't mean (laughs) it's pretty. I've always hated running but now that I'm doing it on my own, I'm getting into it a little bit more. Swimming and running are like oil and water, with ankle flexibility and things like that - the biomechanics. I can't do it for too long because it doesn't work well for me over a long time with swimming. But it's working for me now, so I'm enjoying it.

12 Outside out of the water what's going on for you in Austin?
Ian: Aaron and I are still working on school. So you see Brendan putzing around because he's done with school. Since I'm still working at school, that keeps me pretty busy.

13 How do you plan for down the line, 2008?
Ian: I think when you talk to any of us, you could get a different perspective. For me, two years is not much time. I only have less than two years to crank out a lot of training and to get mentally prepared. It's time to start gearing up for it.

14 What's Aaron told you about China?
Ian: I haven't talked to him that much about it. I know he liked his trip there. I would expect China's national pride to boost up their performance quite a bit in 2008.

15 Do you ever focus on Michael Phelps, or maybe even the up-and-coming swimmers in your event?
Ian: You just have to take care of yourself. You can't control what other people are going to do, so why even think about it?

16 Do you have more down time as a pro?
Ian: We don't get much down time out of the water. We took a normal week and a half off after American short course, and we're back into it. We don't get more vacation time than we used to.

17 Since 2008 really isn't that far off, have you considered 2012?
Ian: I think right now my focus is on '08 because that's a big enough hurdle on its own. But just like 2004, you reassess as you go. Once I get through Beijing, it will be time to figure out what's next - if I keep swimming.

18 What will you do post-swimming?
Ian: I have no idea at this point. It's kind of a nerve-racking thought. I'm trying (laughs) to totally figure that out.

19 What's another interest or hobby you want to develop?
Ian: Let me see. I don't know. Not too much new…well, I'm doing a little bit of photography. Just whenever I head out somewhere in nature, I'll take the camera. Another of my favorite places to shoot is old car shows, things like that.

20 Could you have imagined years ago that you'd have this kind of success over such an extended period of time?
Ian: It was a dream, a goal, 10 years ago, even 15 years ago. But if you'd have told me life would be like this now, I'd have thought you were crazy. Most swimmers didn't think professionally swimming would get to where it is now. It's really taken a jump in the last eight to 10 years.

Brendan at Westminster College

A really cute video from Brendan's clinic at Westminster College earlier this year. He's adorable and goofy. Just one of the reasons we love him.

And a pretty harsh article on Kitajima...

Kitajima's reputation sinking fast

Kitajima scraped into Japan's team for the Pan Pacific championships

TOKYO, April 24 (Reuters) -- Double Olympic champion Kosuke Kitajima's future has been thrown into doubt after his dismal showing at the Japanese national championships.

Kitajima avoided the humiliation of being axed from the Japanese team only after a dressing-down from his furious coach, who accused the 23-year-old of losing focus.

Victory in Sunday's 100m breaststroke in the last race of the meet could not paper over the cracks of a calamitous few days for the former golden boy of Japanese swimming.

Kitajima, the 100m and 200m gold medalist in Athens two years ago, slumped to fourth in the 200m and second in the 50m in Tokyo, provoking an angry response from coach Norimasa Hirai.

"He called me into his office and told me my career was in danger," Kitajima told reporters after scraping into Japan's team for August's Pan Pacific championships in Canada.

"I was hanging over the edge of a cliff. My confidence was gone but I had to win that 100m. Now I just have to push myself until the (2008) Olympics."

Hirai had called Kitajima's desire into question in a public remonstration following his failure to win the 50m.

"He doesn't have that killer look in his eye anymore," shrugged Hirai. "He needs to go out and make it happen -- not just expect it to."

His winning time of one minute 0.71 seconds in the 100m was more than a second outside his old world record as he was pushed hard by little-known Makoto Yamashita.

"It's wrong to feel relief but that's what it is," said Kitajima, whose technique has suffered after a punishing period of high altitude training in the U.S. last month.

"It shows that I still have some things to put right."

Such introspection was a far cry from Athens when, after twice beating fierce American rival Brendan Hansen, a pumped-up Kitajima boasted: "I kicked his butt."

The warning signs were there for Kitajima last year, though, after Hansen gained revenge by doing the 100-200m double at the world championships in Montreal.

After flopping in the 50m and 200m at Japan's national championships, a seventh straight 100m title was a hollow victory for Kitajima.

"I don't know what went wrong," said Kitajima. "I was on empty. It was tough but I'll be back and I'm sure I'll get the job done this summer."

Poll Results...

And the winner is....



Captain America. Your fan's have spoken Brendan so next time you're asked that question you'll have your answer.

Captain America - 31 votes
SHAZAM! - 11 votes
The Hulk - 9 votes
Blue Power Ranger - 11 votes
Aqua Man - 24 votes
Captain Planet - 9 votes

Mondovi Results

Mrs. H got a call from Brendan with the results...

200m Breaststroke...

Brendan swam a 2:11 and finished second by 2 one hundreths of a second to the European Champion (translation below says Paolo Bossini, but not sure how accurate that is). Although I'm sure Brendan's unhappy with coming 2nd to ANYONE, this is an in-season time for him, he wasn't even partially tapered or shaved and the other guy was (and absolutely thrilled with a win against Brendan I'm guessing).

The funky Aussie skins race thing...

I'm not really familiar with this format but apparently 6 guys get on the blocks, they draw out of a hat to pick a race and in this case they got the 50 Free first off (I believe Roland is ranked #1 in this event long course, but not sure about short course). So Brendan and Roland get up on the blocks with 4 other guys, someone says something that Brendan and Roland don't understand, there's a beep and they are left standing on the blocks waiting for someone to say "take your mark". It's a really humorous image when you picture it in your mind's eye, but I'm sure Brendan wasn't really thrilled that he then essentially had to go head-to-head with Roland in a 50 free. Did I mention Roland is ranked #1 in the 50 Free?

So anyway, not Brendan's best day in the pool but I'm hoping that a couple glasses of wine and some chicken parm later and he's finding something to feel good about even if it's just feeling good about a belly full of wine and great Italian food.

Kitajima Qualifies for Pan Pacs; Has Another Chance to Reach World Champs

By Hideki Mochizuki

TOKYO, Japan, April 23. THE final day of the Japanese Nationals ended with total of nine new Japanese records during the four-day meet. Only four male and six female swimmers swam faster than the Standard I time required to automatically qualify for the World Championship team roster. The rest will now be dependent on the results at the Pan Pacific Championships this summer in Vancouver.

Kosuke Kitajima made the national team to the Pan Pac Champs, but failed to make the World Champs team by .01. Kitajima won men's 100 breaststroke on the final day of action with a time of 1:00.71. He split 28.55 at the 50-meter mark and made Pan Pacs as his times under the Standard II mark of 1:01.54. However, he failed to make the World Championships as he narrowly missed the Standard I time of 1:00.70.

Kitajima still has a chance to qualify for the World Championships, provided he swims faster than the standard I time at the Pan Pacific Champs. "I was definitely on the edge of cliff this time," Kitajima said. "But, I know I will be back to the condition where I should be by this summer."

The struggles of Ai Shibata continued Sunday when she finished third in the 1500 freestyle with a time of 16:26.16. Like Kitajima, Shibata needs to prove herself again at Pan Pacs to make the World Championships. The winner of the 1,500 was Sachiko Yamada in 16:10.62. She had already won the 400 and 800 freestyles.

Hanae Itou set a new Japanese record in the 200 backstroke with a performance of 2:09.15. That swim edged Reiko Nakamura, who took second place in 2:10.05. This was Itou's first Japanese record and arrived by beating the bronze medalist from Athens in this event. The two led the race from start to finish, turning at the 100 in 1:03.36, which was .34 faster than old Japanese record pace.

In the men's 100m butterfly, Takashi Yamamoto won the race with a strong showing of 52.53. Meanwhile, another Japanese record was set by Takeshi Matsuda in the men's 800 freestyle with a 7:55.11 outing.

World Championships Team
as of today, the following athletes dipped under the Standard I times set by the Japanese Federation.

Men
Tomomi Morita (backstroke)
Junya Koga (backstroke)
Masafumi Yamaguchi (backstroke)
Ryuichi Shibata (butterfly)

Female
Mai Nakamura (backstroke)
Hanae Itou (backstroke)
Reiko Nakamura (backstroke)
Yurie Yano (butterfly)
Yuko Nakanishi (butterfly)

It's pretty surprising not to see Ai Shibata's name on that list as well.

ETA: It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time! (thank you Terrie)

Another Disappointing Swim for Kitajima at Japanese Nationals

By Hideki Mochizuki

TOKYO, Japan, April 22. THE struggles continue for Kosuke Kitajima, as the double-gold medalist from the Athens Olympics finished second in the 50-meter breaststroke on Saturday at the Japanese National Championships. The five-time defending champ, Kitajima was timed in 28.30, off the winning pace of 28.27, produced by Hiromasa Sakimoto.

Neither swimmer met the Standard I time (27.81) set by the Japanese Swimming Federation, consequently leaving both swimmers short of qualifying for next year's World Championships in Melbourne. Earlier in the meet, Kitajima placed fourth in the 200 breaststroke and the former world-record holder in the 100 and 200 breast distances is dangerously close to failing to qualify for this summer's Pan Pacific Championships in Vancouver.

To qualify for Pan Pacs, Kitajima must place in the top three in the 100 breaststroke and meet at least the Standard II time of 1:01.54. Kitajima's effort in the 50 breast was off the standard II mark of 28.04. If Kitajima doesn't elevate his performance, there's a good chance he will be absent from the Melbourne World Champs.

"I don't have much comment tonight. The result is just so bad," Kitajima said. "I now only have one chance."

Duplicating the results of the 400 free, Sachiko Yamada defeated Ai Shibata, the Olympic champ, in the 800 freestyle. Yamada checked in with a time of 8:28.07, easily ahead of the 8:36.74 registered by Shibata. Yamada has qualified for Pan Pacs and the World Champs. The men's 400 free went to Takeshi Matsuda in a solid time of 3:48.08.

In the men's 50 backstroke, Tomomi Morita smashed the Japanese record with a time of 25.39. Morita had earlier set a Japanese record in the 100 backstroke by becoming the first man from his nation to crack the 54-second barrier. On the female side, Mai Nakamura also broke the Japanese record with time of 28.56. She was the silver medalist in the 100 backstroke at the Sydney Olympic Games. Nakamura has been focusing on only the 50 backstroke since last year.

Following the Melbourne World Championships, there appeared to be a lull in major international competition leading into the Beijing Olympics. As a result, Japan is planning on hosting a premier event in September of 2007 in the Tokyo area.

So if I'm reading it correctly he's yet to qualify for the Pan Pac team or the 2007 World team and has to finish top 3 in the 100 to go to either of those events, but a little bird (ok, it was John Lohn) told me that the qualifying time in the 100 shouldn't be a problem for him as it's only 1:01.54 and Kitajima has done a 59. We'll find out soon enough I guess.

Thanks Gmom and Mrs. H for updating us on how Brendan is doing in Italy (in the comments of the previous post. I would never edit you Mrs. H.). I'm sure we could find at least one volunteer who'd be willing to hop a plane to Italy tonight and do some sightseeing with Brendan if he's feeling lonely. It sounds like a good time! And welcome to new poster wollywood. Glad you came out from lurking. Now you have to keep posting.

More on Mondovi

Mondovi


There are castles...


incredible architecture...


miles of frescoes...


and the largest elliptical dome in the world....


at the Sanctuary of Vicoforte.
You can read more about Mondovi and see a nice slideshow here, and read more about it's Military history here.

The meet starts today but Brendan doesn't swim the 200 "frog" until tomorrow. Jenny Thompson and Roland Schoeman are also there! Wish I was....

Kitajima Manages Only Fourth in 200 Breast at Japanese Nationals

TOKYO, Japan, April 20. IT appears the struggles that Japan's Kosuke Kitajima has recently experienced in the 200-meter breaststroke have not been ridded. Competing at the Japanese Nationals on Thursday, Kitajima was fourth in the 200 breast, despite holding the lead for the majority of the race. The meet acts as the selection competition for this year's Pan Pacific Championships and next year's World Championships in Melbourne.

Kitajima failed to qualify for the 200 breast at last year's World Champs in Montreal, where he was the silver medalist in the 100 breast, behind American and world-record holder Brendan Hansen. Kitajima was the Olympic gold medalist in Athens in the 100 and 200 breast events, but has slipped in the 200 breast since the summer of 2004.

Kitajima was timed on Thursday in 2:12.76, behind the winning effort of 2:12.54 by Daisuke Kimura. Genki Imamura was second in 2:12.57 and Yuta Suenaga was the third-place finisher with a time of 2:12.58. Once the dominant force in Japanese breaststroking, Kitajima now must battle intensely just to qualify for international duty.

"I couldn't even stand on the podium and it was a very poor race,"Kitajima told a Japanese news service. "They all were fast. But I still have two more races. I'll try to put this disappointment behind me.

Kitajima wasn't the only Japanese star to be knocked off on the first night of the competition as Ai Shibata placed second in the 400 freestyle. The reigning Olympic gold medalist in the 800 free, Shibata was toppled by Sachiko Yamada, who covered the distance in 4:09.63 for her seventh national title. Shibata turned in a time of 4:12.37.

Ryo Takayasu established a national record in the men's 50 fly when he clocked in at 23.91. Meanwhile, Takamitsu Kojima was the victor in the 100 free with a mark of 50.16. Kojima had a quicker time in the preliminaries with a swim of 49.92. In women's events, Maiko Fujino won the 400 I.M. in 4:45.86 and Asami Kitagawa won the 200 breast in 2:27.90.

And also....

Brackin Heads off to Texas

AUSTIN, Texas. April, 20. KIM Brackin, former co-head women's coach at national swimming powerhouse Auburn University where she directed the Tigers to NCAA team titles in 2002, 2003 and 2004, has been named Texas women's swimming and diving head coach. The announcement was made Thursday by Christine Plonsky, University of Texas Women's Athletics Director.

Brackin, 36, was awarded a four-year contract. She officially begins her UT position on May 5, 2006.

Brackin coached at Auburn University from 1997-2005, working daily with both the men's and women's swimming programs. While at Auburn, she was part of seven NCAA Championships - three by the Tiger women and four by the Tiger men's swim squad (2000, 2003-05). In the last three years at Auburn, she served as women's co-head coach. Since Brackin's arrival as an assistant, the women's team progressively improved, moving from an 11th-place NCAA finish in 1999 to the Tigers' first-ever women's NCAA Championship in 2002. With Brackin as women's co-head coach, the Tigers repeated as NCAA national champions in 2003 and 2004 and placed second nationally in 2005. Additionally, Auburn earned three straight SEC titles from 2003-05. Brackin was the 2002 NCAA Women's Swimming Co-Head Coach of the Year and the 2003 SEC Swimming Co-Head Coach of the Year.

Prior to serving as the Tigers' women's co-head coach, Kim was an Auburn assistant in both the men's and women's swim programs from 1997-2000 before being named assistant head women's coach (2000-03).

"We are delighted to have Kim join our staff. She brings championship experience, a high level of energy and impressive credentials to this job," noted Plonsky. "She built the women's program at Auburn and she did it with integrity and with quality people. She knows the environment we live in and the high goals set. Many, many individuals have validated the high qualities that Kim displayed during our search and interview process.

"Kim is a winner who has recruited and trained elite student-athletes who have maximized their performances in championship efforts, and she has done it with passion and connection to her athletes, important characteristics when coaching this age-group population. There is a strong platform here for continued success in our women's swimming and diving team, and we feel very positive about the future of our program," Plonsky concluded.

"I am thrilled that The University of Texas administration is confident that I can lead the women's swimming program to the highest levels possible, both athletically and academically," stated Brackin. "During the interview process, they presented me with high goals to meet, and I am excited for the opportunity. My hope is to follow in the footsteps of (baseball coach) Augie Garrido, (football coach) Mack Brown and (women's track and field coach) Bev Kearney - those who have led Texas to its most recent national championships."

Since January of 2006, Brackin has worked with USA Swimming in its DartSwim eCoach program, which is an innovative video technique analysis service. Provided exclusively by DartSwim, eCoach allows swimmers to have video of their technique analyzed by some of the top coaches in the United States.

Known for her extensive international coaching experience, Brackin has mentored five Olympians (winners of three medals), seven World Championship swimmers (winning nine medals, including four gold) and 12 World University Games swimmers (who earned 15 medals, including six gold and five silver).

She served as the head swimming coach for Zimbabwe in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and at the 2005 World Championships. Heading a two-member team, Brackin helped bring the South African nation its first Olympic swimming medal as former Auburn great Kirsty Coventry, a native of Harare, Zimbabwe, captured three Olympic medals. Brackin also was the head coach for Panama at the 2003 World Championships. As a member of the USA Swimming coaching staff, she was an assistant coach for the 2003 World University Games in Dague, Korea, the head assistant women's coach for the 2002 US National Junior Team, and a National Select Camp coach (2002).

While at Auburn, Brackin coached some of the top swimmers in the world, including Coventry, the 2004 Olympic gold, silver and bronze medalist and two-time world champion; Maggie Bowen, former world champion and former American record holder in the 200 IM; and Margaret Hoelzer, 2003 and 2005 World Championship silver medalist. Her Auburn swimmers earned 13 individual and five relay titles at the NCAAs, earned four SEC Swimmer of the Year awards and 54 SEC swimming crowns. Academically, her athletes claimed one CoSIDA Academic All-America award, eight Swimming Coaches Association of America All-Academic honors and 76 SEC Academic Honor Roll awards.

Prior to Auburn, Brackin was assistant women's swim coach at Northwestern University for two years (1994-96) and also served as men's and women's assistant swim coach at Davidson College (1992-93) and Ithaca College (1991-92).

Brackin received her B.A. in psychology from The University of Albany in 1991 where she swam for four years under her maiden name (Kim McDonald). She then received her master's degree in physical education with concentration in sport psychology from Springfield (Mass.) College in June of 1993.

Sounds like a great get for Texas!

More on Brendan in Italy...

He's swimming in Mondovi on Sunday and Jenny Thompson will be there as well. Still haven't found anything about the meet they are swimming in but I've got an autographed Texas Swimming shirt for the first person who tells me.

ETA: tshirt goes to Sick Dudette who found the meet! Here are some links, in Italian of course. Google will translate them for you, sort of. I know we get a fair amount of traffic from Italy so if anyone makes it to the meet we'd love to hear from you!

8° Meeting Internazionale di Mondovi
Il campione del mondo della rana Brendan Hansen a Mondovi

(translation: 8th International Meeting of Mondovi - The champion of the world of the Brendan frog Hansen to Mondovi) hahahaha.

You magnify the image The champion of the world will defy the European champion Paul Bossini
The ' VIII International Meeting City of Mondovì - Memorial Dario Cerrone ', organized from the Polisportiva Libertas Mondovì, is finally in order to raise the sipario.
To a single week from the event, the Organizing Committee announces the presence of the Brendan American Hansen. Draft of one of the more important big of world-wide the natatorio panorama, with all'.attivo two iridati records (in the 100 and the 200 frog, established to Longh Beach in 2004) and two conquered world-wide gold to Montreal in summer 2005 (always in the 100 and the 200 frog). Thanks to the epiche challenges with the Kitajima Japanese, Hansen has known to entusiasmare international the natatoria platea: one elegant and powerful swim at the same time, mix an explosive... The ventiquattrenne of the Pennsylvania it will come down in bathtub in the day of Sunday in order to defy the Italians Paul Bossini and Michele Vancini in the the 200 specialty of frog.

One rich contest of medals: the American, beyond to the titles them already cited, the Olympic Games di Atene 2004 has made the medal of gold in the courier 4x100 mixed, that one of silver in the 100 frog and that one of bronze in the 200 own frog; the bresciano Paul Bossini has obtained two tito them in the 200 frog to samples European 2004 (Madrid in long bathtub and Vienna to you in short bathtub), without to count the quarter place of Atene in the 200 frog, just to the shoulders of the American.

The challenge will be completed from the presence of Michele Vancini, other athlete of absolute relief in the Italian natatorio panorama. After the edition 2005 interamante dedicated to the free style, the Organizing Committee proposes a Meeting to the standard of the pluralità of the styles, even if great prominence will come given just to the frog. Pack-saddles to think that to the staffettone final it will take part also Domenico Fioravanti , olympic bichampion to Sidney, for before the time in water, although a.tito it merely demonstrative, after the withdrawal.

Saturday 22 You open them the Official Press conference

Saturday 22 you open them, to hours 12,30, near Knows it Conferences to it of the Hotel You carry to us, situated in loc. Sanctuary of Vicoforte (Public square Carl Emanuele 47) - to five minuteren of machine from the monregalese Swimming pool - will carry out the official Press conference of the ' VIII International Meeting City of Mondovì - Memorial Dario Cerrone '. All the champions, Italians and aliens will be present, that they will take part to the manifestation. E' possible to directly credit in native place the day of the conference (from hours 11,30), or sending a fax to n° the 0174/43952 or one mail to the following address: meeting@libertasmondovi.it advisable E' the anticipated credit.

Here in the details the program of the manifestation:

SATURDAY 22

MATTINO
8.15 - 8,45 Heating females
8.45 - 9,15 Heating males
9,30 Beginning contests

Eliminatorie 50 butterfly Es B females - males

Eliminatorie 50 Butterfly ES To females - males

Competition swim disabili

Resumption contests
Eliminatorie 50 Back Es B females - males

Eliminatorie 50 Back ES To females - males

AFTERNOON

14.45 - 15,15 Heating finalists
15,25 Beginning contests

End 50 Butterfly Es B females - males

End 100 Es Butterfly To femminie - males

Challenge big
50 Butterfly males

End 50 Back Es B females - males

End 100 Es Back To females - males

Feminine Australian

Challenge big
100 Free Style males

Staffettone Big vs Libertas

SUNDAY 23

MATTINO
8.15 - 8,45 Heating females
8.45 - 9,15 Heating males
9,31 Beginning contests

Eliminatorie 50 Frog Es B females - males

Eliminatorie 50 Es Frog To females - males

Competition swim disabili

Resumption contests

Eliminatorie 50 Free Style Es B females - males

Eliminatorie 50 Free Style Es To females - males

AFTERNOON

14.45 - 15,15 Heating finalists
15,26 Beginning contests

End 50 Frog Es B females - males

End 100 Es Frog To females - males

Challenge big
200 Frog males

End 50 Free Style Es B females - males

End 100 Free Style Es To females - males

Challenge big
50 Butterfly females

Male Australian

Staffettone between Finalisti and Libertas

INCOME - COST TICKETS
The organizing Committee communicates moreover that both the mornings preview the free income.
To the afternoon the cost of tickets of 6 € - entire and 4 € - will be reduced, while the subscription to the two days will be of 10 €.
The next week will come made official the starting list definitive.

The Office Prints VIII International Meeting City of Mondovi

Great looking pool

A downloadable PDF about it

Brendan Answers Your Questions...

From Blair, Kentucky....
Bren, do you plan on making any instructional videos, books, etc. anytime soon so that your fans can really benefit from you knowledge? Also,is there a trick you used when you first started that helped you really get the breaststroke down, timing wise? A little something you said to yourself as you were doing it to really enforce the correct form and rhythm?

I did filming with Glenn Mills a month or two ago and once he edits it all the DVD will be out. I am really excited about it. It has a lot of drills that I think the swimming community can really benefit from. Also, you are going to be able to see my stroke from almost every angle possible. Glenn has done videos with Amanda, Ed and Dave Denniston....and they all turned out great so I am pumped about mine. One thing I always tell myself is that breastroke is a rhythm stroke not a power stroke. The sooner you can get in a rhythm the better. I practice my race stroke everyday in workout so I remember how it feels.

From Mike, North Carolina....
Now that you no longer have school to keep you regimented, are you finding it more difficult to keep focused? Are the demands from your employers making it harder to find time to train and compete?

I think the hardest thing about not being in school anymore is all the extra time. I spend a lot more time thinking about swimming and I don't think it helps. I will need to find some kind of job or hobby to keep me busy or else I may go nuts. My employers don't demand that much from me but when they do I have the final say on what I do and don't do. I keep it under control.

From Lauren, Long Beach, CA...
Hi Brenbear.

I know you say hearing people cheer for you really makes you feel supported and pumps you up. But does it ever add more pressure on you when you know that there are people there just to see you?

There are a lot of things that give you pressure when you're at the big meet stage, it's just a matter of if you let it get to you or not. I gradually came on the scene in my career so I had plenty of time to adjust to everything. I love it when people scream for me, it gives me goose bumps. It's just my personality.

From Lisa....
What is one misconception you think people have about you?

One....haha there are hundreds...people love to talk about us so there are plenty of misconceptions. What do you think sells all those celeb mags? I just hope that the good stuff over shadows the bad.... nobody's perfect you know. But so far I haven't gotten anything really bad. I think the worst is when people say I am intimidating to talk to. I wish they would think I am more approachable.

From Jenny in Austin....
Hey Bren..nice finally meeting you at ASCC.

It seems like swimming is more popular than it has ever been..but with that growing success comes a lack of privacy with people wanting to know more about you and your career. Do you feel like much has changed for you since Athens or how do you deal with such situations?

Swimming is still pretty low on the pole even though it seems to be getting better. I very rarely get noticed unless I am at meets which I don't mind. I think the biggest changes are my responsibilities with the house and everything. Sometimes I think I am the oldest 24 year old alive.

From Sick Dudette...
I'd like Brendan to compare elite swimmers to comic super-heroes. Who's Wolverine? Who's Wonder Woman? Who's Gambit? etc.

Great question. I would say Aaron is He-man. Crocker is Doug. Larsen Jenson and Ryan are Calvin and Hobbes. Kaitlin is Wonder Woman. Phelps is Batman. Oh, and me, I will never compare myself to a super-hero. Sorry.

From Anna S...
Hi Brendan. What is the best dryland routine that you have done or a good one you can suggest for the all the breaststroke distances?

I think stretching is very important. It prevents injury and improves your swimming so much. I really like circuit training where there are stations that you only have a certain amount of time to do the exercise. One station could be med balls, another push-ups, another wall sits. You can get creative with it and can really improve all breastrokers.

From Laura in Havertown...
Since a degree in Kinesiology can be used in various ways, would you consider possibly working in physical therapy or personal training? Where do you see yourself in 5 - 10 years both personally and professionally?

Well, I loved my major but I am not sure that's the route I want to go. I hope to do something though that I love and keeps me competitive. I know the only thing I really want to do is to be a great husband and dad. I figure if I can be half the man my dad is I will be happy.

From Ariel, Yorktown, VA...
You have great abs. Do you do weights or crunches?

We have a very extensive ab workout, mostly crunches. Core strength has been something we have stressed, but to be honest a lot of what I have is genetic.

From UT Gina, Austin...
B Hansen...I first wanna say congrats on a flippin' AWESOME Short Course. I was real pumped that I finally got to see you swim. (it's unfortunate we didn't get to meet.;) haha). Anyways, we all know that you swam the 100 Breast in 52.01, time trialed it at 52.06 and then came out and went NUTS in the 400 Medley swimming your leg at 51.37. So, my question is, what made the difference in the medley?

Thats because I have never been a really selfish swimmer. I care more about the guys I swam with on that relay than myself. I really wanted it to be something that no one can take away from us and I don't see that happening anytime soon.

From Amy, Durham, NC....
How is it to include the dolphin kick as you race? Are you getting used to it? And, did it mess with you mentally to have to redo the way you swam a race? Has it made you faster?

I think it has made me faster off the start but other than that there isn't a big advantage I think. I work on it a lot and been trying to get better. I still haven't prefected but I have two more years til the big show.

From Tim, Milan, MI....
What bands are you listening to these days?

I literally listen to everything. I have country mixes, rock, dance , punk. I saw the Little Willies the other day and thought they were great. I still love listening to the oldies and Johnny Cash stuff like that. When people go through my ipod they are like geezz you have everyone. I am always interested in hearing new bands so if you got anything for me. Shoot.

From Crackinup, Venice Beach, CA...
Usually one thinks of role models as influencing kids, but a lot of us bloggers are in fact older than you. Some of us actually pose as legitimate business professionals by day, even if Michelle's photoshopped picture of Kitajima with a dolphin head is sitting on the office windowsill. So how's it feel to be an inspiration to adults, not to mention the catalyst for a lot of friendships among various BHO bloggers?

First off...thanks. I just live my life the best I can and hope to share with people what I have learned. I also believe everything happens for a reason so all those friendships are a product of Michelle not me. I was just the poster child wink..literally and figuratively. But I think it says something about a person that can reach out to such a wide variety of people. It has been a goal of mine since the beginning.

From Ella and Emma, Texas...
What are your pet peeves?

Gezz where do I begin. How about I give you three...
1. When people slow down to see an accident and cause all kinds of traffic
2. When people say things they really don't mean
3. Cheaters hmmmmm

From Lena, Buenos Aires, Argentina...
You think that if not swimming, you could have devoted yourself as much to another thing in your life? And what would that be?

I think I would have devoted myself to something, yeah. Could've been another sport or school I really have never thought about it. But when I am done swimming I will move on and devote myself to something else.

From Erin, Houston, TX...
What's the best advice that Sean gave you about life/swimming, and what's the best advice that you gave Megan about life/swimming?

Sean indirectly taught me to be happy with who I am and not to be something I am not. He never told me this I just learned it from him over the years. He gets a hard time from people for being a swim coach of a high school team and a gym teacher but he stands his ground and does it cause he cares a lot about those kids. I am proud of him for that. And I try to do the same in my life.

Megan is an amazing person because she had to follow my circus act. I have always told her to do what she wanted to and make her own fireworks...and she has.

From Atrophy, San Diego, CA....
How do you manage to keep yourself motivated when you've already accomplished so much? Have you ever gotten burnt out by the sport?

I keep focused on my goals and in this sport there is always someone trying to beat you and if you keep that in mind its not hard to stay motivated. I always try new things every season to keep from being burned out.

From Meredith, Colorado Springs, CO...
Beijing is only two years away! Have you ever been to China before, and is there anything you are or aren't looking forward to, being in such a different country?

I am excited about the opportunity and I think they will be ready for us. I just hope the facilities and venues will be better than Greece because I want to perform my best on such a big stage.

From Francesca, Greenwich, RI...
What do you think of Haverford as a town? (I'm looking at Haverford College for next year.) Speaking of colleges, what other colleges did you look at besides University of TX?

I can't tell you where a good place to go to school is because every person is different. You have to look and see if you can see yourself being there for four or five years and trust it may not jump out at you but you'll know. I really don't know much about Haverford to give you my thoughts. I looked at Auburn, Tennessee, Georgia, and Ohio State

From Alexandra, Greenwich, RI...
How do you deal with nerves before a race?

I embrace them. You can't let them eat you up. It's something you will learn over time and it takes some people longer than others.

Happy Easter!

Important Peep Links:

• Peep Research - Don't miss the Medical Miracle link on this page.
• Lord of the Peeps
• Peep Library Behavior
• Peeps: A lot tougher than you think
• Peep Haikus - I may have to try my hand at this
• Peep Travelogue
• The Peep Dance
• Where Do Peeps Come From
• PeepHenge
• The Bunnies Strike Back
• Fun with Peeps
• Peep Prank

I'll be posting Brendan's answers to your questions later tonight so check back!

ETA: My Aunt just sent this one to me...hahaha

Italia! and stuff

Brendan will be in Italy next week and swimming in a meet next weekend. Thing is, I don't know where or what meet it is only that he'll be swimming the 200 scm and a celebrity relay. It could potentially be the Trofeo del Doge in Mestre (near Venice). That's the only meet scheduled for next weekend that I (and by I, I really mean lala) could find a mention of online. The info is in Italian but the google translation is pretty entertaining if you'd like to check it out....

8th Trofeo del Doge

If I find out anything else I'll post it here. High temps are in the 60's over there Brendan so pack a jacket!

In addition to that news, Brendan was in Miami for a Nike photo shoot with his other Nike teammates this week and he said they look really great so hopefully we'll be seeing some of those soon!

AND, Laura from the Damn Trio forum has graciously donated a few wallpapers to the BHO gallery (after I begged a little in chat last weekend). You can find them all in the wallpaper gallery and here is a lovely sample...



And, oh yeah, Lochte voted March Swimmer of the Month.
Haters.

Peter and the Penguins

How cute is that?

Y'all, don't forget to send me your questions for Brendan. Deadline is midnight tomorrow. Don't forget to vote for him at USA Swimming either!

One of the many reasons we love Kaitlin....

She recognizes...

"I think I need to take a Brendan Hansen breaststroke clinic, that's what I need," Sandeno said. "I mean, I was a second under world record pace before the breaststroke. But I knew I had to take it out really hard because my breaststroke is so weak. I'm just really happy with that swim and that time. I finally felt like myself' and I'm proud to finally get on the medal stand."

Congratulations to Kaitlin on her Silver medal in the 200 IM.

And in other Worlds news...

• Tara Kirk won gold in the 100 Breaststroke
• Randall Bal qualified for the 50 Back
• Nick Brunelli qualified for the 100 free (Lezak did not)
• Giordan Pogioli and Scott Usher both failed to qualify for the 50 Breast. Top qualifiers were Oleg Lisogor and Alessandro Terrin
• Roland Schoeman withdrew from Worlds due to persistant illness (Get better soon Roland!)
• Ryan Lochte continues his tear through the record books with a new AR in the 400 IM and a new WR in the 200 IM over a BHO favorite, Markus Rogan (ask Blair why we love Markus so much.)
• US Ladies won Silver and set a new AR in the 400 IM
• Margaret Hoelzer won Gold in the 200 backstroke
• Kate Ziegler won silver in the 800 free and Gold in the 400 free
• Cullen Jones won silver in the 500 free and Nick Brunelli shared the bronze with Oleksandr Volynets.
• Vlad Polyakov won the men's 200 Breaststroke with Brenton Rickard finishing 2nd for the silver. Scott Usher and Giordan Poglioli finished 7th and 8th.
• Oleg Lisogor won Gold in the 100 Breaststroke with Brenton Rickard finishing 2nd once again. Scott Usher finished 8th and was bumped up to 7th when Romanos-Iason Alyfantis was DQ'd. Anyone know why he was DQ'd?

There are obviously more results and I could list them all here but instead I will link you!

Find more details and results at all the usual places. Omega Timing, Swimming World and USA Swimming.

Brendan in April's Swimming World Magazine

Glenn Mills has more of Brendan at his website including this really nice one from ASCC.

ETA: The additional two pages lala mentioned in the comments have been added to the gallery now. So nice to see Brendan getting some well earned recognition from both Swimming World and USA Swimming this month.





Crackinup - don't even think about voting for someone else in the USA Swimming Poll. Ryan does not need your vote.

Vote for Brendan!

USA Swimmer for the Month of March. He's nominated TWICE this month, both individually and as part of the 200 and 400 meter relay team from ASCC. Don't PROCRASTINATE...go vote now! (I know you guys so well ;) While you're at it, send me a question for Brendan's Fan Q&A. Deadline is coming up just 5 days from now.

Erin's Photos from American Short Course Championships....

...have been added to the Gallery. Thanks Erin!





This one's just for you Sarah!

Short Course World Championships

It started today but I haven't been able to find a Psych sheet. USA Swimming and the FINA site both have schedules posted however and there is a live webcast which is great for those of you with the time and bandwidth.

Follow results online at Omega Timing

Read about the latest results at USA Swimming and Swimming World Magazine

Watch it LIVE online

News Links:

Two bronze for Americans in Shanghai
Michael Phelps: Blog Number 1 from Shanghai, China
Natalie Coughlin's Blog About World Swimming Championships
Hoff Named USOC SportsWoman of the Year

Happy Birthday Shannen!

Rickard Ready to take the World by Storm

Brenton Rickard goes into the World Short Course Championships flying under the radar, not that he has planned it that way. That's just what happens when there are so many gold medalists fighting for recognition and a share of the spotlight.

Rickard will dive in to the pool for the FINA World Short Course Championships in Shanghai from April 5-9 as one of the men to beat in the breaststroke races.

The 22-year-old claimed one gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games in his adopted home city of Melbourne last week.

He even recorded the 6th fastest 100m breaststroke relay split in history in setting up Australia's gold medal in the men's 4x100m medley relay. Only two other swimmers have ever gone faster, Olympic Champions Brendan Hansen and Kosuke Kitajima, and it was the highlight of a tremendous meet.

snip

One thing he has also experienced is success at the World Short Course Championships, where he came away from the 2004 Worlds in Indianapolis with four silver medals.

He claimed second place behind Hansen in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke and also claimed silver in the men's 4x100m medley relay.

If Brendan Hansen had not competed he would have come away with three, possible four gold medals. And that is the colour he is chasing in Shanghai when the World Short Course Championships start on April 5.

"The four silver medals were nice and I was happy to swim well last time but we don't race for silver, we race to win gold and win races and that is what I am aiming to do in Shanghai," Rickard said.

"Last time (2004 World Short Course Championships) I had some good competition and came up against Brendan Hansen, who is one of the best swimmers in the world but I feel as though I am in better shape this time around and I want to go one better, at least once and hopefully every time."

Kitajima Takes up New Sport...

Kitajima makes a rare mistake during the team competition possibly costing his team a medal.

Japan's Kosuke Kitajima has breathed new life into his swimming after 20 years in the sport.

snip

Japan's most inexperienced synchronised swimmer left the pool with a bronze medal after performing a bold routine set to dramatic music that placed him just ahead of New Zealand's Nina Daniels.

The sell-out crowd warmly appreciated every upside-down pirouette, even if the Russian influence of coach Anna Nepotachova was not immediately obvious to those not drilled in the nuances of synchronised swimming.

snip

Kitajima emphatically denies that his breaststroke training will be negatively impacted by his success in sychronized swimming. "The breaststroke could be greatly benefitted by the techniques I've learned as a synchronized swimmer. I will revolutionize the sport and continue to push the boundaries."

Kitajima finds redemption during his solo routine and wins the bronze medal.