Birthday Hugs to an "Unidentified Woman"

Fabulous new photos from Donald Miralle/Getty Images have been added to the Gallery

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETTIE!

Brendan's Record Setting 200 Breaststroke Race

Thanks for the video Janine!

Summer Nationals!

Wheeeee! Just over a month until Nationals (August 1st - 5th at Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine, CA). This is the selection meet for both 2006 Pan Pacs and 2007 Worlds in Melbourne so you can bet it will be exciting and records will fall. There are several BHOer's who have already committed to being there and this is a thread to share information about hotel rooms, event tickets, travel arrangements, etc. and just a great way to keep up with who is going and how to get together once we're all there. I've added a link back to this thread on the sidebar under BHO Get-Togethers so you can easily reference back to it.

So far I have confirmations from Lala, Sarah, Terrie, Blair, John Lohn, Dana Cara, Mrs. H, Aunt K and of course ME. Is there anyone I'm leaving out here? Those of you in Southern California have to at LEAST come for the 200 Breaststroke on Saturday, August 5th. (Yeah, you too Atrophy.) Hotels are booking up fast so don't procrastinate!

Important Links:

Buy your event tickets
Hotel and Meet Information
Meet Schedule
Search for and book your flight

News Links...

Rickard beats world record breaststroker

It is the biggest victory of Rickard's career considering the American is widely considered the best in the world.

SANTA CLARA XXXIX INTERNATIONAL SWIM MEET

Briefly: World record-holder Brendan Hansen of Austin, Texas, broke his own meet record in winning the 200 breaststroke in 2:12.90. His world record was 2:09.04 from 2004. "This point in the season, where I am, my coach, Eddie Reese, is going to be ecstatic with that,'' Hansen said. "All the hard work is done. This is the fun part.''

Records left in the swimmers' wake at Santa Clara

Phelps, though, had to share the spotlight with Brendan Hansen, who crushed the meet record in the 200 breaststroke by almost two seconds with a time of 2:12.90.

snip

Hansen, 22, the world-record holder in the 100 and 200 breaststrokes, echoed that sentiment. He has never trained as hard as he has this year.

Hansen came to Santa Clara, in his words, "beat up." But after losing in the 200 breaststroke Friday, he felt stronger Sunday despite hurting before the finals.

"My legs hurt so bad," he said.

Hansen went to the warm-up pool to kick until his muscles relaxed. But he wasn't worried.

"All the hard work is done," he said. "This is the fun part."

Phelps, Hansen Sparkle on Final Night of Santa Clara International - Photo of Brendan with article

The world-record holder in the 100 and 200 breaststroke events, Hansen ripped a swim of 2:12.90 en route to a triumph in the 200 distance of his specialty stroke. The time shattered his meet record from 2004 by almost two seconds and supplied Hansen with a convincing decision of Australia's Brenton Rickard (2:14.45). The time suggests Hansen will challenge his world record of 2:09.04.

Phelps finishes with six titles at Santa Clara
Phelps and Coughlin Steal Santa Clara Show
Rickard causes upset

AND...

Reese Named USOC Coach of the Year
Longhorn swimmers shine in College Station - Cute photo of Neil Walker with the article.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO TEAGAN AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANNA!

New Photos and Prediction Contest Results

I've added Lala's photos from Friday to the Gallery. They are really great. I've also done the math of the Prediction Contest and the results are below.

1. Janine 320
2. Lala 313
3. Tinkerbell 308
4. Timmy 306
5. Jessie 293
6. AimsRos 291
7. Michelle 288
8. Laura 269
9. Andrea 268
9. Sarah 268

Ok, adding that 4th slot complicated things a bit. There were some athletes who qualified for the final but scratched, and some that didn't qualify for the final and scratched as well as the ones who didn't show at all. What I did, and I hope this makes sense to everyone else, is if your choice swam the prelim and didn't qualify for the final and then scratched I counted them as a zero and didn't remove them from your list because it wouldn't have made a difference if they swam the final or not. If your choice was a no-show, or swam the prelim and made the final but scratched from it due to illness or whatever, I removed them from your list and moved the other swimmers up. Does that make sense? It certainly seemed to at 1 am when I was doing this. Anyway, we have a tie for last and I'm not one of them so I'm happy. ;) Congratulations Janine! Send me a shipping address Andrea.

Now go check out the photos!

Sunday Night Finals...

Brendan won in style by beating his own meet record of 2:14.77 by nearly 2 seconds. WOW! Makes you wonder what he's going to be capable of when he's all shaved and tapered doesn't it?

Event 24 - Men's 200 Breast

1 Hansen, Brendan 2:12.90
2 Rickard, Brento 2:14.45
3 Shanteau, Eric 2:16.40
4 McDonald, Rober 2:16.45
5 Usher, Scott C 2:17.36
6 Trickett, Luke 2:17.56
7 Pogioli, Giorda 2:17.73
8 Mains, Matt 2:18.17
9 Hurley, Ryan P 2:18.31

Event 25 - Women's 50 Free

1 Coughlin, Natal 24.98
2 Bishop, Brooke 25.8919
3 Reilly, Erin P 26.21
4 Poteete, Anna M 26.29
5 Napier, Stephan 26.39
6 Kemp, Elizabeth 26.75
7 Kane, Rebecca L 26.91
8 Jennings, Emile 26.94
9 Clapman, Caroli 27.06


Event 26 - Men's 100 Free

1 Phelps, Michael 49.57
2 Sullivan, Eamon 49.65
3 Hayden, Brent 49.69
4 Lezak, Jason E 49.77
5 Burnett, Simon 50.13
6 Wildman-Tobrine 50.64
6 Callus, Ashley 50.64
8 Monk, Kenrick 50.80
9 Rose, Mathew 51.22

Event 27 - Women's 200 IM

1 Kukors, Ariana 2:14.33
2 McCleery, Ashle 2:16.58
3 Carroll, Kathle 2:17.80
4 Reese, Shayne 2:18.72
5 Pierse, Annamay 2:19.60
6 Dwelley, Kate E 2:19.70
7 Goddard, Talia 2:19.94
8 Landry, Michell 2:20.12
9 Forster, Jennif 2:21.52

Event 30 - Men's 100 Back

1 Phelps, Michael 54.80
2 Lochte, Ryan S 55.54
3 Lauterstein, An 56.27
4 Delaney, Ashley 56.52
4 Stoeckel, Hayde 56.52
6 Arnamnart, Dani 56.81
7 Hannant, Ephrai 56.98
8 Hawes, Matt 57.02
9 Brits, Grant 57.67

Event 31 - Women's 800 Free

1 Peirsol, Hayley 8:26.87
2 Ziegler, Kate M 8:37.42
3 Williams, Steph 8:38.82
4 Ditto, Kelsey E 8:41.44
5 Reimer, Brittan 8:43.95
6 Sellwood, Lorre 8:51.33
7 McCleery, Ashle 8:52.48
8 Drake, Monica J 8:52.52
9 Escobar, Susana 8:53.17

Santa Clara Goodies from Lala

He looks pretty happy with that. I've added a few photos of Brendan to the Gallery as well. We'll add more once lala has a chance to go through her photos and pic out her favorites. Here's one of MY favorites - Brendan making a little girls day.



Overheard in the crowd "That Brendan Hansen is the nicest kid." Absolutely.

Saturday Night Final Results

Here are the results for the races included in the prediction contest...

Event 13 - Women's 400 IM

1 Kukors, Ariana 4:44.39
2 McCleery, Ashle 4:45.95
3 Peirsol, Hayley 4:49.38
4 Carroll, Kathle 4:52.27
5 Rodriquez, Jess 4:54.39
6 Escobar, Susana 4:55.16
7 Bragg, Ja-Neil 4:56.12
8 Forster, Jennif 4:56.38
9 Hunks, Tanya 4:56.75

Event 14 - Men's 100 Fly

1 Phelps, Michael 52.20
2 Lochte, Ryan S 54.16
3 Ferns, Lyndon 54.21
4 Verhoef, Peter 54.30
5 Tarwater, Davis 54.74
6 Lauterstein, An 54.85
7 Dunford, Jason 55.11
8 Dodd, Tim 55.50
9 Rudolf, Darryl 55.89

Event 16 - Men's 400 Free

1 Keller, Klete D 3:49.74
2 Vanderkaay, Pet 3:50.73
3 Vendt, Erik K 3:53.96
4 Jackson, Hayden 3:54.86
5 Monasterio, Ric 3:56.98
6 Patton, Matthew 3:57.04
7 Houchin, Charle 3:57.84
8 Murphy, Patrick 3:58.09
9 Phillips, Shaun 3:58.72

Event 17 - Women's 200 Free

1 Reilly, Erin P 2:00.53
2 McCleery, Ashle 2:01.45
3 Nay, Meagen 2:02.04
4 Ziegler, Kate M 2:02.41
5 Ditto, Kelsey E 2:03.01
6 Reese, Shayne 2:03.28
7 Evatt-Davey, Am 2:04.91
8 Monsees, Courtn 2:05.57
9 Williams, Steph 2:05.93

Event 18 - Men's 200 Back

1 Phelps, Michael 1:57.23
2 Hannant, Ephrai 2:00.16
3 Beavers, Keith 2:01.29
4 Lochte, Ryan S 2:01.98
5 Hawes, Matt 2:02.55
6 Stoeckel, Hayde 2:02.86
7 Strelzow, Desmo 2:04.44
8 Sun, Hongzhe M 2:05.00
9 Arnamnart, Dani 2:05.50

(thanks Jessie!)

Friday Night Finals!

This new image and quote thingie on Hy-Tek is pretty nifty but not so much the mispelled name. It's right there in the results yo. Look it up.



Brandon Hansen on finishing second in 100 breastroke final:
"I'm happy with my swim. I didn't do so well this morning and it's hard to swim in lane 9, but I just got in there and had fun."

Event 4 - Men's 100 Breast

1 Rickard, Brenton 1:01.58
2 Hansen, Brendan 1:01.64
3 Gangloff, Mark 1:02.09
4 Usher, Scott C 1:02.96
5 Pogioli, Giorda 1:04.00
6 McDonald, Rober 1:04.12
7 Dickens, Scott 1:04.38
8 Alexandrov, Mic 1:04.39
9 Barone, James E 1:04.96

------------------------------------

Event 3 - Women's 100 Free

1 Coughlin, Natal 54.06
2 Silver, Emily S 56.29
3 Reese, Shayne 56.53
4 Descenza, Mary 56.73
5 Reilly, Erin P 56.92
6 McCleery, Ashle 56.99
7 Monsees, Courtn 57.77
8 Jasmer, Kimberl 57.91
9 Dwelley, Kate E 58.86

Event 5 - Women's 200 Breast

1 Jendrick, Megan 2:28.36
2 Kirk, Tara J 2:28.56
3 Katsoulis, Sara 2:29.76
4 Hehn, Keri L 2:32.20
5 Kukors, Ariana 2:32.36
6 Pierse, Annamay 2:35.03
7 Olson, Christin 2:35.45
8 Hardy, Jessica 2:36.02
9 Green, Jordyn E 2:38.19

Event 6 - Men's 200 Free

1 Keller, Klete D 1:48.69
2 Vanderkaay, Pet 1:48.72
3 Ffrost, Nichola 1:50.28
4 Burnett, Simon 1:50.50
5 Monk, Kenrick 1:50.59
6 Brits, Grant 1:50.60
7 Murphy, Patrick 1:51.27
8 Phillips, Shaun 1:51.81
9 McGinnis, Matth 1:54.17

Event 9 - Women's 100 Fly

1 Coughlin, Natal 58.22
2 Kirk, Dana J 1:00.06
3 Descenza, Mary 1:00.76
4 Sims, Amanda M 1:00.95
5 Hamill, Samanth 1:00.97
6 Toomey, Leann E 1:01.39
7 Smith, Amy A 1:01.46
8 Vandenberg, Kim 1:02.09
9 Victor, Teresa 1:02.67

Event 10 - Men's 200 Fly

1 Tarwater, Davis 1:58.68
2 Krogh, Joshua 1:59.86
3 Vanderkaay, Ale 2:00.81
4 Patton, Matthew 2:01.16
5 Minogue, Joshua 2:02.23
6 Jose Veloz, Jua 2:02.38
7 Zaferes, Tom G 2:02.52
8 Lochte, Ryan S 2:03.14

WHEEEEEE! Santa Clara!

A weekend of swimming history and hot shots
Olympic Medalists Headline Field at Santa Clara Grand Prix
Ziegler Wins 1,500 Free at Santa Clara International

You can follow the results LIVE (we hope) with Hy-Tek.

Great new article from John Lohn...HAPPY BIRTHDAY GPOP!

By JOHN LOHN
jlohn@delcotimes.com

The wiring of a world-class athlete isn't something always understood by Joe Everyday. The small percentage who compete at the highest level in their chosen sport arrive at that point, in part, because they possess a never-satisfied mentality.

The elite don't often look at history, even if past calendars include Olympic glory and world-record performances. Rather, they gaze forward, frequently asking themselves one question: What can I do next?

Which brings us to Brendan Hansen, perhaps the finest athlete Delaware County has produced. And, if not No. 1, then knocking on the door of that distinction. The Haverford High graduate, he of vast swimming notoriety, is one of those athletes who takes the clean-slate approach.

So, beginning Friday at the 39th edition of the Santa Clara International Swim Meet, the triple-Olympic medalist will begin to write his latest chapter, albeit softly. The competition is nothing more than a tuneup for August's Summer Nationals in Irvine, Calif. and the Pan Pacific Championships that will follow two weeks later.

But, it is a start toward what Hansen hopes is a summer full of major success, achievements he'll likely forget almost immediately after they are recorded. That's just the way he is: Focused and hungry.

"This has been the hardest training I've ever put in," said Hansen, whose practices have been monitored by legendary coach Eddie Reese. "I've been doing some crazy things during workouts, things I've never been able to do before. I've also been smart, eating well and watching my diet. I'm more tired than I've ever been going into a meet, but I realized I needed to step it up after last year and sacrifice the little meets."

What Hansen accomplished last year was nothing short of spectacular. Consider:

**He mined gold at the World Championships in the 100 and 200 breaststroke events and also helped the United States claim victory in the 400 medley relay, along with his Longhorn Aquatic teammates, Aaron Peirsol and Ian Crocker.

**He posted the second and third-fastest times in history in the 100 breaststroke, behind only his world record from the 2004 Olympic trials. For good measure, he also notched the sixth and ninth-fastest marks in the event.

**He popped the sixth, eighth and 10th-fastest swims in the history of the 200 breaststroke and became just the second man to dip below the 2:10 mark more than once.

But, what was his overall impression of the season?

"I thought I could have done more," Hansen said. "I've been really motivated by not breaking any of my world records. I watched Ian and Aaron break their records and I was frustrated that I didn't do the same thing. I talked to Eddie about it and he said my time would come. But that's one of the reasons I've put in so much work. I just decided to go as hard as I could. I'm ready to see the hard work pay off."

There's a good chance Hansen will reap the rewards of his dedication in early August, when he steps onto the blocks for Summer Nationals. That meet will serve as the selection competition for the Pan Pacific Championships and, more importantly, next year's World Championships in Melbourne.

The venue for Nationals, the William Woollett Aquatic Center, has been good to Hansen. At last year's Duel in the Pool, the four-time All-Delco churned through the facility's water for 100 and 200 breast wins of 59.51 and 2:10.07, despite the races being only 45 minutes apart. In his next visit, Hansen hopes to take down his global standards of 59.30 and 2:09.04.

While his in-water training is at an all-time high, Hansen has also altered his routine away from the pool. Two months ago, he began taking yoga classes and adhering to a new stretching routine. He's also adjusted his 8,000-calorie intake by watching more closely the types of food he eats.

On a regular basis since early this month, Hansen has eaten dinner with his younger sister, Megan, a roommate for the summer at his Austin home. Heading into her junior year at Southern Connecticut State University, the youngest Hansen is training with Longhorn Aquatics and also cooking up some impressive meals at night while bonding with her sibling.

"I think a lot of where I am right now has to do with Megan coming down," Hansen said. "It's been fun sitting down for dinner and nice to have her here. We've grown closer. It's great to have family by your side."

Unrelated to swimming, Hansen has taken advantage of some of the free time afforded by his graduation from the University of Texas. Instead of taking classes and writing papers, Hansen has become certified in scuba and is taking guitar lessons. He's also had time to remodel his house.

Simply put, Hansen has found a perfect balance between the demands of the pool and his personal life. Credit experience and a strong mentality for his ability to flourish in both worlds.

"I've found some things that help me relax," he said. "If I find things I want to do, I go out and do them. This weekend, I'm looking to get the cobwebs out by doing some racing. Over the years, you get these nagging injuries and wonder if they'll ever go away. But right now, I'm as healthy as I've ever been. It's a great feeling."

SANTA CLARA!

The Psych Sheet is up and I've got a Texas Swimming t-shirt for the winner and something super special for last place, as usual. Instead of doing every event I'm going to choose 18 of my favorites. Well, actually I just made lala choose for me.

Friday

Event 3 - Women's 100 Free
Event 4 - Men's 100 Breast
Event 5 - Women's 200 Breast
Event 6 - Men's 200 Free
Event 9 - Women's 100 Fly
Event 10 - Men's 200 Fly

Saturday

Event 13 - Women's 400 IM
Event 14 - Men's 100 Fly
Event 17 - Women's 200 Free
Event 16 - Men's 400 Free
Event 18 - Men's 200 Back

Sunday

Event 24 - Men's 200 Breast
Event 25 - Women's 50 Free
Event 26 - Men's 100 Free
Event 27 - Women's 200 IM
Event 30 - Men's 100 Back
Event 31 - Women's 800 Free

20 Bonus Points for anyone who predicts the top three of the Men's 100 free correctly.

Name 3 finishers for each race, or you can name 4 in case one of your picks is a no show and I'll move the others up. You get 10 points for each correct placement, 6 points if you get the athlete right but the placement wrong and 3 points if they make the finals but don't place. -5 if they DQ.

You don't have to post all your predictions at once, you can do them a day at a time as long as they are posted before morning prelims start.

WHEEEEE!

Swimmers slam IOC backflip

AUSTRALIA'S swim stars at the Beijing Olympics will be forced to race for gold just after breakfast to suit United States television viewers.

Peak hour ... Performance peaks late in the day, say athletes
The International Olympic Committee is set to move the swimming finals from the traditional evening session to a 9am start because of a request from American TV network NBC.

The move has infuriated Australian Olympic officials, who have warned the performances of stars such as Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett will suffer because of the switch.

Australian Olympic Committee head John Coates will meet IOC president Jacques Rogge tomorrow to voice his "sincere disappointment" while Seven Network boss Kerry Stokes has fired off a blistering protest letter to the IOC.

Mr Coates yesterday took the unusual step of openly criticising the IOC.

"In the Sydney Games we didn't roll over once for any broadcaster. There were approaches made, and we rolled over for nobody," a spokesman for Mr Coates said yesterday.

"We are disappointed that we were not consulted, and fully support the stand of Kerry Stokes and Australian Swimming."

NBC paid $1.2 billion for broadcast rights for the 2008 games, compared to Seven's $70 million. It also held the rights to the Athens and Sydney Olympics.

But US ratings were disappointing, particularly in 2000, when the network faced heavy criticism over the lack of premium events shown live.

To counter this NBC has lobbied heavily for major events at Beijing to be staged in US prime time, early morning Australian time.

The change poses a big threat to Seven's own prime-time coverage, in which swimming is the jewel in the crown.

Australia's head swimming coach Alan Thompson said any change to scheduling could hurt our record hopes, with athletes performing better late in the day.

"It's about the integrity of the sport. It should be bigger than commercial interests," Mr Thompson said.

Results for the Texas Senior Circuit Meet that Brendan swam at a couple of weeks ago are finally up...

Men 100 LC Meter Backstroke
26. Hansen, Brendan J 24 TXLA-ST NT 1:05.69 SECT

Men 200 LC Meter Breaststroke
2. Hansen, Brendan J 24 TXLA-ST 2:20.00 2:19.45 AUTO
31.67 1:07.11 1:43.30 2:19.45

Men 100 LC Meter Butterfly
25. Hansen, Brendan J 24 TXLA-ST 58.30 1:01.74 SECT
29.17 1:01.74

Men 200 LC Meter Freestyle
24. Hansen, Brendan J 24 TXLA-ST 1:59.00 2:03.96 SECT
28.76 1:00.04 1:32.02 2:03.96

He scratched the 100 Breast and was a no show in the 50 Free.

Aaron's Results are...

Men 200 LC Meter Freestyle
7. Peirsol, Aaron W 22 TXLA-ST 1:55.20 2:00.44 TSCA
27.61 57.80 1:28.56 2:00.44

Men 400 LC Meter Freestyle
7. Peirsol, Aaron W 22 TXLA-ST 4:10.00 4:13.37 TSCA
28.61 59.76 1:31.21 2:03.48 2:36.01 3:08.71 3:40.99 4:13.37

Men 100 LC Meter Backstroke
1. Peirsol, Aaron W 22 TXLA-ST 57.00 59.34 AUTO
29.10 59.34

Men 100 LC Meter Butterfly
2. Peirsol, Aaron W 22 TXLA-ST 56.80 57.20 AUTO
27.26 57.20

He scratched the 50 Free and the 200 Back

TYR Meet of Champs Set to Start

MISSION VIEJO, California, June 15. THE summer preparation season continues this weekend and next with a trio of events that should provide quality racing heading into August's Summer Nationals and the Pan Pacific Championships. As part of the Southern California Swim Series, the TYR Meet of Champions will run from Thursday through Sunday and will be hosted by the Mission Viejo Nadadores.

As for next week, the United States Grand Prix circuit will return to action with a pair of meets, the Santa Clara Invitational and competition at Texas A&M University. The likes of Nick Brunelli, Justin Mortimer and Larsen Jensen are expected to race at the Meet of Champs while Brendan Hansen is one of the headliners slated to race in Santa Clara.

Mellouli, Williams Win 800 Free Races to Open TYR Meet of Champs

International Competition Lights Up at TYR Swim Meet of Champions

Mark Gangloff: Movie Star?

Heads high above the water: 'The Guardian' casts elite athletes

Playing another recruit is Olympic gold medalist Mark Gangloff (400-meter medley relay, 2004). Lounging on the deck and reading "The Millionaire Next Door," Gangloff said he's not used to waiting around when he's near water. Nevertheless, he was glad to be on set.

"I graduated from Auburn University in December, so this was kind of an opportunity I didn't think I'd ever have again."

Rubbing shoulders with Kutcher and Costner has been fun "because they're pretty much just normal guys," Gangloff said. "Ashton watches football just like everybody else."

Proposed USA Swimming facility might land at Concordia

Concordia University plans to move to the hills of far Northwest Austin, freeing up its 23-acre Central Austin campus for a proposed USA Swimming training center for Olympic hopefuls and other swimmers.

The private, Lutheran university is negotiating to buy the former Schlumberger Ltd. business campus off RM 620 as a new real estate group pitches an Olympic-style village that would include at least one 50-meter pool, a hotel, condominiums and apartments, retail stores and restaurants at the current campus. For Austin, a city deep with world-class swimmers through its University of Texas pipeline, it's an Olympic-sized dream just a flip turn away.

snip...

The center would be big enough to compete for the U.S. Olympic time trials for the 2012 Summer Olympics, McIlhargy said, explaining that USA Swimming runs the trials and is responsible for choosing and compiling Olympic teams.

"We don't have a facility that could host our time trials," he said. "Right now, we hold time trials in sports arenas and build temporary pools."

Thanks to Timmy and Erin for both sending me the article link!

Happy Belated Certainly Not Your Birthday Day Aunt K!

Sorry I missed the anniversary of what used to be your birthday on Sunday.

Mare Nostrum Results

Ok, I haven't really been posting about Mare Nostrum going on in Europe the past couple of weeks but we've finally come down to the Breaststroke events this weekend and I was anxious to see the results as it looked to be a pretty good field including both little Daniel Gyurta and Oleg Lisogor. This is a great opportunity to see where some of the International swimmers are at in their training at the start of the long course season. The results are in and no sign of Gyurta but Lisogor and Aussie Christian Sprenger had a very good weekend...

50m Breaststroke
1. LISOGOR Oleg UKR 1979 UKRAINE 27.98
2. SPRENGER Christian AUS 1985 AUSTRALIE 28.74
3. QU Jingyu CHN 1986 CHINE POPULAIRE 29.28
4. HUANG Matthew CAN 1984 CANADA 29.41
5. FOUESNANT Paul Louis FRA 1985 LANGUEDOC 29.54
6. FERREYRA Sergio ARG 1974 ARGENTINE 29.70
7. TANCOCK Liam GBR 1985 GRANDE BRETAGNE 29.81
8. GILCHRIST Kris GBR 1983 GRANDE BRETAGNE 29.87

100m Breaststroke
1. SPRENGER Christian AUS 1985 AUSTRALIE 1:01.88
2. LISOGOR Oleg UKR 1979 UKRAINE 1:02.21
3. OKAZAKI Koichiro JPN 1986 JAPON 1:03.40
4. FALKO Grigory RUS 1987 RUSSIE 1:03.59
5. BROWN Michael CAN 1984 CANADA 1:03.64
6. SATO Yuki JPN 1986 JAPON 1:03.66
7. GILCHRIST Kris GBR 1983 GRANDE BRETAGNE 1:04.36
8. NICOLARDOT Julien FRA 1981 MULHOUSE ON 1:04.52

200m Breaststroke
1. SATO Yuki JPN 1986 JAPON 2:14.18
2. PIPER Jim AUS 1981 AUSTRALIE 2:14.68
3. OKAZAKI Koichiro JPN 1986 JAPON 2:16.39
4. FALKO Grigory RUS 1987 RUSSIE 2:16.62
5. KIRTON James GBR 1985 GRANDE BRETAGNE 2:16.63
6. NICOLARDOT Julien FRA 1981 MULHOUSE ON 2:17.03
7. GILCHRIST Kris GBR 1983 GRANDE BRETAGNE 2:17.34
8. MARAND Thibault FRA 1987 ESSONNE 2:20.61

On the womens side of things of course Leisel Jones is just untouchable. She easily swept the breaststroke events...

50m Breaststroke
1. JONES Leisel AUS 1985 AUSTRALIE 30.86
2. BAKER Zoe NZL 1976 NOUVELLE ZELANDE 31.36
3. FOSTER Sally AUS 1985 AUSTRALIE 31.90
4. WHITE Tarnee AUS 1981 AUSTRALIE 32.05
5. BOGOMAZOVA Elena RUS 1982 RCF / ASPTT 32.34
6. LE PARANTHOEN Anne Sophie FRA 1977 CS CLICHY 92 32.93
7. NAKAMURA Sayaka JPN 1987 JAPON 33.24
8. SEPPALA Hanna Maria FIN 1984 FINLANDE 33.79

100m Breaststroke
1. JONES Leisel AUS 1985 AUSTRALIE 1:06.18
2. FOSTER Sally AUS 1985 AUSTRALIE 1:09.33
3. BALFOUR Kirsty GBR 1984 GRANDE BRETAGNE 1:09.40
4. BOGOMAZOVA Elena RUS 1982 RCF / ASPTT 1:09.89
5. WHITE Tarnee AUS 1981 AUSTRALIE 1:10.10
6. PIDLISNAYA Yuliya UKR 1987 UKRAINE 1:11.68
7. LIU xiaoyu CHN 1991 CHINE POPULAIRE 1:11.78
8. DE RONCHI Sophie FRA 1985 ESSONNE 1:12.56

200m Breaststroke
1. JONES Leisel AUS 1985 AUSTRALIE 2:24.99
2. FOSTER Sally AUS 1985 AUSTRALIE 2:28.51
3. BALFOUR Kirsty GBR 1984 GRANDE BRETAGNE 2:29.09
4. PIDLISNAYA Yuliya UKR 1987 UKRAINE 2:30.72
5. HJORTH HANSEN Julie DEN 1984 DANEMARK 2:33.10
6. HAYWOOD Kate GBR 1987 GRANDE BRETAGNE 2:33.53
7. BOGOMAZOVA Elena RUS 1982 RCF / ASPTT 2:34.94
8. DE RONCHI Sophie FRA 1985 ESSONNE 2:36.63

You can get full results from the series at the SwimNews.net site and find more info at Swimming World Magazine.

ETA: Ok, as Tink pointed out in the comments, I'm an idiot. Gyurta was in Monaco last weekend, not in Canet this weekend, and he did pretty well, winning the 200 Breaststroke. I've added the results from Monaco below.

50m Breaststroke Duel
1. LISOGOR Oleg UKR 1979 UKRAINE 28.01 (0.21)
2. SPRENGER Christian AUS 1985 AUSTRALIE 28.06 (0.85)

100m Breaststroke
1. SPRENGER Christian AUS 1985 AUSTRALIE 1:01.53 (0.79)
2. GUSTAFSSON Martin SWE 1980 MALMO 1:03.03 (0.82)
3. FALKO Grigory RUS 1987 RUSSIE 1:03.05 (0.81)
4. LISOGOR Oleg UKR 1979 UKRAINE 1:03.33 (0.79)
5. GYURTA Daniel HUN 1989 HONGRIE 1:03.71 (0.87)
6. SATO Yuki JPN 1986 JAPON 1:03.99 (0.76)
7. BROWN Michael CAN 1984 CANADA 1:04.33 (0.81)
8. OKAZAKI Koichiro JPN 1986 JAPON 1:04.58 (0.72)

200m Breaststroke
1. GYURTA Daniel HUN 1989 HONGRIE 2:14.07
2. GUSTAFSSON Martin SWE 1980 MALMO 2:14.80
3. SATO Yuki JPN 1986 JAPON 2:15.08
4. FALKO Grigory RUS 1987 RUSSIE 2:15.18
5. SPRENGER Christian AUS 1985 AUSTRALIE 2:15.73
6. KOUGIOUMTZOLGOY Savvas GRE 1985 GRECE 2:17.35
7. MOLNAR Akos HUN 1987 HONGRIE 2:17.52
8. OKAZAKI Koichiro JPN 1986 JAPON 2:24.00

And of course Leisel Jones swept the breast events in Monaco as well as Canet.

TGIF!

Who do you..whodoyou-whodoyou-whodoyou think you are? Hahaha, bless your soul...



Enjoy some Gnarls Barkley and have a great weekend!

Run, Walk or Fundraise for LRF

From their email...

Run, Walk or Fundraise

Gibbons is only one week away, but there is still time to get involved! Visit the LRF website to learn more about registering for the 5K Run or 3K Walk. Register online and save $2! Or stop by Fleet Feet Sports June 10 - 11 (Lincoln Square) or June 12 - 14 (Piper's Alley) to register and/or pick up your race packets.

Also, find out how you can be a part of the latest trend in fundraising by creating a personal fundraising webpage. You can include your own message, photos, and graphics, and easily monitor the results and supportive messages from those who contribute. Firstgiving.com enables your friends and family to make donations via a secure website and all of the funds are acknowledged and tracked for you. It's just that easy!

Even though Gibbons is only one week away, there is still time to start fundraising. You can solicit and collect pledges though July 17 and still be eligible for great prizes!

Check out the new LRF website

We are pleased to announce that the new LRF website has been launched! New design...easier to navigate...take a look!

Great Entertainment and Celebrities!

Not only is running or walking with us on June 15 good for you, its great fun! Come down to Upper Hutchinson Field (southwest corner of Columbus and Balbo) and meet Olympic gold medalist, Frank Shorter and Miss Illinois USA, Catherine Warren. Then, after the race, enjoy food from Zig Zag Kitchen, Michelob Ultra beer, and get your groove on with The Rhumbuzzz.

Watch the ABC 7 Gibbons television special

Even if you can't make it down to Grant Park on race day, you can still experience Gibbons by tuning in to the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons Television Special that will air on Saturday, June 17 at 4:30 p.m. An inspiring special dedicated to the memory of Jim Gibbons, a highly respected investigative reporter who succumbed to leukemia in 1994. Hosted by Janet Davies and Frank Mathie.

Make an online donation

You can also support the Leukemia Research Foundation by making an online donation. Your financial support will fund desperately needed medical research and supply financial assistance to patients and their families in need.

Reese named finalist for USOC Coach of the Year

"It's an honor to be nominated with all the great coaches working with our U.S. National teams today," said Reese. "I am surprised and appreciate being recognized by the United State Olympic Committee.

"An award like this is given to a coach when he has great athletes around him and works with them to produce great results. To be successful, an athlete must trust the coach and vice-versa. Being nominated means I am headed in the right direction."

Reese had seven of his swimmers; UT alumni Aaron Peirsol, Ian Crocker, Brendan Hansen, Neil Walker, Nate Dusing and current Texas team members Garrett Weber-Gale and Matt McGinnis, swim on the 2005 U.S. World Championships Team. These swimmers accounted for nine medals at the World Championships (eight gold and one silver), with six of the medals coming in individual events and three in relays.

Another link on the same topic, USOC names coach award finalists

Happy Birthday Meredith!

Meet Results (sorta)...

Ok, he didn't swim the 100 breast and I don't have any times for any of his other races this morning, just that he did the 50 Free (maybe?) and some other stuff. Isn't that vague of me? haha. Not sure why he chose not to swim the 100 Breast.

And in other news - I'm finally recovering from the plague and have started back on my diet today so I'm really, really grumpy. You might want to avoid me for a week or two. My son sure wishes he could.

Meet Results and New Photos from Peter Bick!

The word from Mrs. H is that Brendan was late to the meet and had to swim the 200 with no cap and without warming up. Still, he managed a 2:19 which is about the same time he swam at this meet a year ago (2:19.40). The 100 is today and I'll post results when I get them.

Ok, these are new OLD photos from SC Worlds 2004 that Peter has just released to his adoring public. You can find many more of them in the Worlds Gallery.

Texas Senior Circuit Meet In Dallas this weekend

As I recall Brendan swam this meet last year so perhaps you fans in the Dallas area can catch him at Southern Methodist University this weekend.

And....

Photos up from the Speedo Grand Challenge

That last photo is of a young up-and-coming breaststroker named John Criste and there just so happens to be a recent article about him with a Brendan mention...

Criste Leads Sweep for Mission Viejo
By Lauren Peterson, Times Staff Writer
May 13, 2006

Mission Viejo junior swimmer John Criste has chased Brendan Hansen, the world record-holder in the 100- and 200-meter breaststrokes, in the water and on land, in his imagination and in his dreams.

"I've raced him a few times, and he's whupped me every time," Criste said. "I try to hold myself to very high standards."

With his ultimate goal - "definitely the 2008 Olympics" - still a couple of years away, Criste settled for being the only boys' swimmer at the Southern Section Division I championships to win two individual events Friday at Belmont Plaza in Long Beach.

He won titles in the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200 individual medley races with lifetime-best short-course times of 55.43 seconds and 1:51.09. The breaststroke mark bettered his previous fastest time of 55.60 and placed him among four high school boys nationwide who have gone under 56 seconds. The medley mark beat his previous best of 1:54.65 by nearly three seconds.

His efforts were key to the Diablos' second consecutive Division I title, won with 346 points over second-place Goleta Dos Pueblos with 175 and third-place Fountain Valley with 116.

The championship, the Mission Viejo boys' 24th since 1975, was coupled with the Diablo girls' team's first title since 1991 to give the school its first championship sweep since 1986.

Criste transferred from Saugus to Mission Viejo over the past summer after his former Canyons Aquatics club coach, Bruce Patmos, moved out of state.

"That was a gift," Mission Viejo Coach Jeff Boss said.