ASCC Wrap-up and looking ahead to Melbourne...

For those of you unable to watch You Tube videos I've uploaded the original .wmv version of Ian's 100 free. Click on the pick below to download.



I think I've added the last of the photos from American Short Course to the Gallery now (I know, so sad it's over). Peter was a true rockstar as he always is and took some amazing photos. You can see them in our gallery and also at his website PeterBick.com (eventually). You can also find them at Sarah's website and at Swimming World Magazine. Speaking of Sarah, I've uploaded her photos from the meet to our gallery as well. Here are a few of my favorites below.


Mr. H sporting his official meet shirt. Photo courtesy of Peter Bick.


Ian with a fan. ;) Photo courtesy of Peter Bick.


Brendan being adorable, as he does. Photo courtesy of Sarah.

Rickard gets faster, but still chasing

AUSTRALIAN champion Brenton Rickard was on track to post his best 100 metres breaststroke at next month's world titles in Melbourne but he still would be chasing world champion and record-holder Brendan Hansen.

Rickard's coach Vince Raleigh said the swimmer's times at the trials last weekend in Canberra showed that he was on par with the form he displayed before unleashing a personal-best of one minute 0.39 seconds in coming second to Hansen at last August's Pan Pacific championships.

But Raleigh said it was unlikely that Rickard, who will be competing in the three breaststroke events but whose favoured distance is the 100, would get near the American, who owns the best times in the world for the 100 and 200.

Rickard's time ranked him the second-fastest 100 breaststroker in the world last year but Hansen beat that time five times, including setting the world record at 59.13. Raleigh said Hansen's times at recent meetings while in heavy training indicated he was again looking at swimming sub-60 seconds.

"On times, at the moment, no, I don't think (Rickard can beat Hansen). We just need to get close to him," Raleigh said. "The real aim for Brenton is to narrow the gap. With Hansen's times and the world record that he set last year, we just need to be slowly moving forward. We've still got 18 months, or a bit less now, to the Olympics … hopefully, Hansen doesn't move forward as well but he certainly had a great year …"

He was confident Rickard would be in the mix for the silver in the 100. "We're looking at maintaining his world ranking, which is second in the world. That would be a good result," Raleigh said. "If anything else happens above that, then fantastic but really at this stage, we're just trying to consolidate where we're at and move forward and hopefully there's enough time between now and Beijing."

Jim Piper has the highest world ranking for an Australian in the 200 breaststroke — second last year behind Hansen — although the time of 2:10.51 was set at the Commonwealth Games selection trials last February and Rickard beat him at the national titles in December.

Rickard will face competition for the minor medals from a number of swimmers in the 100 breaststroke.

More from American Short Course Championships

BHO Group at Gueros for lunch. Left to Right: Tyler, Sarah, Blair, Me, Peter and my son Chris.

Ian Crocker had an amazing swim in the 100 free tonight and brought the crowd to it's feet. He replaced Matt Biondi's pool record and came very close to a new American Record in the process. Imagine what he'll be capable of when he's shaved and tapered.



Aaron Peirsol stepped out of the backstroke box and swam some other events this meet. This is his 200 Butterfly prelim (he skipped out on the final). As Gpop says, imagine what he could do with a better breaststroke.



Brendan's roommate Craig "Chappy" Chapman had a great swim in the 200 Backstroke tonight finishing 3rd with a new personal best. Thank goodness he swam better than we cheered.



Chappy also won the 500 Free at this event and we set up a little webpage for him to celebrate his victory. You can see more at www.ConciergeChappy.com

News Links:

American Short Course Championships Complete Second Day

Pair of American Records Nearly Set at American Short Course Championships

I'll be adding more of Peter's meet photos to the Gallery as I get them and you can see them in Swimming World Magazine's meet coverage as well.

Friday Prelims

Brendan qualified first in this mornings 100 Breast prelim but is calling it a meet and not doing the final tonight or the 200 tomorrow. Gotta save it for the big game next month. We were treated to a 100 backstroke from Brendan as well but my memory card was full around the 75 yard mark and stopped recording. The best part of the race was watching Brendan trying to find his lane anyway. Enjoy!



Full Results HERE

ETA: New photos from Peter in the Gallery, like this one...

Thursday Results

Prelim Report:

Brendan qualified 1st in the 200 IM this morning and says he only needs to drop 4 seconds to be in the running tonight. haha. We're confident he's going to win it all!



Sorry there's no sound. I need to check the settings on my camera and fix that for tonight's final.

Here are some fantastic photos from Peter Bick - watch for more coming in the gallery later tonight!






Finals Report:
Ok, so we were a little overconfident. Brendan was just touched out of the top 3 for a 4th place finish in the IM tonight. Oh, and I found out I have this little button on my laptop that mutes sound, so uh, problem fixed. ;)



Check out Ian Crocker Online for Ian's videos from Thursday.

Links:

Olympic medalists Hansen, Crocker among alumni racing Saturday

"Everywhere we go, we always give a Hook 'em," Hansen said.

US men to make a splash

More photos from Peter in the gallery including this one...

AUSTIN!

LOVE this town! American Short Course Championships start this morning and we're about to head to the pool for some prelim action. Get a Psych sheet Right HERE and follow the results "live" with Hy-tek. I'll try to post video and photos as I can but y'all keep in mind we're in Austin and there are many, many distractions and I'm a little ADD.

Wheeeeeeee!

Missouri Wrap-up and Austin here we come!

Hooked Horn

In a battle of Longhorn Aquatics teammates, Eric Shanteau scored an unlikely victory.

Shanteau took down world-record-holder Brendan Hansen in the 200 breaststroke in a time of 2:13.06. Hansen was second at 2:13.60.

It was the first time Shanteau beat Hansen in a competition.

"It's huge for every reason, basically," Shanteau said. "Brendan's the best at what he does, and he's held the world record for a number of years now and doesn't lose too many breaststroke races. It's huge for both us, for me to have the confidence to win and also for him" to have "a little bit more motivation."

The duo dominated the race. The third-place finisher was more than 3 seconds back. Hansen had the lead by four-tenths of a second at 100 meters, but Shanteau closed the gap by the final turn and slowly nudged ahead for the win in the final 50 meters.

"Inside the pool, we're competitors, but when it's all said and done, we're still friends and we're still going to be happy for each other no matter what happens," Shanteau said. "He's also a big part of the reason why I swam as fast as I did tonight. He helps me out a lot with technique and training advice."

100 Breast Prelim Results from Monday

1 Hansen, Brendan 1:01.92
2 Swander, Kevin 1:03.01
3 Usher, Scott C 1:03.79
4 Shanteau, Eric 1:04.06
5 Pogioli, Giorda 1:04.25
6 Velez, Dan N 1:05.60
7 Phelps, Michael 1:05.74
8 Rogers, Dale E 1:05.98

Blair is here and we're leaving for Short Course Championships in Austin as soon as my boys get home from band practice. Can't wait to see all you other BHOer's who are going. Be sure to find us in the stands! I'll post more from the meet tomorrow night and will hopefully have some video to post over the weekend. Wheeeeee!

Happy Belated 21st Birthday Erin!

Saturday Results for the 200 Breast...

Prelims:

1 Hansen, Brendan 2:15.31
2 Shanteau, Eric 2:17.32
3 Pogioli, Giorda 2:17.88
4 Usher, Scott C 2:21.07
5 Swander, Kevin 2:21.91
6 Margalis, Rober 2:21.96
7 Gangloff, Mark 2:21.98
8 Pereira, Thiago 2:22.06

Finals:

Wow, quite a race for Shanteau! I notice he's listed with Longhorn Aquatics as his club now and not Auburn so I guess he's made the move to Austin a permanent one. Both Texas guys with a commanding lead over the rest of the field. I'd like to see that happen in Melbourne too, but, you know, the other way around. Brendan with Gold and Eric with Silver. ;)

1 Shanteau, Eric 2:13.03
2 Hansen, Brendan 2:13.60
3 Gangloff, Mark 2:16.63
4 Pogioli, Giorda 2:18.03
5 Swander, Kevin 2:18.14
6 Usher, Scott C 2:18.63
7 Pereira, Thiago 2:19.97
8 Margalis, Rober 2:21.10

Nice Article about the trio. Thanks for the link lala.

"We all swim different races, and I know that helps probably our relations with each other," said Peirsol, who won the 200 back in 1:56.27 last night. "We're rooting for each other. I want to see Ian and Brendan win their races. I know they deserve them. They work just as hard or harder than anybody in that pool."

Great new article from Josh Davis

Hansen Feeling the "Love" from Hometown Swimmers

Valentine's Day has come and gone, but I thought it only fitting to share a story of how one group of swimmers from the "City of Brotherly Love" showed their love and appreciation towards their hometown hero.

Brendan Hansen and I recently coached a Mutual of Omaha BREAKout! Clinic with the Upper Dublin Swim Team located just outside of Philadelphia in the town of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.

The trip was a homecoming of sorts for Brendan who grew up about 20 miles away in Havertown, PA. I had the privilege of staying with Brendan's family who hosted us that weekend.

One of the messages I always share at the BREAKout! clinics is the idea of unconditional love. A parent's unconditional love is a big part of any swimmer's success, both in and out of the pool. I saw this truth in action during my stay with the Hansens. His parents and two siblings are such kind and genuine people, and they were amazing hosts. Now I know why Brendan has so much motivation and love for a sport that is so demanding...his family loves him no matter what!

The atmosphere at the clinic was truly electric as the Upper Dublin swimmers spent four hours with their hometown hero (and the fastest breaststroker in the world!).

The highlight of the day was when I pulled Brendan aside and challenged him to break a pool record. He said he would give it a shot.

I then turned to the swimmers and parents at the clinic and announced, "You've seen Brendan Hansen break records on t.v. at the biggest meets in the world. How would you like to see him break a record right here in this pool??!!"

My question was met with wild cheering for several minutes while Brendan tightened his goggles and prepared for 100 yards of breaststroke.

To set the stage a little bit, Brendan had not warmed up and we had already been teaching in a chilly pool for two hours. The pool record in the 100-yd. breaststroke was :58 seconds. I had seen Brendan pull off a :56 second 100 breast in the middle of a clinic before, so I knew the pool record was probably going down. I had no idea what Brendan was capable of though.

The swimmers and parents grew quiet for the start, anticipating that something special was about to happen. I grabbed the microphone again and turned to Brendan on the blocks, "World-Record Holder, take your mark!...Go!!!"

What happened next was one of the most amazing swimming displays I have ever seen.

Brendan was in a strange pool, unshaved, and probably tired after already working with kids for several hours. But anyone who says that cheering and support from the deck does not help a swimmer go faster should have been there that day.

Brendan knew how important his swim was to those kids. He realized that he used to be one of those kids.

He swam the first 50 yards in a blazing :25 seconds and came back in :28 seconds to finish with an amazing time of :53.9!!!

Not only did he destroy the pool record, but he swam one of the fastest times in the country this year!!!

Those swimmers will never forget when they witnessed a living legend do something amazing.

Brendan is an awesome example of a world-class athlete who is so generous with his time and continues to give back to the sport and its next generation of swimmers.

As Brendan competes in the Missouri Grand Prix this weekend and the World Championships next month, a group of swimmers in Pennsylvania will cheer him on with added interest and say to each other, "Remember when..."

We're proud that you are representing Team USA, Brendan. And on behalf of the Upper Dublin swimmers, Happy Valentine's Day! You are loved!

Josh Davis
5-Time Olympic Medalist

Brendan scratched the 100 Free today but he's got the 200 Breast in the morning. Y'all be sure to watch it live via Hy-tek or go down to the pool and cheer him on if you can get to Missouri. I'll post results as soon as possible.

Missouri Grand Prix Starts TODAY!

Psych Sheet
Hy-tek Meet Results (let's hope they actually work this time.)

50 Breaststroke is tonight but Brendan doesn't appear to be swimming it. He's listed for the 100 Free on Saturday, 200 Breast on Sunday and 100 Breast Monday.

And another similar article about Kitajima like the one posted yesterday, only this time filtered through the eyes of sanity...

Kitajima Looking to Bounce Back in Melbourne

Although Kitajima knocked off Hansen in the 100 and 200 breast events in Athens, Hansen has owned the stroke since. He beat Kitajima in the 100 breast at the 2005 World Champs and Hansen whipped Kitajima in the 100 and 200 distances at last summer's Pan Pacific Champs. Hansen owns world records of 59.13 and 2:08.50. Whether Kitajima can reclaim his past form remains to be seen. His personal best in the 100 is nearly a half-second off Hansen's world record and his 200 breast best is nearly a second behind Hansen.

(emphasis mine)
Yeah. That's a little more like it.

Update:

50 Breast Results

1 Swander, Kevin A 28.03
2 Usher, Scott C 28.88
3 Pogioli, Giordan S 28.90

See full meet results here.

And tonight Megan went 23.86 in her relay qualifying for the Div. II NCAA Championships in Buffalo next month. Wheeee! Go Megan!

My favorite Holiday...

February 15th - Half Price Chocolate Day!

I got a nasty little Valentine in my email tonight...

Kitajima back on song

Japan's double Olympic champion Kosuke Kitajima has said he is feeling sharp again and has put a dismal two-year run of form behind him.

Kitajima destroyed American rival Brendan Hansen to capture the 100 and 200 metres breaststroke double at the 2004 Athens Olympics, but his career then went into serious decline.

His hunger has now returned and he is ready for the world championships which begin in Melbourne next month.

"Last year I didn't do anything record-wise but I did some good work that really blew out the cobwebs," the 24-year-old told reporters on his return from high-altitude training in Arizona.

"I've been swimming at a high pace I haven't done before in training."

Hansen gained revenge for his Olympic defeats by beating Kitajima over 100 and 200 metres at the 2005 world championships in Montreal and still holds both world records.

Things went from bad to worse for Kitajima when he flopped at last year's Japanese championships.

His hopes of even competing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics looked remote after a bust-up with his coach following his Tokyo embarrassment.

But Kitajima, who formerly held the world record over both the 100 and 200 metres, was relishing the opportunity to get back at Hansen in Melbourne.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge," said Kitajima. "I want to go in feeling confident. I'm getting closer."

Thanks for the link Jorg! Melbourne is just several weeks away now. I think Brendan is probably up for whatever challenge Kitajima wants to throw at him. As Jorg said in his email...
"He will never get so fast as Brendan!"

Happy Valentine's Day Y'all!

Introducing little Magnus Tinkerbell

From Tink:

His name is Magnus, and he is now 6 weeks old. He was born on January 2nd, and came in a hurry, with his butt first! And of course he is the cutest baby in the world! :)

I can't argue with that.

Missouri Grand Prix next weekend

Great article at SwimNews.com...

The duel in the pool at Melbourne 2007 takes on a little more immediacy a week today, when some of the biggest fish in the American and Aussie shoals fire a few warning shots at rehearsals a month out from the real show.

The Missouri grand prix at the Mizzou Aquatic Center in Columbia, February 16-19, has attracted no fewer than 21 American Olympians. The third stop in the domestic Toyota Grand Prix Series marks the last test for those heading Down Under.

It's often easy to write "at the helm is Fred Bloggs" but when it comes to the USA, the squad is so laden with heavy weapons that the likes of Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin barely nudge the crown of their heads above the rest.

Alongside them in Columbia will be fellow world champions, Texas trio Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen and Ian Crocker, and Katie Hoff. Then there's Cullen Jones and Neil Walker, who along with Phelps set that 4x100m free world record last summer with Jason Lezak.

Sprinkle the mix with Maritza Correia, Mark Gangloff, Margaret Hoelzer, Rhi Jeffrey, Megan Jendrick, Kalyn Keller, Klete Keller, Ryan Lochte, Kaitlin Sandeno, Scott Usher, Peter Vanderkaay, Erik Vendt, Allison Wagner and Amanda Weir - plus world titles sqaud members Elizabeth Beisel, Mary DeScenza, Ariana Kukors, Eric Shanteau, Davis Tarwater and Kim Vandenberg - and you have a meet and a half.

More Links...

Swimmers Flock to Missouri Grand Prix as Final Tune-Up Before FINA World Championships
Toyota Grand Prix Heads to Columbia Missouri
Twenty-one Olympians to compete in Columbia

And an unrelated link - John has a new premium article up at Swimming World's website and it contains a little Brendan mention...

Keep an eye on Australia's Leisel Jones and the United States' Brendan Hansen in the 50-meter breaststroke races at the World Champs. While Jones and Hansen are the heavy favorites for gold in the 100 and 200 distances, they could both take the one-lap sprint and claim breaststroke sweeps. It will be difficult, particularly with sprint specialists out there, but these two have redefined the breast events and should be counted among the favorites in the 50 distance as well.

While I'd love to see that happen I'm sure Oleg Lisogor will have something to say about it.

Hump-day links....

Check out the new Podcast feature from USA Swimming. Their first features Whitney Myers interviewing many of our favorites out in LA, including Brendan. (thanks for the heads-up Jesse).

Also, two Aussie links from lala. Brendan is compared/contrasted to Brenton Rickard and is listed among Swimmings 12 Apostles at eSwimmer.

Y'all don't forget Chat tonight! (I'll try not to forget either.. haha. Sorry about last week guys - I was snoozing through American Idol.)

Happy Birthday Gmom

I hope you have a great day!

Here are some scans from the January issue of Splash Magazine. Brendan was mentioned several times and there is a great article on Neil Walker as well. My favorite Brendan mention is on the last page in the Swim Kids Athlete focus section. Young swimmer Joe Lauziere , Age 10, lists Brendan as both a role model and one of his favorite swimmers. Obviously a very smart kid.

New Brendan video at GoSwim.tv

And Brendan's looking quite snuggly in his little gray hoodie. Love those curls too.

Thanks for the heads up Anna!

FINA Says No to Instant Replay Until At Least 2009

Read more at Timed Finals. Brendan is mentioned and there are some interesting comments as well.

And an oldie but a goodie - go check out the Brendan video at Mutual of Omaha.

Happy Belated Birthday Longhornlove!