I swam Friday with my sister Pegeen (while visiting her in Dayton OH). She started on her usual routine — nonstop laps – which she does in part, because she’s improved her efficiency and enjoys being able to swim farther. …
You might have thought that Olympic swimming was over after Michael Phelps collected his 8th gold on Aug 16, but it’s not. Today and tomorrow (Aug 20 and 21) the first Olympic open water events are being swum on the …
Those who have never raced in open water may wonder how it compares with swimming in the pool and particularly how you navigate without lane markings. Having raced in open water since 1973, I’ve learned a few tricks, but …
There was a great article by Karen Crouse in the NY Times on Aug 12, which I somehow overlooked. Fortunately Donal Fagan did not overlook. He made this post on the TI Discussion Forum about a week ago. The article …
I believe the US win, and particularly 32 y.o. Jason Lezak’s finish, was the most exciting athletic event I’ve ever witnessed.
The final leg, and the celebration by the US relay members which followed it should become must-see inspirational …
Motivation from the French swimmers’ pre-race boasts that they would "smash the Americans" didn’t hurt, but I believe the prime reasons the US team won the relay was their technique and pacing.
Many will focus on the incredible final …
After his heroic/historic relay anchor, I anticipate increased curiosity about Jason Lezak. Here are some interesting tidbits.
Lezak is 32, which before-Dara, was considered quite an advanced age for an elite swimmer. While he joined the Irvine Novaquatics team at …
I watched Phelps 400 IM on nbcolympics.com — no TV at home — on Sunday morning. Here’s what I saw:
Fly – His head never nods even slightly. After the breath he simply lets gravity return his head to the …
This great underwater photo of Phelps during the Fly leg of the 400 IM (click on it to enlarge for closer study) shows several noteworthy things that help make Phelps the best butterflyer in the world.
1) Wide landing …
This photo was taken during Torres anchor leg on the US silver medal 4×100 free relay. Several things worth noticing:
1) "Risky" breath, as Emmett Hines calls it. Lower goggle and mouth riskily near the surface.
2) Recovery. …