Golden Goggle Awards Creeping Closer -- October 31, 2005

NEW YORK, October 31. SINCE November is nearly upon us, here’s a reminder that one of the biggest events in USA Swimming is just around the corner. The Golden Goggle Awards, U.S. Swimming’s equivalent to the Academy Awards, is scheduled for November 14 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. This year marks the second edition of the Golden Goggle Awards.

Here are the nominated athletes in a variety of categories. Fans can submit their votes by visiting http://www.usaswimming.org/votegoldengoggles/.

Breakout Performer: Jessica Hardy; Chip Peterson; Kate Ziegler.

Perseverance Award: Ian Crocker; Brendan Hansen; Margaret Hoelzer.

Coach of the Year: Bob Bowman; Eddie Reese; Ray Benecki; Paul Yetter.

Relay Performance of the Year: Women’s 800 free relay; Men’s 800 free relay; Men’s 400 free relay.

Female Performance of the Year: Katie Hoff (200 I.M.); Katie Hoff (400 I.M.); Kate Ziegler (1,500 free).

Male Performance of the Year: Aaron Peirsol (200 backstroke); Brendan Hansen (100 breaststroke); Ian Crocker (100 butterfly).

Female Athlete of the Year: Katie Hoff; Natalie Coughlin; Kate Ziegler.

Male Athlete of the Year: Michael Phelps; Aaron Peirsol; Ian Crocker.