By John Lohn
CRANBURY, New Jersey, June 17. ANOTHER week, another look at how an event will shape up at the Olympic Games in Beijing later this summer. This week, SwimmingWorldMagazine.com continues its Olympic Preview Series with a glance at the men's 800 freestyle relay, an event that features the United States as the favorite.
Defending Champion: United States (Phelps, Lochte, Vanderkaay, Keller) 7:07.33.
Advertisement
World-Record Holder: United States (Phelps, Lochte, Keller, Vanderkaay) 7:03.24.
Most Titles: United States – 14 (1920, 1924, 1928, 1948, 1952, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1984, 1988, 1996, 2004).
Notable:While the world record currently sits at 7:03-plus, it's inconceivable that the winning time could dip under the seven-minute mark in Beijing. Crazy thinking? Not really. The United States could have four men produce sub-1:45 splits, which would get the job done.
Here's a look at the leading contenders.
United States:
Since the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, the Americans have gone with a familiar foursome – Michael Phelps, Peter Vanderkaay, Ryan Lochte and Klete Keller. By early July, we'll know if that quartet will remain intact. Certainly, there will be major competition at the U.S. Trials.
Phelps is a lock for a spot on the relay, what with his 200 freestyle world record sitting at 1:43.86. Vanderkaay seems to be the No. 2 choice to represent the United States in the individual 200 free and is on the cusp of breaking 1:45. Lochte, too, could very well break 1:45. As for Keller, he's a veteran of two Olympics and will fight for to maintain his slot.
Among the other challengers for an 800 free relay spot include Jayme Cramer and David Walters, members of the World Champs team last year. It's also worth keeping an eye on the likes of Adam Ritter and Michael Klueh. Of course, there's always a breakthrough performer who will make some noise at Trials.
Australia:
Before the United States regained control in 2004, the Aussies owned this event for several years. Kenrick Monk has been a rising star on the international scene and figures to join forces with Patrick Murphy and Nicholas Sprenger. Obviously, Grant Hackett has been a force for years and will be a key factor in the Aussies chase for a medal.
Canada
A little more than a year after winning the bronze medal at the World Championships in Melbourne, the Canadians should factor into the medal equation. Their lineup will be headlined by Brent Hayden, a versatile freestyler whose best work comes in the 100 and 200 freestyles. Colin Russell has been sub-1:47 and Rick Say is a veteran Olympian. Look for Andrew Hurd and Brian Johns as other options.
Italy
The Italians won the gold medal at the European Championships earlier this year and can be considered as medal contenders. Filippo Magnini and Massi Rosolino have been at the top of the sport and give Italy a strong starting point. Nicola Cassio is another athlete who will be counted on for a contribution.
Great Britain
The British were just outside of the medals at the 2007 World Championships and will need to ratchet it up to be in contention in Beijing. Great Britain can look to David Carry, Ross Davenport, Robbie Renwick, Andrew Hunter and Ben Hockin to fill the four positions up for grabs.
Russia
The Russians picked up the silver medal at the European Championships and will battle for a podium position in China. Andrei Kapralov and Danil Izotov, a surging youngster, will be two of the top guns. Other members of the relay could include Alexander Sukhorukov, who has been sub-1:47, and Nikita Lobintsev, who has gone 1:47-low. Evgeni Lagunov is another possibility.
Reaction Time Comments
June 17, 2008 also for the U.S. ricky berens will be one to watch from UT along with kleuh and walters as well. I think the U.S. will get close to breaking 7:00 but they will probably go about 7:01 low but they will destroy all the other countries in this event, just like the 400 medley relay Submitted by: WUswimmer
June 17, 2008 I agree, WU. But I think the question mark is Klete. Peter and Michael have been consistently fast with their freestyle the last couple of months.
Anyone know what Ryan's freestyle swims have been like? I don't know if anyone else can break into the "Fab Four", but there are very talented and hungry guys out there with an eye to that 800 relay. The 200 free is going to be outrageous at trials. Submitted by: paddles
June 18, 2008 The combined best times this year give:
1) USA - Phelps (1:45.71), VDK (1.46.24), Keller (1:46.56), Lochte (1:47.32) - 7:05.83
2) AUS - Murphy (1:46.67), Hackett (1:46.68), Monk (1:47.10), Sprenger (1:47.17) - 7:07.62 (interestingly enough - our 3rd and 4th fastest are the two swimming the individual)
3) Russia - Izotov (1:46.65), Suk (1:46.81), Lob (1:47.22), Lagunov (1:47.49) - 7:11.16
4) Germany - Biedermann (1:46.37), Diebler (1:47.71), Starke (1:48.10), Herbst (1:48.98) - 7:11.16
5) GBR - Davenport (1:47.03), Carry (1:48.22), Renwick (1:48.52), Hunter (1:48.52) - 7:12.29 Submitted by: Priyant
June 18, 2008 too bad the Aussies times are from their trials already when they were shaved and tapered. that margin between the u.s. and the aussies will def. increase after the U.S. trials to at least 4-5 secs. Submitted by: WUswimmer
June 18, 2008 To add to Priyant's rankings:
Canada is 3rd all-time (correct me if I'm wrong) at 7:09 and has the potential to have four sub-1:47 with Hayden, Russell and then 3 or 4 others to choose from. Submitted by: bt22
June 18, 2008 I only included results from this year - since that's what's relevant. And Canadians did have trials and their oppertunity to swim the 200m properly. If we go off best times, then the Austrailans obviously have a better time than that.
WUswimmer hit the nail on the head there - the Americans are surely going to go faster than that, and the Australians (my peeps) have only been able to clock great times in Trials, whilst the US are already #1 from off meets. Submitted by: Priyant
June 18, 2008 Wasn't saying that the Aussies wouldn't be faster than Canada! Just saying they are an obvious medal contender!
Plus they weren't allowed to wear LZR at trials. Submitted by: bt22
June 18, 2008 Oh I'm not denying they're a medal contendor. I'm just saying why they didn't make my top 5. But truth be told, it's a harder feat than before where they had a great run at Montreal and Melbourne - but this year will be tougher with Russians breaking through, the Germans having a great one leg, and time wondering if the British can finally bring it, with all the potential they've shown over the years - but never being able to fulfill it. Submitted by: Priyant
June 19, 2008 Priyant - top Canadian times this year edge out GBR:
Russell (1:46.99), Hayden (1:47.61), Hurd (1:48.57), Sioui (1:48.72) for a 7:11.89.
Note that the Canadians didn't wear any of the "new generation" suits at their Trials (where all of those times were posted) as the suits (LZR specifically) wasn't available for all competitors to wear. Submitted by: FatDrew
June 19, 2008 Thanks for the clarification FD! :) Submitted by: Priyant
Reaction Time responses do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Swimming World Magazine or SwimmingWorldMagazine.com.
Reaction Time is provided as a service to our readers.
|
Subscribe Now!
|
