Olympic Preview: Women’s 400 Freestyle Relay

By John Lohn

CRANBURY, New Jersey, July 29. TODAY marks the final female-event preview in SwimmingWorldMagazine.com's 32-week Olympic Series. We'll take a look at the 400 freestyle relay, an event that is loaded and should produce plenty of excitement in Beijing.

Historical Perspective

Defending Champion: Australia – 3:35.94.
World-Record Holder: Netherlands – 3:33.62.
Most Titles: United States (14) – 1920, 1924, 1928, 1932, 1948, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1984, 1992, 1996, 2000.
Notable: The Netherlands enters the Olympic Games with the world record and, consequently, as the favorite to win the gold medal. The Dutch have not won the gold medal in this event since the 1936 Games in Berlin.

Here's a look at the leading contenders.

The Netherlands: At the European Championships earlier this year, the Dutch threw down the gauntlet and became the gold-medal favorite by popping a world record of 3:33.62. The Netherlands relied on Inge Dekker on the leadoff leg, then received strong showings from Ranomi Kromowidjojo and Femke Heemskerk. The anchor was handled by Marleen Veldhuis in 52.62.

At last year's World Championships in Melbourne, the Netherlands picked up the bronze medal behind Australia and the United States. Whether the Dutch can maintain their momentum from the Euro Champs will be determined shortly. Certainly, they'll be in the chase for gold and feature a stud in Veldhuis for the anchor slot.

Australia: Four years ago, Australia ended the United States' run of three straight gold medals. However, only two members of that squad – Libby Trickett and Alice Mills – will be in action in Beijing. Of course, Trickett is as good as it gets. The world-record holder in the 100 freestyle, Trickett has the ability to reel in any foe.

Rising teenage star Cate Campbell will also provide a huge spark for the Aussies. A contender for a pair of individual-sprint medals, Campbell has been 53-low for the 100 meters. Mills could handle one of the legs in the championship final with other challengers for a spot being Melanie Schlanger, Lara Davenport, Shayne Reese, Felicity Galvez and Angie Bainbridge.

United States: The Americans will attempt to regain the gold medal behind the one-two combination of Natalie Coughlin, the American-record holder, and the ageless Dara Torres. At the U.S. Trials, Torres edged Coughlin in the final. Together, they're the cornerstone of this relay. Torres, focused on the 50 free, has opted to not race the 100 free as an individual.

The third and fourth positions at Trials went to Lacey Nymeyer and Jessica Hardy, but Hardy recently tested positive for a banned substance and likely won't be in Beijing. Among other possibilities are Julia Smit and Kara Lynn Joyce, the latter of whom was added to the team after Emily Silver suffered a hand injury. When on form, Joyce could provide a stellar leg. Although she didn't qualify at Trials, Katie Hoff remains an option. If Hoff is showing enough speed, the coaching staff could call on her talent.

Germany: At last year's World Championships, the Germans finished just out of the medal picture, placing fourth. Formerly the world-record holder, Germany is headlined by Britta Steffen, who recently uncorked a 53.05 showing in the 100 free. Steffen is a superb relay performer and is likely to be joined by Annika Lurz. Petra Dallman, Daniela Gotz, Antje Buschschulte and Daniela Samulski are the other options.

France: The French were sixth at the 2007 World Champs, but they could find themselves pushing for a top-five showing if everything falls right. Alena Popchanka and Malia Metella are the top performers and there's a possibility that Laure Manaudou could find a spot on the relay, though that scenario is hardly a lock. Other potential members include Aurore Mongel and Celine Couderc.

Other contenders: Sweden doesn't have the depth of several other nations, but they have a pair of standouts that could aid in a run to the championship final. Therese Alshammar has been a longtime staple on the international scene and among the world's premier sprinters. Meanwhile, Josefin Lillhage is another well-established force. Again, China is a mystery. Yet, Pang Jiaying has been 54-low this year and figures to be a leading performer for the host nation. Also keep an eye on Great Britain, led by Francesca Halsall and with other solid options in Caitlin McClatchey and Mel Marshall.

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