Olympic Preview: Men’s 400 Freestyle

By John Lohn

CRANBURY, New Jersey, May 6. THE past two Olympics, the 400-meter freestyle has been the domain of Ian Thorpe, the Australian star now in retirement. So, come Beijing, a different man will ascend to the top of the podium. Who will that be? Well, that's not an easy question answer considering the talent-rich, jam-packed field expected for the eight-lap free.

Historical Perspective

Defending Champion: Ian Thorpe (Australia) – 3:43.10.
World-Record Holder: Ian Thorpe (Australia) – 3:40.08.
Most Titles: United States (Ten) – Charles Daniels (1904); Norman Ross (1920); Johnny Weissmuller (1924); Buster Crabbe (1932); Jack Medica (1936); William Smith (1948); Don Schollander (1964); Mike Burton (1968); Brian Goodell (1976); George DiCarlo (1984).
Notable: Although the United States has won more titles in the event than any other nation, an American hasn't won the gold medal during the past five Olympiads.

Here's a look at the leading contenders.

Tae Hwan Park:
The South Korean is one of the sport's surging stars, a teenager with impressive range from the 200 to the 1500 freestyle. Park won the world title last year in Melbourne in 3:44.30 and has been 3:43.59 this year. Park has stated his intentions to break Ian Thorpe's world record, but a three-second drop is a big chore. Still, there's no doubt Park will be among the top challengers for gold in Beijing.

Grant Hackett:
The silver medalist in the event at the Athens Olympics, Hackett has rebounded from a sluggish showing in 2007. While he won bronze in the 400 free at the World Champs, Hackett wasn't himself. That's no longer the case. Hackett has fully recovered from shoulder woes and went 3:43.15 at the Aussie Trials. It wouldn't be surprising if the 1500 king grabbed the gold in the 400 distance.

Peter Vanderkaay:
One of four Americans who expected to battle for a trip to Beijing, Vanderkaay is getting better each day. He was fifth at last year's World Champs in 3:46.36, but he dropped nearly two seconds from that time in April, going 3:44.41. It's likely just the start for Vanderkaay, who won gold in Athens on the American 800 free relay.

Klete Keller:
The American-record holder at 3:44.11, Keller has won bronze in the event at the last two Olympics. Keller has been looking sharp during the tuneup season and went 3:45.28 at the Stanford Invitational. To make the U.S. Team in the event, breaking his American mark will likely be required. He certainly has that ability.

Erik Vendt:
At the last two Olympics, Vendt has won silver medals in the 400 individual medley. This time around, Vendt might go after the 400 free. If he chooses that route, another medal is within reach. Vendt has been 3:44.56 this year and his distance strength will make him tough to top down the stretch.

Larsen Jensen:
The fourth-place finisher in this event in Athens, Jensen is best known for his skill in the 1500 freestyle. Yet, Jensen is a force in the eight-lap discipline and went 3:45.04 at the 2007 Duel in the Pool. Look for Jensen to be among the frontrunners in a tight field at the U.S. Trials. If he gets through that meet, a medal is within his reach.

Ous Mellouli:
The Tunisian standout has been off the radar recently, due to an 18-month suspension for using the banned substance, Adderall. Mellouli was using the drug to help with his concentration for his academic studies. His ban will end before Beijing and Mellouli could be a contender. Although the result was vacated, he finished second at last year's World Champs, clocking 3:45.12.

Yury Prilukov:
The Russian is equally efficient in the 400 and 1500 events and is expected to be a finalist in Beijing in both races. At the 2007 World Championships, Prilukov turned in a time of 3:45.47 to finish fourth, just outside the medals. He won this year's European Champs in 3:45.10.


Also figuring into the medal picture will be China's Zhang Lin, who has been 3:44.97 this year. Italy's Massi Rosolino, the silver medalist at the Euro Champs, has been 3:45.19 in 2008 and Aussie Craig Stevens was seventh at last year's World Championships. Keep an eye on Japan's Takeshi Matsuda and Germany's Paul Biedermann.

Tae Hwan Park wins the Pacific Rim Swimmer of the Year from Swimming World Magazine.

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