Splashbacks: Michael Phelps, Jack Bauerle Among Top Names of Jan-Feb 2014

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PHOENIX – It’s been another amazing year of aquatics competition, including the massive comeback of Michael Phelps, and Swimming World had our readers covered every step of the way.  During the next few days, we’ll take a look back in “Splashbacks”, the most read stories of 2014.

First up is January and February of 2014, as three of the top names of the year made news early and often.  Phelps, who had a rollercoaster year after coming back from retirement, proved to be the most read about person on our site this year.  Meanwhile, Georgia head coach Jack Bauerle’s year-long suspension storyline began early in the year as seen below.  Also, Ian Thorpe picked up a lot of interest early in the year.

1. JARING TIMMERMAN BECOMES FIRST 105-YEAR-OLD MASTERS SWIMMER IN HISTORY

Jaring Timmerman became the first person — man or woman — to compete in the 105-109 Masters swimming age group, and therefore set world records in the 50 backstroke and 50 freestyle at the Catherine Kerr Short Course Meters Pentathlon.

2. YULIYA EFIMOVA TESTS POSITIVE FOR DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE; RUSSIA FEDERATION RESPONDS

Russian breaststroke superstar Yuliya Efimova has tested positive for the drug dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

3. CHAD HO WINS MIDMAR MILE FOR THE FOURTH TIME

Chad Ho wins the aQuelle Midmar Mile, the world’s largest open water swimming competition, for the fourth time in his career.

4. IAN THORPE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL FOR DEPRESSION, ALCOHOL ABUSE

Australian superstar Ian Thorpe was admitted to a Sydney hospital for depression and alcohol abuse in January.

5. MICHAEL PHELPS SURPRISES SWIMMERS IN SAINT PETERSBURG

Michael Phelps and several other North Baltimore Aquatic Club swimmers surprised the Westminster College swim team when they showed up to train at the North Shore Aquatic Complex.

6. 10 THINGS WE LEARNED AS 10-AND-UNDER SWIM PARENTS

Guest commentary by Ernie and Mary Anne Ortiz on things they learned about parenting 10-and-under swimmers.

7. ‘LONG WAY HOME: THE JESSICA LONG STORY’ TO AIR THIS WEEKEND WITHIN OLYMPIC COVERAGE

Long Way Home chronicled the story of Jessica Long, a world-class swimmer, 12-time Paralympic gold medalist, and 21-year old American from a Baltimore suburb, who was born in Russia and adopted by American parents. The feature tracked Long’s journey from the States to Siberia — Baltimore to Bratsk — to meet her birth family.

8. KATIE LEDECKY SMASHES AMERICAN RECORD, NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL RECORD IN 500 FREE AT DC METROS

Katie Ledecky set the 500-yard freestyle American record during D.C. Metros finals in February.

9. GEORGIA HEAD COACH JACK BAUERLE, CHASE KALISZ SUSPENDED PENDING ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REVIEW

Georgia Athletics announced that head coach Jack Bauerle and top sophomore swimmer Chase Kalisz were suspended from the meet pending an academic eligibility review. This story took almost the entire year before coming to a conclusion last week.

10. ARIZONA’S ERIC HANSEN RESIGNS FOLLOWING EXTENDED LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Closing a story that left the swimming community in shock and speculation for several months, Arizona head men’s and women’s swimming and diving coach Eric Hansen has officially resigned from his position following an extended leave of absence that began in October 2013.

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james vavra
james vavra
9 years ago

Is M. Phelps in serious training? When is he eligible??? Hard to believe Jack B. is a criminal. Hope to see results of Qatar meet in Swimming World??? Soon?.what about U. Texas men and women team rankings???

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