Splashbacks: Blistering 200 IM With Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte Top Story in July – August

PHOENIX – The epic battle between Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps in the 200 IM at nationals proved to be the top story of July and August at Swimming World. During the next few days, we’ll take a look back in “Splashbacks”, the most read stories of 2014.

When it comes to worldwide championship seasons, our readers definitely tune in to watch fast swimming. The 200 IM showdown between Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps at U.S. Nationals drew plenty of attention, while Sarah Sjostrom’s barrier-breaking 50 fly also drew eyeballs in massive numbers.

1. RACE VIDEO: WATCH RYAN LOCHTE NIP MICHAEL PHELPS IN SIZZLING 200 IM

The top two 200 IMers in history, SwimMAC’s Ryan Lochte and NBAC’s Michael Phelps, unleashed a pair of incredible IMs in what was a powerhouse finale at U.S. Nationals.

2. RACE VIDEO: WATCH THE MIND-ALTERING 50 FLY WORLD RECORD 24.43 OF SARAH SJOSTROM

If you want to see a historic swim, you MUST watch this world-record swim in the women’s 50-meter fly at the Swedish Nationals. Sarah Sjostrom cut more than half-a-second off the previous record set by Therese Alshammar as she looked to just glide over the top of the water.

3. WHY CAN’T THE USA COMPETE IN THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES?

An explanation on why the United States, even though formerly part of the Commonwealth as colonies, can’t compete in the Commonwealth Games.

4. ENTIRE POTTSTOWN YMCA STAFF QUITS IN SUPPORT OF OUSTED HEAD COACH KATHY COOK

The entire coaching staff at the Pottstown YMCA quit after YMCA administration fired longtime head coach Kathy Cook.

5. TWO MONTH BREAK MINIMUM RULE

Dr. G. John Mullen writes that young swimmers should be given a two-month break (consecutive or non-consecutive) from swimming to focus on dryland activities.

6. 3 SIGNS OF BURNOUT IN YOUNG SWIMMERS

Dr. David Geier points out some of the top signs that present themselves when you have a young swimmer burned out.

7. COMMONWEALTH GAMES: AUSTRALIA BREAKS WORLD RECORD IN 400 FREE RELAY

The Australia squad of Bronte Campbell, Melanie Schlanger, Emma McKeon and Cate Campbell blasted the world record in the women’s 400-meter free relay in Scotland.

8. ESPN THE MAGAZINE’S BODY ISSUE FEATURES COVER OF MICHAEL PHELPS

Michael Phelps followed in Ryan Lochte’s footsteps as he took part in ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue, and was one of the featured covers.

9. HISTORY MADE AT MASTERS WORLD CHAMPS: 90-YEAR-OLD OLDEST FEMALE TO COMPLETE 200 FLY

Nora Ronai of Master Icara Geraldo swim team in Brazil swam an 8:52.22 in the 200 butterfly to set a world record in the 90-94 age group. The 90-year-old became the oldest swimmer in Masters history to complete the event.

10. AN ATHLETE’S HORROR STORY FROM FINA MASTERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Guest Commentary by Sarah Condor-Fisher detailing some of the issues she ran into while competing at the FINA Masters World Championships in 2014.

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