Splashbacks: Systematic Russian Doping Allegations Rule Nov-Dec Headlines

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PHOENIX – Some hard hitting stories, including a look at systematic Russian doping allegations, ruled headlines in November and December at Swimming World. During the past few days, we took a look back at 2014 in “Splashbacks”, the most read stories of 2014.

Although 2014 proved to be filled with some heavy-hitting storylines surrounding Michael Phelps and Jack Bauerle, a few storylines were set up for 2015 especially those relating to allegations of systematic Russian doping.

1. WHERE DO YOU PLACE IN USA SWIMMING NATIONAL AGE GROUP RANKINGS?

USA Swimming released the latest short course yards national age group rankings in December.

2. RUSSIAN DOPING SYSTEM – PROGRAM REVEALED AND ATHLETES CONFESS

Steve Selthoffer writes about the ground-breaking German documentary entitled “Secret Doping Dossier: How Russia Produces It’s Winners.” The 60-minute television broadcast was full of allegations running all the way to the top of Russian politics with Vladimir Putin also being named.

3. SUN YANG, WORLD RECORD HOLDER, STRIPPED OF 1500 FREE TITLE FOR DOPING

Sun Yang tested positive in May and served a three-month suspension.  Sun also lost his 1500-meter national title in the process.  The surprise is that news of the already-served ban didn’t go public until November.

4. 6 WAYS FOR MORE EFFICIENT SWIMMING TRAINING

Dr. G. John Mullen provides six valuable tips on how a swimmer can maximize their training time if they don’t have a lot of time to train.

5. RYAN LOCHTE ALL TIME GREATEST SHORT COURSE SWIMMER

Ryan Lochte entered the 2014 World Short Course Championships with a record 20 golds.  With his victory in the 800 free relay, he not only pushed that record to 21, he also became the first person to win short course gold in six straight championships.

6. ALIA ATKINSON TIES WORLD RECORD IN 100 BREAST FOR HISTORIC JAMAICAN GOLD MEDAL AT WORLDS – VIDEO

Alia Atkinson became the first swimmer for Jamaica to ever win a world title as she tied Ruta Meilutyte’s world record in the 100-meter breast at short course worlds.

7. JACK NELSON, THE COACH BEHIND 1976 EPIC RELAY WIN, DIES AFTER BATTLE WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Jack Nelson, the head coach for Team USA at the 1976 Olympics, passed away from Alzheimer’s disease at 82 years old.

8. GEORGIA’S JACK BAUERLE FINED, SUSPENDED NINE COMPETITION DATES IN 2014-15 SEASON

Along with the rollercoaster of a 2014 experienced by Michael Phelps, Georgia head coach Jack Bauerle’s suspension was one of the top storylines that lasted the entire year.  It came to a close with the final announcement of his punishment by the NCAA.

9. SWIMMING AUSTRALIA: WE “DO NOT ENDORSE JAMES MAGNUSSEN’S MOVE TO HIS NEW TRAINING PROGRAM”

In November, James Magnussen elected to change his coaching team to that of two untested coaches at the elite level.  While that story drew a bit of interest, Swimming Australia really moved the needle on the story when it came out with a public announcement condemning the decision.

10. MICHAEL PHELPS GUILTY OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, GETS SUSPENDED ONE-YEAR SENTENCE

Michael Phelps dodged jail time for his September DUI as he plead guilty and received a suspended one-year sentence. The sentence also came with an 18-month probation and membership in Alcoholic’s Anonymous.

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