Streamlined News: March 13, 2012


PHOENIX, Arizona, March 13. IN less than 24 hours, the first names will be added to Australia's Olympic swim team, as the Australian trials get under way later today in Adelaide. All eyes are focused on Ian Thorpe, as he prepares to make his third Olympic team under intense media and public scrutiny. Just last week, Thorpe conceded that he might not make the Olympic team in either the 100 or 200 free, and might not be fast enough to swim on a relay in London. The Thorpedo starts racing on Thursday.

Leisel Jones announced at a press conference that she was suffering from a middle ear infection last week, which she said has affected her balance — and her preparation for Trials. But Jones comes in as the favorite in both breaststrokes and could be on track to make her fourth Olympic team.

The meet kicks off with a great battle shaping up in the women's 400 IM. Stephanie Rice, the world record holder, will be fighting off a challenge from rising star Blair Evans, who dropped about four seconds in the event to become one of the fastest in the world this year. Rice is the world record holder and reigning Olympic champion. Another great race on day one will be the women's 100 fly, which will see Alicia Coutts, Jessicah Schipper and Yolane Kukla racing for two Olympic spots. And don't forget reigning Olympic champion Libby Trickett, who has been quietly making her comeback after a year away from the sport in 2010.

Brenton Rickard and Christian Sprenger should have no problem making the Olympic team in the 100 breast. The question, though, is which one will get to the wall first in the final? And keep your eyes on Thomas Fraser-Holmes and Mitch Larkin in the 400 IM. One or maybe both of them have good chances of showing up in the Olympic final.

Back here in the United States we're gearing up for another week of collegiate swimming championships. The Division II NCAA meet begins today with diving and starts in earnest tomorrow with swimming in Mansfield, Texas. I'll be there at the meet bringing you interviews from many of the top swimmers and coaches, and will be bringing you Streamlined News all week from the deck in Texas.

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