Hoff, Peirsol, Phelps Check in During USA Swimming Teleconference

PHOENIX, Ariz., July 25. DURING USA Swimming’s pre-Nationals teleconference, U.S. standouts Katie Hoff, Aaron Peirsol and Michael Phelps checked in with the media on Tuesday. SwimmingWorldMagazine.com noted some of their responses.

Katie Hoff
On her recent training:
I have been focusing on the little things. I have been coming back really strong in all of my races. Outside of the pool is going well. I am in the Speedo catalogue that just came out and that is my first time.

What do you think about the possibility that Natalie Coughlin will not race the 100 back at Nationals to focus on the 200 freestyle?
I am very excited about it. I think when you put us together, it will produce awesome times. I hope she does it. We can push each other to do really well in that event.

With the drug-tainted world record of Wu Yanyan in the 200 IM still on the books, what do you think your chances are of replacing that mark after nine years of shadiness?
At this point, I am going to continue to try to drop my times. I have been doing well in practice. I am going to get in there and have some fun. We will see what happens.

On the possibility of morning finals in Beijing:
It is going to be a lot different, but everyone there will be in the same boat. We have the time to prepare and get ready for that, though. I am sure all of the U.S. athletes will be ready to go.

Michael Phelps
After already posting a U.S. Open record at Southern Sectionals, what are your goals for Nationals?
I think this year, after last summer’s Worlds, has been a very different year than last year. We added a few new people to our training group. It has made a big step to improvement. I am training the best I have ever trained during the past six-to-eight months. To be able to get back to that has me more excited going into nationals. I have posted my best in season times this summer.

With your coach being on record as stating that morning finals are an advantage, what are your thoughts on the possibility of morning finals in Beijing?
I think it is a good thing for the sport, because it is going to be live back here. American public will get to see us first hand. The swimming world will be at the top of its game. I think it is going to be good. I am looking forward to it. It is the Olympic Games. If you can’t get up for an Olympic final at 10 a.m., you will never be able to get up for an Olympic final. If you don’t have your adrenaline flowing then, I don’t know what it is going to take to get you motivated. I am excited to really swim in the morning and swim live back here.

You recently opened the Speedo Makes Waves podcast series. What are your thoughts on this new avenue of swimming news and your inclusion in the series?
Over the past two years, swimming has made a big improvement in trying new things and making some changes. It can only help to incorporate more people into the sport. With the addition of the podcast, we are able to reach out and grab some extra people. It will get them interested in the sport.

Aaron Peirsol
How are you feeling heading into the big meet with it being in your hometown?
It is going to be wonderful. My sister, Hayley, has been swimming so well. Half of my fun is sitting back and enjoying watching her for once. It is going to be exciting. I have been training really well. She has waited for this moment for a long time. I am excited for the whole family.

On the possibility of morning finals in Beijing:
I am glad that they let us know this far ahead. It would have stunk to get there and find out then. Everyone is going to be in the same situation. It is going to be different. It is a circumstance we have to get through. Finals in the morning is going to be a trip. Back in the States, you will see it as they usually are. It is going to be an adjustment. You have to prepare for that mentally.

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