Rick Abbott Gearing Up For World Champs

By Emily Sampl

BOULDER, Colorado, February 29. ANCHORAGE, Alaska isn't exactly known as a swimming hotbed. Rick Abbott is doing everything he can to change that.

Abbott, 53, who swims for Alaska Masters, is looking to make some noise in the pool at the FINA Masters World Championships, to be held April 17-25 in Perth, Australia. After already experiencing some success this season, Abbott is excited about his prospects for the meet.

"I've really been able to get in some good training this year," he said. "I'd like to swim as fast as possible, and hopefully place in the top two or three in my events."

Abbott has plenty of experience in doing just that. At the 2006 World Championships, he placed in the top five in each of his five events, including two second-place finishes in the 50 back and 50 fly. He plans to contest mainly sprint events, as he has traditionally.

The FINA Masters World Championships aren't the only prestigious international meet Abbott has competed in. In 1975, he represented the United States at the Pan American Games, winning two gold medals, one of which was an individual victory in the 100 free. Now, more than 30 years later, Rick credits his coach, Paula Smith, for keeping his competitive fire burning.

"My coach does a great job keeping workouts exciting and fresh. She's one of the main reasons I'm still swimming today," he said.

Temperatures in Alaska might be frigid at the moment, but look for things to start heating up when Rick Abbott takes to the water in April.

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