This and That: A Few Thoughts on the Aquatic Community

Column by John Lohn

AUSTIN, Texas. May 31. IT'S time for another sampling of thoughts concerning the sport, heading into the meat of the season with the upcoming Mare Nostrum Series, the Santa Clara International and, of course, the United States Nationals, Pan Pacific Championships and European Championships.

**What has been the most impressive performance of the year to date? There will be varied opinions on the matter, but how about the showings of Richard Abrahams at the recent United States Masters Champs in Atlanta. Abrahams, as many of you know, is one of the finest Masters swimmers in history and looks nothing like the 65-year-old he is. Simply, he's ripped and might be in the best shape of anyone his age.

Racing in the 65-69 age group at Masters Nationals, Abrahams won the 50 free in 22.10, the 100 free in 49.42, the 200 free in 1:57.54, the 50 butterfly in 24.94, the 100 fly in 56.36 and the 100 individual medley in 1:00.32. Those times are downright amazing and all arrived in record time for his age group.

Most of the time, the biggest recognition in the sport goes to those at the international level who are breaking world records. Certainly, Abrahams deserves significant credit for delivering performances that defy his age and, most importantly, for showing how swimming can be a lifelong activity and that individuals can remain physically fit for years.

**When Nationals get under way at the Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine, Calif. on Aug. 3, more will be at stake than berths onto the United States Pan Pacific Championships squad. The meet is also serving as a selection competition for next year's World Championships in Shanghai. The team will be officially picked based on the combined results of Pan Pacs and Nationals.

What does this mean? Well, it means that this summer that seemed to be the most dead of any between the Beijing Olympics and London Games isn't dead at all. Rather, a great deal is on the line and a slipup in a race or an off meet in general could be harmful to athletes' international racing plans over the next year.

The fact that there will be pressure this summer should bring a great atmosphere to Nationals, something that can be somewhat missing when international selection isn't at stake. Meanwhile, with next year's World Championships a critical tuneup for the 2012 Olympics, athletes will need to be in top form in Irvine to be sure they have the chance for the valued preparation.

**Let's throw out a question to the readers. Looking at the long-course world records for men and women, which standard do you believe will be the first to be broken now that we have returned to solely textile suits? Give a reason for why you feel that record is the one in the most jeopardy.

Given her early-season efforts, I'll go with Rebecca Soni lowering the world record of Canada's Annamay Pierse in the 200 breaststroke. Admittedly, that's not going out on a limb, and swimming faster than 2:20.12 seems to be a legitimate possibility for the reigning Olympic champion in the event.

**Wanted to take a moment to pass along congratulations to Brendan Hansen and Martha Guleke, who were married over the weekend in Austin. I've been fortunate enough to have known Brendan since his freshman year of high school, when I was covering scholastic swimming for a newspaper in the Philadelphia area. To watch his career develop has been a pleasure, as has watching him handle the ups and downs he's experienced in the sport. All the best to Brendan and Martha for a wonderful marriage and journey together.

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