American Men Have Some Stars Waiting in the Wings

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By John Lohn

OMAHA, Nebraska, June 26. WHAT happens when they're gone?

We know the end of the Michael Phelps era is rapidly nearing, his last hurrah set for next month's Olympic Games in London. Obviously, replacing Phelps will be impossible and his retirement will leave a huge void for United States swimming, both in individual events and in relay action. It's a phenomenon we're just going to have to accept.

But beyond Phelps, the men's squad for the United States — in general — is getting long in the tooth. Sure, Ryan Lochte doesn't seem to be going anywhere, but guys like Peter Vanderkaay and Brendan Hansen have been around for years. The same can be said for Mark Gangloff. It begs the question: What is the future of Team USA.

No one is going to argue that there are some weak areas for the Red, White and Blue. The distance-freestyle events need considerable improvement in order to even hang with the rest of the world. The breaststrokes, too, are lacking in depth. In general, there is a need for a new crop of youngsters to rise up and be staples on the global scene for many years, similar to what we've seen with Phelps, Lochte, Hansen and Aaron Peirsol, among others.

The good news out of the early part of these Olympic Trials is that we've seen some strong performances from the teenage contingent. It started with the North Baltimore Aquatic Club's Chase Kalisz qualifying for the final of the 400 individual medley, and ultimately placing sixth in an event in which experience and age plays a major factor. In the years ahead, Kalisz will benefit from additional muscle and greater strength.

We've also watched the growth of Kevin Cordes into an athlete who could — one day — carry the breaststroke banner for the U.S. En route to advancing to the final of the 100 breaststroke, Cordes took the 17-18 National Age Group record down to 1:00.63. Because only Brendan Hansen separated himself from the field in the 100 breast, maybe Cordes could surprise in the final and land a berth to London.

Then there are the backstroke events, which arguably boast the most up-and-coming talent. Led by Ryan Murphy, a superstar in the making, several young backstrokers should push one another in the next few years. Included in that bunch are Jack Conger, Shane Ryan and Jacob Pebley.

Any time there is turnover in the sport, there is reason for concern. Following what has been a Golden Era for the United States men, it figures there is more trepidation about the future than normal. Still, there are signs of development for the future. Just give them time.

**One of the best performances of the morning wasn't even the fastest time in the event. Still, you have to respect and appreciate what Breeja Larson did in the preliminaries of the 100 breaststroke. Racing in the first of the seeded heats, the reigning NCAA champion from Texas A&M produced the third-fastest time in the world this year, going 1:06.52.

Known for her short-course prowess, Larson shut the door on any doubts concerning her ability to handle the long-course pool. Her time was the second-fastest of the morning, trailing only the 1:06.33 by Rebecca Soni. Suddenly, Larson is in the discussion for an Olympic berth, joining Soni and Jessica Hardy as the leading contenders.

**The women's 100 backstroke, which features one of the deepest fields in the meet, got off to a hot start during the morning preliminaries. After Rachel Bootsma opened the circle-seeded heats with an effort of 59.69, Missy Franklin kicked off her Trials by popping a mark of 59.54. They were the only women to crack the one-minute barrier, but should have company during the semifinals.

The two-time defending Olympic champion, Natalie Coughlin exited the prelims with the fifth-fastest time of the morning session, touching the wall in 1:00.71. With the final of the 100 butterfly set to jumpstart the evening session, Coughlin simply eased her way through the morning heats, relying on her veteran knowledge to conserve energy.

**Question of the Morning: Who will earn the two spots on the American roster in tonight's final of the men's 100 breaststroke?

**The silver medalist in the 100 backstroke at the Beijing Games in 2008, Matt Grevers has a ton to prove this week. After missing out on a trip to the World Championships last year, Grevers is trying to return to international competition. Based on his morning effort, he's looking good in that pursuit.

Grevers obliterated the field in his prelim, going 52.94 for the top seed in the semifinals by nearly a second. The time is the third-fastest in the world this year and instantly has Grevers back in the Olympic-medal conversation.

Follow John Lohn on Twitter: @JohnLohn

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