The Week That Was: Flashback to Athens Summer Games 2004

The Week That Was, Sponsored by Suitmate

The Week That Was featured a flashback to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, an Olympian getting engaged, a collegiate contract extension, and more.

The Week That Was #1: Race Of the Century: When Two Stalwarts and a Rising Star Clashed For History

Ian Thorpe – Athens 2004 victory in an Olympic record – Photo Courtesy: Olympic Channel still

by John Lohn

The 200 freestyle had enough substance at the 2004 Olympics, thanks to a repeat clash between the Netherlands’ Pieter van den Hoogenband and Australia’s Ian Thorpe. But when Michael Phelps entered the fray, too, the race became something special, and one of the most-anticipated events in Olympic history.

How many times has this refrain been uttered by sports fans and experts: Wouldn’t it be great if (fill in the blank) and (fill in the blank) had the chance to battle? Yet, in many instances, the desired matchup is left only to the imagination, timing usually the most significant factor in the blockage of what could be an epic duel.

The Week That Was #2: Olympic Champion Ryan Murphy Announces Engagement to Girlfriend Bridget Konttinen

Photo Courtesy: Ryan Murphy

by Swimming World Editorial Staff

Six-time Olympic medalist Ryan Murphy took to social media on Sunday morning to announce that he and girlfriend Bridget Konttinen are engaged. Murphy posted several pictures to his Twitter account, including a shot of the Olympic champion and world-record holder down on one me, with Konttinen holding her hands to face.

The Week That Was #3: Mike Bottom Receives Contract Extension From University of Michigan

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

by Dan D’Addona

The University of Michigan announced that the contract of head swimming coach Mike Bottom will be extended through the 2026-27 season.

Bottom has been the head men’s coach for the past 13 years and the head women’s coach for the past eight.

“I am thrilled to extend Mike’s leadership of our men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs well into the future,” Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel said in a release. “Mike is passionate about this university, the sport of swimming and diving, and his student-athletes, and I look forward to his continued enthusiasm and guidance of our combined programs.”

The Week That Was #4: Olympic Gold Medalist Bowe Becker Announces Retirement

Bowe Becker; Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

by Matthew de George

Bowe Becker, an Olympic gold medalist from the 400 freestyle relay in Tokyo, announced his retirement from the sport on Wednesday.

Becker made the announcement on social media.

The Week That Was #5: Ohio Lands In-State Verbal Commitment From Ashley Sallows for 2023

Photo Courtesy: Ashley Sallows

by Chandler Brandes

Ohio University has received its first verbal commitment for the 2023-24 season and beyond from in-state standout Ashley Sallows of Delaware, Ohio.

She told Swimming World:

“I am SO excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at Ohio University! I want to thank my family, coaches, especially Lew Timberman, teammates, and friends for helping me reach this point. I can’t wait to be a part of a team that is high-achieving in the pool and in the classroom. GO BOBCATS!”

Sallows trains year-round with Buckeye Swim Club and most recently placed ninth in the 1500m free at Indianapolis Sectionals. Last summer, she finished 15th in the 800m free at Geneva Sectionals.

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