Bevy of Olympic Gold Medalists to Compete at ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 12 MORE than 20 Olympic gold medalists, including such stars as Michael Phelps, Natalie Coughlin, Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen and Katie Hoff, return to Irvine, Calif., for the 2006 ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships, Aug. 1-5 at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatic Center.

The most talented swimmers in the U.S. will be vying for spots on five international teams, including the team headed to the upcoming Mutual of Omaha Pan Pacific Championships (Aug. 17-21, Victoria, British Columbia.) Additionally, competitors will battle for spots at the 2007 FINA World Championships from March 25-April 1 in Melbourne, Australia, the 2007 Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool on April 3 in Sydney, Australia, the 2007 World University Games from Aug. 8-13 in Bangkok, Thailand and the 2007 Pan American Games from July 14-21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

At the U.S. National Championships in 2002 – the last time as many international teams were chosen – the swimming was fast and furious. American swimmers set two world and five American records. With less than two years to go until the selection of the 2008 Olympic Team, what kind of action will 2006 bring? Stay tuned.

Other festivities include Coughlin throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Dodgers vs. Nationals game on July 29 at 1:10 p.m, while Kaitlin Sandeno will throw out the first pitch at the A’s at Anaheim game on July 31 at 7 p.m.

Throughout the meet, Olympic medalists will sign autographs prior to the start of each finals session in the Aqua Zone fan experience area at Woollett Aquatic Center. The schedule is as follows:

Aug. 1: Tara Kirk, 2004 Olympic silver medalist and Palo Alto resident
Aug. 2: Brendan Hansen, 2004 Olympic gold medalist
Aug. 3: Klete Keller, Olympic gold medalist
Aug. 4: Maritza Correia, 2004 Olympic silver medalist
Aug. 5: Jason Lezak, Two-time Olympic gold medalist and Irvine native

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use