OMG—Omaha!

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Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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By Michael J. Stott

Day One prelims at USA Swimming Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb. has wrapped up. An enthusiastic crowd has energized some of the almost-1800 athletes participating in this spectacle. Thousands more are watching via online streaming or compliments of NBCSN. But for those of you unable to enjoy the morning, let me be your aquatic tour guide.

First off, the Century Link Center is a large place. The fact that a 50-meter Myrtha pool can be placed on the playing floor is impressive. There is plenty of room for everyone, athletes and support staff alike. The bowels of the arena, which is home to necessary electronic gear, computer operations, staging area, media center, warm-up pool, etc. is cavernous. And if it takes a village to raise children, it takes several battalions to conduct this eight-day meet.

Fast swimming—and surprise—has ruled the day so far. The biggest surprise is that top seed in the men’s 400 IM, Tyler Clary, qualified eighth and has chosen not to swim tonight in order to concentrate on his looming 200 back (where he is defending Olympic champion), 200 fly and 200 free. Kevin Cordes qualified first in the 100 breast, indicating that the long course training done with former Olympian and Bolles School coach Sergio Lopez may have been the antidote for a subpar (for him) 2015. In the same event wunderkind Michael Andrew popped a best time, his first-ever swim under 1:00 (59.96) in setting yet another NAG record (17-18) and World Junior mark.

Kelsi Worrell (56.84—fourth in the world) and Dana Vollmer surged to the fastest 100 flys of the morning, while Sarah Henry and Elizabeth Beisel posted strong 400 IM efforts to lead a loaded evening final. In the men’s 400 IM, Chase Kalisz tracked down top seed Ryan Lochte just before the 300-meter turn and earned a 4:11.86 to 4:11.98 advantage going into tonight’s final.

In the men’s 400 free, the top five finishers (Zane Grothe, Conor Dwyer, Michael McBroom, Connor Jaeger and Townley Haas) finished within 1.06 seconds of one another. A relaxed Jaeger sported considerable optimism averring that the morning swim went according plan. “Went well. I feel great,” said the Michigan Wolverine.

And that was just the swimming. Pomp and circumstance have come to characterize anything considered Olympian. As your faithful scribe, I can say that based on personal attendance at the Munich, Montreal and Atlanta Games. The Olympic spectacle has grown exponentially in scale and cost.It is wonderfully programmed and a visual treat. Trials here are no exception.

The electronic strip circling the upper deck seating area is a case in point. Reminiscent of international soccer venues (think VISA, Emirates) the red and white signage band here is literally electric. The scoreboard, while not as large as Jerry Jones Dallas Cowboys jumbotrons are plentiful and pixel sharp making it impossible not to follow the action from any vantage point. If I have a complaint I wish the powers that be kept a real time tab as done at NCAAs for quick access to top qualifiers.

Make no mistake—there is a military precision to the proceedings. Polite and on-point Army Reservists in camouflage fatigues man every conceivable entrance, scanning every working patron and otherwise for proper credentials. To be fair, the process is important because an access-hungry public, particularly in this time of selfie hunger, would quickly overrun the competition and mixed zones if given the chance. There is youthful exuberance on display as well. Young boys and girls shuffle plastic baskets of athletic clothing before and after each heat. This cadre marches in unison and makes sharp left turns hustling athletic garb for safekeeping during the first session’s 65 heats.

The AM crowd was substantial with the upper deck seeming slightly more full than the lower. The fans were appreciative, voicing its enthusiasm for swims well swum. Chances are the decibel level will rise considerably tonight, when the 14,000-seat venue is expected to be completely packed, especially as Olympians Elizabeth Beisel and Ryan Lochte, among others, seek to regain precious berths.

The plot of land where media often hold court and wait for athletes following swims is called the mixed zone. As one would expect event sponsors get first crack at athletes. But we are all privy to the show of emotion swimmers display as they run this gauntlet to the warm-down pool. Here we do see the agony and ecstasy of their efforts—from disappointment to the ebullient response of NCAP’s Kylie Jordan’s best fly time to the endearing and beatific smile of Rachel Bootsma.

The whole phenomena is a sight to behold. In other words: Game On!

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Steven Selthoffer
Steven Selthoffer
7 years ago

Well written. Wish I was there.

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