ANAHEIM, California, October 2. IN what is hardly a shocking development, Michael Phelps was honored last week as USA Swimming's Athlete of the Year for 2007. Phelps, who also took home the ConocoPhillips Performance Award, was recognized during the United States Aquatic Sports Convention.
Less than a year away from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Phelps is coming off a spectacular campaign. In March, he won seven gold medals at the World Championships in Melbourne, setting world records in the 200 freestyle, 200 butterfly and in the 200 and 400 individual medley disciplines.
Phelps continued his superb year at the United States Nationals in Indianapolis by just missing the world record in the 100 backstroke and 200 backstroke. At Nationals, he also won the 200 freestyle, swimming the event under 1:45 for the second time in his career.
The USA Swimming Award, presented in recognition of longtime contributions to the sport, went to Anneliese Eggert. Meanwhile, Fran Crippen (male) and Chloe Sutton (female) were named Open Water Swimmers of the Year. Crippen has made a sensational transition from the pool to the open water and should be a medal contender in the 10-kilometer race in Beijing.
As previously announced, Club Wolverine's Bob Bowman was named American Swimming Coaches Association Coach of the Year and Paul Yetter of the North Baltimore Aquatic Club was honored as Developmental Coach of the Year. Other accolades went to:
Glenn S. Hummer Award: Steve Munatones
Adolf Keifer Safety Commendation Award: Gary Hall Jr.
Disability Swimming Service Award: Char Tester
Disability Swimmer of the Year Award (Trischa L. Zorn Award): Jessica Long
Diversity Inclusion Award: Jim Ellis
Ken Pettigrew Award: Dan McAllen
Athletes' Appreciation Award: Jim Crampton