SW Biweekly – The Unbeatable Mystique of Katie Ledecky

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In this issue of Swimming World, read about Katie Ledecky- at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Mission Viejo, fans saw a bit of the swagger and mystique that carried the now 24-year-old to an Olympic gold medal at age 15, four more golds at age 19 and 14 world records between the ages of 16 and 21. Also featured is Ryan Lochte, looking at the possibility of his fifth Olympic team; A review of some of the most impressive performances at the Pro Swim Series; Gretchen Walsh is poised for some of the fastest short course times in history before the end of her high school career; Claire Curzan of the Tac Titans set a new world junior record and became the fastest woman in the 100m fly since Dana Vollmer in 2012; the 2021 Swim Camp Directory; and much more!

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FEATURES

USA NEWS

008 PRO SWIM SERIES THOUGHTS: FINK, MARGALIS, WEITZEIL AMONG IMPRESSIVE PERFORMERS
by David Rieder
Even though few swimmers swam close to their best times two months out from the U.S. Olympic Trials, the TYR Pro Swim Series in Mission Viejo provided some strong insight into the upcoming showdown in Omaha.

011 KATIE LEDECKY AND HER UNBEATABLE MYSTIQUE PUSHING TOWARD TOKYO
by David Rieder
At the TYR Pro Swim Series in Mission Viejo, fans saw a bit of the swagger and mystique that carried the now 24-year-old Katie Ledecky to an Olympic gold medal at age 15, four more golds at age 19 and 14 world records between the ages of 16 and 21.

013 GRETCHEN WALSH POISED FOR EXTREMELY FAST FINISH TO HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
by Dan D’Addona
Senior Gretchen Walsh of Harpeth Hall High School is poised to throw down some of the fastest short course times in history as she closes the high school chapter of her swimming career at the Tennessee State High School Swimming and Diving Championships.

014 WHAT WOULD IT MEAN IF RYAN LOCHTE MADE ANOTHER OLYMPIC TEAM?
by David Rieder
By any measure, Ryan Lochte is one of the greatest swimmers in history. In two months, he could qualify for his fifth Olympic team, which would match Michael Phelps and Dara Torres for the most of any American swimmer. But despite his sterling credentials and his legacy in the pool, he is far from a favorite to earn a trip to Tokyo.

017 CLAIRE CURZAN ON THE ADRENALINE AND PRESSURES OF HER SPECIAL WEEKEND
by David Rieder
In early April, Claire Curzan of the TAC Titans (N.C.) blasted a 56.20 in the 100 meter fly
at a meet in her hometown of Cary, taking down the world junior record and becoming the fastest American in the event since Dana Vollmer swam a 55.98 on her way to Olympic gold in 2012. Besides becoming a favorite in the 100 fly at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June, the 16-year-old could also make an impact in the women’s 50-100 free and 100 back.

018 MASTERS SWIMMING AFFECTED HEAVILY BY COVID-19 PANDEMIC
by Dan D’Addona
Masters swimmers maintain a connection to the sport they love as well as to their team and community. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that connection has been missing the past year, but they are ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

WORLD NEWS

020 JAMES WILBY INSISTS “EVERYONE CAN BE BEATEN”
by Liz Byrnes
World Championship silver medalist James Wilby is the fifth fastest performer in the men’s 100 meter breaststroke (58.46). But he swims the same event as Adam Peaty, who holds the world record at 56.88 and is still the only man to break 58 seconds. Wilby, though, refuses to be anything other than inspired by Peaty, and trains day-in and day-out with the self-belief that he can someday eclipse his fellow Briton.

022 HOW THE TSAR, ALEXANDER POPOV, CLAIMED THE SPRINT THRONE
by John Lohn
The opportunity to examine the career of Russia’s Alexander Popov—accomplishments and approach—is the chance to pay tribute to a man who might be the greatest sprinter the sport has ever seen.

026 AN OLYMPIC MEN’S 400 FREESTYLE RELAY SHOWDOWN: RUSSIA vs. USA
by Hunter Kroll
While projections slightly favor the United States to win the men’s 400 freestyle relay at this summer’s Olympic Games, the numbers are close enough to indicate an enticing duel is on the horizon. With so many factors involved, there is a real chance that the Russians could take the gold.

028 2021 SWIM CAMP DIRECTORY NCAA NEWS

036 GARY TAYLOR COACHING ERA IS OVER AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY; SEARCH ON FOR REPLACEMENT
by Andy Ross

WATER POLO NEWS

038 USA WATER POLO CANCELS MEN’S, WOMEN’S DIVISION III COLLEGIATE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, INTERCONTINENTAL TOURNAMENT
by Dan D’Addona

039 PARTING SHOT