The Week That Was: Americans Zero In As Trials Creeps Closer

katie-ledecky-mesa-2016-stretch-final-finals

Photo Courtesy: Kara Sekenski

This week featured two big stateside meets, the Charlotte stop on the Arena Pro Swim Series and the Atlanta Classic, that offered U.S. stars one of their final tune-ups before Olympic Trials, which are only 6 short weeks away! Read about the highlights from those meets along with the other big stories from The Week That Was below.

The Week That Was #5 – Bill Rose Announces Retirement From Mission Viejo In 2017

Photo Courtesy: Andy Ringgold/Aringo

This week The Orange County Reporter reported that Bill Rose, Head Coach of the Mission Viejo Nadadores, is set to retire in a little over a year in December of 2017. Rose has led the club since 1992, where he has coached multiple Olympians in both the pool and open water events.

Coach Rose took over at Mission Viejo in 1992, and during his tenure there has served on coaching staffs for the Pan Pacific Games, World University Games, World Championships, and Olympic Games, including being named the Head Open Water Coach at the 2008 Beijing Games. In the open water realm he worked with notable athletes such as Chloe Sutton, Ashley Twitchel, and the late Fran Crippen, while in the pool he has coached Larsen Jensen, Tom Shields, and Chad Carvin. Most recently, Rose has worked with National Junior Team members Grant Shoults and Katie McLaughlin.

In 2004 Rose was inducted into the ASCA Hall Of Fame, and has also been honored as Southern California Swimming Coach of the Year in both 2013 and 2014. Commenting on his decision, the 73-year old coach said “It’s probably best that I spend some quality time with my grandkids and my wife. It’s been a great ride, but I’ve got to remind myself, it’s not over yet.”

The Week That Was #4 – Yannick Agnel Will Be Able To Defend 200 Free Title In Rio

Jul 30, 2012; London, United Kingdom; Yannick Agnel (FRA) poses with his gold medal after winning the men's 200m freestyle finals during the London 2012 Olympic Games at Aquatics Centre. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Following a controversial finish in the 200 freestyle at French Olympic Trials where French star Yannick Agnel appeared to touch second but was listed third in official results, it was announced this week that Agnel will be defending his Olympic title in Rio this summer. While Agnel did appeal the results, his motion was denied. Thus, Jeremy Stravius was named the winner and Jordan Pothian was named as the second place finisher, leaving Agnel without an individual berth in the event for Rio. However, Pothian has since forfeited his spot in the 200 freestyle, opting to focus on the 400 (which he also qualified in individually) and the 800 free relay.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Agnel stated that he is motivated to make the most of the opportunity this summer, where he will be competing in both the individual 200 freestyle and as a part of the French 800 free relay. He is looking forward to competing on the 800 free relay at European Championships as preparation for this summer.

The Week That Was #3 – Harvard Public Health Review Warns Against Zika Risk In Rio

Photo Courtesy: JJ Harrison

This week, one of the most critical articles yet related to the potential of a Zika virus outbreak at the 2016 Rio Olympics Games called for the cancellation of the Games as a matter of protecting public health. Writing in the Harvard Public Health Review, Canadian law professor Amir Attaran suggested that the threat posed by the Zika virus is so great that the 2016 Rio Olympics need to be postponed, suspended, or cancelled altogether.

Attaran suggested five main reasons for his argument, including the high prevalence of the Zika virus in Rio, the dangers associated with this strain of Zika virus, the inevitable spread of the virus from 500,000 plus foreigners entering for the Games, the lack of current technology in stopping and preventing the virus, and that holding the Games in such an environment would go against the fundamental principles of the Olympic Games. This article came just a month after the Maria Lenk Trophy meet was held at the Olympic Pool amid reports of swarms of mosquitos covering the warm down pool. Olympic organizers have downplayed the fears related to a Zika outbreak, pointing out that the pool will be indoors in time for the Olympic events in August and that mosquito prevalence will be down, as it will be winter in the southern hemisphere.

You can read the full article from the Harvard Public Health Review here.

The Week That Was #2 – Arena Pro Series Continues In Charlotte

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

The Charlotte stop on the Arena Pro Series Tour was this week, giving Americans one of their last tune-ups before Olympic Trials in just six short weeks. “Momma on a Mission” Dana Vollmer had another strong meet as a part of her comeback, taking wins in the 50 butterfly (25.87) and 100 butterfly (57.23). That 100 butterfly time is just off her 4th best time in the world from the Mesa stop of the Arena tour. Vollmer also posted her fastest textile 100 freestyle ever, taking top seed out of prelims with a 53.59. She finished third in the final in 54.19.

Fresh off her record breaking NCAA Championships where she broke the American records in the 100 and 200 yard breaststroke, Indiana freshman Lilly King made a long-course statement in the 100 breast, throwing down a 1:05.73 to become the top-ranked American this season and to sit behind only Yuliya Efimova, whose eligibility to compete this summer remains unknown. King also finished third in the 200 breaststroke (2:25.13) and first in the 50 breaststroke (30.35). Other notable swims included Conor Dwyer’s win in the 200 freestyle (1:46.68), Leah Smith’s win in the 200 freestyle (1:57.23 – a best time for the Cavalier) and 400 freestyle (4:05.21), and recent SwimMac transfer Anthony Ervin posting a strong win in the 50 freestyle (21.98).

You can read a full recap of all the results from the meet at our Event Landing Page.

The Week That Was #1 – Katie Ledecky Continues Dominance At Atlanta Classic

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

While many American stars were battling it out Charlotte, a different crew was taking on the Atlanta Classic at Georgia Tech. Undoubtedly, the star of the meet was Katie Ledecky, who treated the crowd to the kind of consistently world-class racing that we have come to expect from the young star. Ledecky grabbed a win in the 200 freestyle (1:54.82) on the first night, just missing her best time from the Austin stop of the Arena Pro Series by less than half a second. The nineteen year old Ledecky also grabbed a win in the 400 freestyle (4:00.31) to give her 8 of the top 10 fastest times ever. All told, she competed in five events this weekend, also posting strong swims in the 400 IM (3rd – 4:37.93), 100 freestyle (3rd – 54.55), and 200 IM (5th – 2:15.20).

Elizabeth Beisel had a strong meet for herself as well, vaulting to fourth in the world ranking in the 400 IM with a season best 4:33.55 in the 400 IM. Beisel also picked up a win in the 200 backstroke (2:12.10), and after a rocky 2015 she looks to have put herself back in a position to be a dominant force this summer. Nathan Adrian continued a consistent 2016 with wins in the 50 freestyle (21.93) and 100 freestyle (48.29). Other notable wins included Joseph Schooling in the 100 fly (51.86) and 200 fly (1:57.37), Ryan Murphy in the 100 (53.03) and 200 backstroke (1:55.82), .Jay Litherland in the 400 IM (4:14.66), and Ella Eastin in the 200 IM (2:10.54).

For full results from the Atlanta Classic, head over to our Event Landing Page.

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