Swimming Olympic Trials Preview

Starting tonight and running a week, swimming returns to the national spotlight for the Olympic Trials.  For those unfamiliar with the process, the top two swimmers from each event make the Olympic team.  Get third by a hundredth of a second and you’re waiting four years for another shot.  While the Trials are just a precursor to the games themselves, they should be action packed and full of drama nonetheless, as the Olympic team is formed.  Here are some storylines to watch throughout the week:

1.      1.  Michael Phelps vs Ryan Lochte- Michael Phelps established himself as perhaps the most dominant Olympic athlete of all time in Beijing four years ago, but things have changed.  While Phelps was busy appearing on television, basking his own glory, and smoking the reefer, Lochte, who finished 2^nd to Phelps in two events in ’08, trained harder than ever.  Their main showdowns will come in the Individual Medley events, which come in distances of 400 and 200 meters. Tonight’s 400 IM final should set the tone for the competition between these two champions, arguably the two best all-around swimmers in the world.  Lochte stands an unbelievable amount to gain from taking Phelps down in London, not only the title of best swimmers in the world, but also the monetary distinction that comes with it.  Lochte, a laid back Florida kid, is a very marketable athlete, and could turn a big splash in London into a fat wallet if he plays his cards right.  Watch out for Tyler Clary trying to crash the party and steal a spot from one of the two.

2.      2.  The Comebacks- Several big names we’ve heard over the past eight years left the pool since Beijing, only to return to try and claw their way back for one more shot.  Leading the charge on the women’s side is Natalie Coughlin, who will have to face off with newcomers such as Elizabeth Beisel and Missy Franklin to ensure her spot on the team.  On the men’s side, breaststroker Brendan Hansen looks to exact his revenge after a disappointing performance in 08.  Also worth noting, watch out for breaststrokers Amanda Beard and Ed Moses trying to make some noise after long periods of time away from the pool.

3.     3.  Newcomers on the girls side- The overwhelming storyline of these trials could turn out to be the emergence of a new generation of dominant American female swimmers.  Leading the charge is 17 year old Missy Franklin, who is already drawing comparisons as the female Michael Phelps for her dominance and versatility.  Following Franklin’s lead are a slew of teen sensations such as 19 year old Elizabeth Beisel and 18 year old Elizabeth Pelton.  In the 200 Meter Backstroke, the top 5 seeds are all teenagers.  To add to the party, look out for 15 year old Katie Lidecki, a DMV native, to try and capture a spot in the distance freestyle.  Take note of these names, because you could be hearing them for a long time.