Swimming World August 2022 Issue by Swimming World Magazine

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AUGUST 2022 • VOL 63 • NO 08 FEATURES

028 BRINGING OUT THE BEST

010 THANKFULLY, THE SHOW MUST GO ON

The best competition brings out the best in great swimmers. That is exactly what happened this past high school season with Zionsville junior Will Modglin, who was named Swimming World’s Male High School Swimmer of the Year.

by David Rieder Although this year’s World Championships was missing many of the sport’s biggest names, there were plenty of highlights from the action that unfolded at the Duna Arena in Budapest.

by Dan D’Addona

030 AMERICA’S FINEST by Dan D’Addona

19th FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS MINI-FEATURES: 011 YOUNG GUNS: DAVID POPOVICI, LEON MARCHAND—CAN’T-MISS STARS

by John Lohn 012 A NEW ERA OF WOMEN’S TALENT

by Matthew De George 014 KATIE LEDECKY: THE WOMEN’S G.O.A.T.

by David Rieder 015 WORLD RECORDS STILL RECOVERING FROM COVID

In addition to the nation-leading performances from Swimmers of the Year Claire Curzan and Will Modglin, there were several other stellar swims turned in by the SOY runners-up, led by freshman Teagan O’Dell of Santa Margarita Catholic, Calif., and senior Quintin McCarty from Discovery Canyon, Colo.

032 TOP HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITS

026 ON THE COVER

Claire Curzan of Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, N.C., will be heading to Stanford this fall after having finished off her high school years with about as satisfying a run as possible. After making the Olympics and earning a silver medal in 2021, Curzan put together a near-perfect senior season that earned her Swimming World Female High School Swimmer of the Year honors. With her performances not only at the high school level, but also at this year’s World Championships, she showed she belongs and can be depended upon to perform for the United States on the global stage. (See feature, pages 26-27.) [Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick ]

by Chandler Brandes Swimming World takes a look at the swimmers it considers to be the 10 best high school recruits— both male and female—from the Class of 2022 and where they’ll be attending college in the fall.

044 HOW THEY TRAIN MIT’S ADAM JANICKI

COACHING

TRAINING

036 SWIMMING TECHNIQUE CONCEPTS: THE BIOMECHANICS AND MEDICINE IN SWIMMING SYMPOSIA

035 DRYSIDE TRAINING: RACE PREPARATION

by Michael J. Stott

by Matthew De George 016 A MYRIAD OF STORYLINES

by John Lohn 018 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS PHOTO GALLERY

by Deepbluemedia/Insidefoto

020 ISHOF: THE HISTORY OF SWIMMING IN PRE-COLUMBIAN MESOAMERICA by Bruce Wigo Swimming is universal to all races and cultures. However, in these times, we see very few representatives from the indigenous populations of Africa, the Americas or Oceania competing in aquatic sports at the Olympic Games. This fact has led some to question the physical capabilities of these people as swimmers, yet there is no truth to these racist stereotypes.

025 NUTRITION: SPORTS DRINKS— NEEDED OR NOT NEEDED? by Dawn Weatherwax Sports drinks do have a purpose in sports. They provide quicker-absorbed fuel for the muscles within 45 minutes of ingesting along with important electrolytes, especially sodium. They also help keep athletes hydrated. Sports drinks are not mandatory, but they can definitely help at appropriate times.

026 ONE LAST TIME by David Rieder Having already swum on the grandest stage of her sport, the Olympics, and earning a silver medal, Claire Curzan returned for one more year of high school swimming and put together one of the finest prep seasons ever, setting American and national high school records, enjoying the camaraderie with her Cardinal Gibbons High School teammates and being named Swimming World’s Female High School Swimmer of the Year.

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by Rod Havriluk The Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming Symposia have a long and unique history. The first conference was conducted in Belgium in 1970, and the conferences have continued for over 50 years. The conference series has been the largest and most successful global effort to promote the application of science in swimming.

038 REVERSE PERIODIZATION (Part 1) by Michael J. Stott This month, Swimming World explores the concept of reverse periodization—its acceptance, application and place in modern-day aquatic training.

041 SPECIAL SETS: LUCY RINGS THE BELL by Michael J. Stott This month’s “Special Sets” features Fort Collins Swim Team swimmer, Lucy Bell, coached by Mike Novell. The Fossil Ridge High School prep star, who has committed to Stanford this fall, is Colorado’s top-ranked female recruit in the Class of 2022 and eighth-ranked nationally.

by J.R. Rosania This month’s exercises will help swimmers prepare to perform at their peak level of ability. Included in the program are explosive- and speed-oriented movements. The focus is on starts, turns and stroke rate. Ideally, these exercises will increase the swimmers’ strength and, along with a taper, bring out their speed and efficiency.

JUNIOR SWIMMER 047 UP & COMERS: WILL CHEN by Shoshanna Rutemiller

COLUMNS 007 A VOICE FOR THE SPORT 046 HASTY HIGH POINTERS 048 GUTTERTALK 049 PARTING SHOT

043 Q&A WITH COACH MEG SISSON FRENCH, MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY by Michael J. Stott

SWIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE (ISSN 0039-7431). Note: permission to reprint articles or excerpts from contents is prohibited without permission from the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for errors in advertisements. Microfilm copies: available from University Microfilms, 313 N. First St., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Swimming World Magazine is listed in the Physical Education Index. Printed in the U.S.A. © Sports Publications International August 2022.

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BY JOHN LOHN

ithin hours of the news breaking, there were countless comments remembering and honoring the life of Sam Kendricks. Some individuals shared personal stories. Others recalled Sam’s brilliance as an announcer. Some sent condolences to his family. Bottom line: The outpouring of care and love was immeasurable— and so was Sam’s reach. Sam Kendricks died at the age of 59 on July 6, following a nine-month battle with Merkel cell carcinoma. His wife, Shay, was by his side. In the sport, Sam knew many roles throughout his rich life. Swimmer. Coach. Manager. Yet, he will be best remembered for the booming, passionate and informative voice that emanated from the speakers at natatoriums across the United States. He will be remembered as a Voice of the Sport. Sam’s entrance into the announcing world unfolded by chance, when some coaches he knew asked him to handle the duties at a summer meet in Arkansas. He did such a good job that additional offers were made, including an overture to announce the U.S. Nationals in 1997. From that point forward, Sam was a staple behind the microphone. National Championships. NCAA Champs. Olympic Trials. If the competition was significant, Sam’s voice filled the venue. Sure, his tone was a major aspect of his success. But his delivery was his defining trademark, as there was a genuine sense of care in his voice. Sam was always prepared for his role, a characteristic that was obvious when he served as the team manager under Eddie Reese at the University of Texas. That Sam would apply his attention-to-detail approach to all facets of his life, including announcing, was not a surprise. “Sam was the team manager in 1981 and brought an entirely heightened level of attentiveness and quality to the position that was very much noted by all,” remembered Scott Spann Sr., a standout at Texas at the time. “He was dedicated to optimal performance in his capacity, and it was clearly evident. In later years, his unique approach to announcing swimming races completely altered what had traditionally been very dry, stale and was less than engaging. Not only was he a joy to listen to, but he added nuance and detail to the races that created interest and knowledge of the minutia and subtle strategies within the race. He truly was iconoclastic and set a beautiful standard for others to seek.” When at the microphone, Sam had an innate feel for appealing to the crowd. If fans were a bit too quiet, he would rally them. If an athlete was about to chase a record or personal best, Sam ensured the spectators knew it. If an athlete registered a superb performance, Sam often rewarded the swimmer with his well-known catchphrase: “BOOM-SHAKA-LAKA!” For many, Sam’s appreciation was the exclamation point on the effort. Beyond his microphone moments, Sam was known as a special person. He was interested in hearing the stories of others. He asked about families. He cared. Even as he fought his cancer diagnosis, Sam didn’t operate with a sense of self-pity. He still was still Sam, putting everyone else first. At major meets in the months and years ahead, Sam’s voice will be missed. As cliché as it might sound, though, it will not be forgotten. And perhaps, when future Nationals, NCAAs and Olympic Trials are held, the announcing area can be known as “Sam Kendricks Row.” It would be a perfect homage to a man who meant a great deal to the sport. “My goal is really just to highlight and find experiences and memories and spot situations that really accentuate what is great about that swimmer, that relay, that team, whatever it is. And remember that there are people in the stands that this means so much to on behalf of that swimmer or diver. You want to give them as much as you can,” Kendricks once said. You did, Sam. And we’re thankful. Rest in Peace.v John Lohn Interim Publisher, Editor-in-Chief Swimming World Magazine AUGUST 2022

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19th FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Although this year’s World Championships was missing many of the sport’s biggest names, there were plenty of highlights from the action that unfolded at the Duna Arena in Budapest.

THANKFULLY, THE SHOW MUST GO ON

champion, the bronze medalist in the 100 free and also a four-time relay medalist (two gold, two bronze).

BY DAVID RIEDER

UDAPEST, Hungary—In a typical Olympic cycle, the year 2022 would have passed without a single global championship meet bringing together the world’s best swimmers, but when the Tokyo Olympics were postponed to 2021, the entire global swimming calendar was thrown into flux. First, there would be a World Championships in May 2022 in Fukuoka, Japan, and then the meet was postponed. Finally, a new edition of the World Championships was placed on the calendar for June 2022, and top swimming competition returned to the banks of the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary. At the previous incarnation of the Budapest Worlds in 2017, the United States captured a record-setting 38 medals, but in 2022, the Americans crushed that mark with 45, including 17 gold. Australia finished second with six gold medals and 17 medals overall, while Italy had the third-most gold medals (five), and Canada was third in the overall medal tally with 11. The meet featured a flurry of star-powered efforts, with American Katie Ledecky capturing three individual world titles in the 400, 800 and 1500 meter freestyle as well as the 800 freestyle relay alongside her U.S. teammates, Claire Weinstein, Leah Smith and Bella Sims. Ledecky’s gold in the 800 free was her fifth consecutive title in that event, making her the first swimmer—female or male—to achieve that many titles in succession. The only other female swimmers to win multiple individual golds were Sweden’s veteran Sarah Sjostrom (50 free and 50 fly) and Canada’s Summer McIntosh (200 fly and 400 IM). Only 15, McIntosh narrowly missed the podium at the Olympics last year. In addition to her two first-place showings in Budapest, she also earned a silver behind Ledecky in the 400 free and a bronze as part of Canada’s 800 free relay. The largest overall medal hauls of the World Championships belonged to 18-year-old Australian Mollie O’Callaghan and 19-year-old American Torri Huske. O’Callaghan captured the world title in the 100 free and silver in the 200 free along with four relay medals (two gold, two silver), while Huske was the 100 fly world

MORE STANDOUT PERFORMANCES

A trio of men won two gold medals each, and all of those swimmers were Europeans aged 22 or younger. France’s Leon Marchand, 20, was named the top performer of the meet after he won gold in the 200 IM and 400 IM, and he also captured silver in the 200 fly. Marchand’s time of 4:04.28 in the 400 IM was the second-fastest mark in history behind the 4:03.84 that Michael Phelps swam in winning gold at the 2008 Olympics, the oldest long course world record still in existence. Romania’s David Popovici, 17, continued his rapid ascendance over the last year as he won gold medals in the 100 and 200 free, claiming world junior records in both events, with the 100 mark coming in semifinals and the 200 record set twice. Also, his winning 200 free mark of 1:43.21 was the quickest time recorded in nine years. Finally, Hungary’s Kristof Milak, 22, delighted his home crowd in Budapest as he took down his own world record in the 200 fly (1:50.73 from the 2019 Worlds, also in Budapest) in 1:50.34 and then cruised to a second gold in the 100 fly. In addition to Milak, Italy’s Thomas Ceccon broke a world record in the men’s 100 backstroke, touching in 51.60 in the event to knock a quarter-second off Ryan Murphy’s six-year-old global standard of 51.85r. Australia’s mixed 400 freestyle relay team of Jack Cartwright, Kyle Chalmers, Madison Wilson and Mollie O’Callaghan set a world record with a time of 3:19.38—just 2-hundredths faster than Team USA’s WR set three years ago at Worlds in Gwangju.

NUMEROUS NO-SHOWS

While those on hand in Budapest put on a show, the competition was missing many of the sport’s stars. Australians Emma McKeon and Ariarne Titmus, arguably the two biggest female stars of the Tokyo Olympics, both skipped Budapest to place their focus on the Commonwealth Games later in the summer. Both would have been favored to win multiple individual world titles, but they chose to limit their schedules this year with an eye on returning to the world stage in 2023.

>> PICTURED ABOVE: At the 2017 World Championships, also held in Budapest, the United States captured a record-setting 38 medals, but in 2022, the Americans crushed that mark with 45, including 17 gold. ( Pictured: USA women’s winning 800 freestyle relay, from left: Katie Ledecky, Leah Smith, Claire Weinstein and Bella Sims. )

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19th FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Other women’s gold medalists from Tokyo who did not race in Budapest included South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker, the 200 breaststroke champion who will also focus on the Commonwealth Games, and the United States’ Lydia Jacoby, who did not qualify for the U.S. team in the 100 breast. 100 fly Olympic champion Maggie Mac Neil was in Budapest, but only for relay action. In part because of these absences, the only female individual gold medalists in Budapest to repeat from Tokyo were Ledecky (800 and 1500 free) and Australia’s Kaylee McKeown (200 back). Among the men, the only individual repeat gold medalists from 2021 were the USA’s Bobby Finke (800 free), Australia’s Zac Stubblety-Cook (200 breast) and Milak (200 fly). Playing a big part in that statistic was the fact that the top two men’s swimmers from Great Britain were absent: Both Adam Peaty and Duncan Scott had planned on competing until circumstances forced their withdrawal. Peaty suffered a foot injury that took him out of contention to win world titles in the 50 and 100 breaststroke for the fourth consecutive World Championships. Scott was expected to contend for individual titles in the 200 free, 200 IM and 400 IM, but he was diagnosed with COVID-19 just weeks before the meet and was unable to ramp up his training in time to compete. Also, all Russian athletes, including double backstroke Olympic champion Evgeny Rylov, were banned from the World Championships as the nation is under sanctions for invading Ukraine. Tunisia’s Ahmed Hafnaoui, the surprise Olympic champion in the 400 freestyle last year, was an equally-surprising absence from the entry lists for this meet. Then, midway through the meet, the sport’s biggest star withdrew from further competition. Caeleb Dressel opened the meet by leading off a U.S. men’s 400 free relay squad that won a gold medal, and a day later, he defended his world title in the 50 butterfly. After an off-day from competition, Dressel qualified second for the semifinals of the men’s 100 free, but then he withdrew from the semifinals and was taken off the U.S. mixed 400 medley relay squad because of undisclosed health concerns. One day later, Dressel was officially pulled out of the remainder of the meet, so he missed out on the chance to defend his individual gold medals in the 100 free, 50 free and 100 fly.

2022 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SWIMMING MEDAL STANDINGS Country

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Total

1.United States

2. Australia

3. Italy

4. Canada

5. France

6. Sweden

7T. Hungary

7T. Romania

9. Great Britain

10. China

11. Lithuania

12. Germany

13. Japan

14T. Brazil

14T. Netherlands

14T. Poland

17. Korea

18T. South Africa

18T. Ukraine

Total

127

* Chart reflects medals won in pool swimming only (not open water)

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AMAZING AMERICANS

Dressel won seven gold medals at the 2017 World Championships and then six gold medals plus two silvers in 2019, so his absence was a big hole for the U.S., making the 45-medal performance all the more impressive. Ryan Murphy (200 back), Nic Fink (50 breast) and Justin Ress (50 back) won gold medals in men’s events. Michael Andrew, who had not previously won an individual medal at a major international competition, earned three in Budapest: silver in the 50 free plus bronze in the 50 fly and 50 breast. For the American women, Alex Walsh improved from Olympic silver to world gold in the women’s 200 IM as she became the fifthfastest performer in history, while Regan Smith and Lilly King each returned to the gold-medal podium at Worlds but in new events, with Smith capturing first in the 100 back and King winning the 200 breast. The Americans picked up five relay victories: the men’s 400 free, mixed 400 medley, women’s and men’s 800 free and women’s 400 medley. “It was an incredible eight days with this team,” Murphy said. “I felt like we just kind of put our heads down and handled business, and we looked up at the end of the meet, and it was by at least one metric our most successful team ever, and I think that’s something that’s really special. That’s not one person. That’s not one performance. That’s the collective as a whole, and that comes down to people executing session after session, and that’s really hard to do over an eight-day meet.” v

[ Photo Courtesy: Andrea Staccioli / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto ]

>> Leon Marchand unleashed his finest showing in the 400 IM, setting a European record of 4:04.28, the No. 2 time in history. The Frenchman also set two national records with a gold medal in the 200 IM and a silver medal in the 200 fly, and was recognized as the Male Swimmer of the Meet.

YOUNG GUNS BY JOHN LOHN

he midway point between Olympiads tends to be an intriguing timeframe, a period in which assessment of the sporting landscape is a mixture of rearview-mirror and crystal-ball perspectives. Who will maintain their competitive edge and continue to battle for the podium? Who will emerge as part of the next generation seeking to make an impact? Because the COVID-19 pandemic altered the Olympic schedule, it has only been a year since the latest Olympic Games, and many of the stars from Tokyo (and now, Budapest) will be factors when CONTINUED ON 12 >> AUGUST 2022

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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS / Continued from 11

part, even harder than preparing for the World Championships and performing well there,” Popovici said of the expectations placed upon him. “But I have good people around me who will protect me and guide me through this phase, so I can still focus on swimming. The only pressure I feel is that now I’m the leader of our national team, and I’m supposed to motivate the others and lead our guys, which is something new. But I’ve accepted this role and what comes with it.”

MAINTAINING MOMENTUM

>> Romania’s David Popovici surged to gold medals in the 100 meter freestyle and 200 freestyle, each event producing a world junior record.

A NEW ERA OF WOMEN’S TALENT BY MATTHEW DE GEORGE

or all that will be different about the preparation for the Paris Olympics in 2024, one truth remains: The first World

[ Photo Courtesy: Andrea Staccioli / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto ]

the next Olympiad rolls around in Paris in 2024. And already, a handful of athletes have announced their presence on the global stage, prepared to make the French capital the scene of their greatest accomplishments. Consider David Popovici and Leon Marchand as can’t-miss stars. At the World Championships, the Romanian and French youngsters celebrated breakthrough performances, their vast talent rewarded with global crowns. Truthfully, their exploits were hardly shocking, as they had previously provided indicators of impending international acclaim. The 17-year-old Popovici might hail from a country with a limited history in the sport, but the Romanian possesses a skill set that suggests all-time-great status. At the World Champs, Popovici surged to gold medals in the 100 meter freestyle and 200 freestyle, each event producing a world junior record. As a finalist from the Tokyo Games in both events, Popovici knew what it would take to etch himself as a world champion. In the 100 freestyle, Popovici popped a best time of 47.13 (semifinals), and his 47.58 from the final was enough to edge Frenchman Maxime Grousset. More, Popovici clocked 1:43.21 for gold in the 200 freestyle, that effort good for the No. 2 performance in history in a textile suit. By the time he was done racing at the European Junior Championships two weeks later, Popovici had made 47-something efforts in the 100 freestyle appear commonplace. More, he knew his place in the sport had changed forever. “Yeah, I’m fully aware that what’s coming now is the hardest

While Popovici put on a show in the freestyle events, Marchand maintained the momentum he generated during the collegiate season. As a freshman at Arizona State University, the 20-yearold captured NCAA titles in the 200 individual medley and 200 breaststroke, and added a runner-up finish in the 400 medley. That excellence certainly transferred to the long-course pool at Worlds, where Marchand was recognized as the Male Swimmer of the Meet. Aside from claiming double gold in the medley events, Marchand secured a silver medal in the 200 butterfly, topped only by the world-record-setting Kristof Milak. A finalist in the 400 IM at the Olympics in Tokyo, Marchand unleashed his finest showing in that event, as he set a European record of 4:04.28. Through much of the closing freestyle leg, Marchand was ahead of world-record pace, and he finished with the No. 2 time in history, just off the global standard of 4:03.84, set at the 2008 Olympics by Michael Phelps. Marchand followed with a national-record swim of 1:53.37 in the 200 butterfly, beaten only by Milak’s world record of 1:50.34, then capped his meet with a French record of 1:55.22 in the 200 medley. With the next Olympiad slated for Paris, Marchand will have the chance to shine on the biggest stage on home soil. “It’s a dream for me because five years ago, I was watching this (meet), and I was like, ‘Woah, that’s amazing,’” Marchand said. “And now, I can win two titles, so it’s amazing. I feel like there is a very positive environment in the French team, and everybody knows that they can do something in each race. That is the first time I’ve felt that in this team, so that’s great.” v

>> For her first foray into Worlds, in the nation’s spotlight with many veterans having passed on the meet, Australia’s Mollie O’Callaghan looked the part of a seasoned veteran. She won the 100 freestyle, took silver in the 200 free and captured four relay medals, two gold and two silver, for a total medal haul of six—tied for the most medals with America’s Torri Huske.

AUGUST 2022

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Championships after an Olympics, the first major competition of a new cycle, is always a harbinger of the road ahead. As the generations shuffle past each other—some who expended everything just to get to the previous Olympics, the precocious young talents who had to wait their turn and bid their time—the first Worlds can set the tone for the four (or in this case, three) years to come. As Paris beckons, that waiting game might be the most profound for Australian Mollie O’Callaghan. It’s hard to enter an Olympic cycle as an under-the-radar teen when you already have two Olympic gold medals and a >> Summer McIntosh installed herself as the clear favorite in Paris in the 200 fly, setting a world junior bronze (albeit all relays) at age 17. But record 2:05.20 in what she calls her favorite event. The Canadian, who turns 16, Aug. 18, also won the 400 O’Callaghan’s performance at the 2022 IM in another WJR and should be considered a contender in really anything she wants among the distance FINA World Championships in Budapest set—a Ledeckian program that can stretch from 200 to 1500 meters. was the type of coming-of-age meet that can set a template for an entire Olympic freestyle in the world since Sept. 1, 2021. That quartet includes only cycle. one member of the foursome that won Olympic gold in world record For her first foray into Worlds, in the nation’s spotlight with many time in Tokyo last year (Meg Harris, who, at just 20 years old, tied veterans having passed on the meet, O’Callaghan looked the part of for bronze in the 50 free in Budapest). The 400 free relay triumph a seasoned veteran. She won the 100 freestyle and took silver in the at Worlds excluded Bronte Campbell, Cate Campbell and Emma 200 free, reinforcing her centrality as a relay cog for the emergent McKeon, the reigning Olympic champ in the 50 and 100 free. Aussie powerhouse. She backed that with four relay medals, two It makes Australia the only nation whose A and B teams are medal gold and two silver, for a total medal haul of six—tied for the most threats in both the women’s 400 and 800 free relays. O’Callaghan’s medals with America’s Torri Huske (three gold, three bronze). development behind those senior talents is part and parcel of the “I’m gathering experience, but in the end, I managed to get a program’s strength. medal, which is amazing,” O’Callaghan said after her 200 free O’Callaghan looked like she belonged in Tokyo a year ago. She silver. “We set up a new plan for this race with my coach, and it led off in prelims of the 400 free relay in 53.08, which was within really worked out. This is my first Worlds, and it feels nice so far.” 3-tenths of the fastest legs from that foursome without a relay start. O’Callaghan is one of several teens to step up into the global She anchored the prelim medley relay in 52.35 and set a world spotlight at Worlds, establishing themselves as contenders for Paris junior record in the 200 free (1:55.11, the fastest of the four) off the in 2024. Perhaps no one did that as forcefully as she and Canada’s front of the 800 free relay. Summer McIntosh. Between them, they won three individual events In Budapest, she started with silver in the 200 free, using a fast and finished second in two others. In a week in Budapest, that duo final 50 to nearly track down China’s Yang Junxuan in a race where transmuted their potential for the future into very real rewards in the all three podium finishers were 20 or younger. The 100 free was a present, the kind of early first step on the pathway to Olympic glory. masterclass of composure, O’Callaghan secure in her plan in the pool. She was sixth at the wall, pitted against Olympic veterans THE TEEN SCENE like Sjostrom and Penny Oleksiak. But she charged with a 26.71 All told, teenagers took home 16 individual medals on the final 50 to win in 52.67, just 13-hundredths ahead of Sjostrom and women’s side in Budapest. That occurred even as stalwarts 25-hundredths up on Huske. On the relays, she led off the 400 free continued to hang on to their places on the podium: Katie Ledecky in a no-frills 52.70 to set the way for the Aussies’ domination, then in the distance events, Lilly King in breaststroke, Sarah Sjostrom in anchored the mixed free relay in 52.03 to undercut the world record. the sprints. Torri Huske was one of America’s stars, winning the 100 fly and THE SUMMER OF SUMMER getting bronze in the 100 free. She and fellow teen Claire Curzan About O’Callaghan’s world junior record in the 200 free: It now notched four relay medals each. Katie Grimes (silver in the 400 IM, belongs to McIntosh, courtesy of her sizzling leadoff leg on the 800 1500 free) and Leah Hayes (bronze in the 200 IM) are each just 16. free relay of 1:54.79 in Budapest. That time would’ve bested Yang Italian Benedetta Pilato, who set the world record in the women’s in the individual event (1:54.92), and it sets a tantalizing stage for 50 breast a year ago, is the 100 breast world champ to go with the 50 Paris. If the main event in women’s distance freestyle is Ledecky breast silver at just 17 years of age. and Ariarne Titmus in the 400 free, McIntosh-O’Callaghan in the It’s an indication of the talent bubbling up across the globe, and 200 is one sensational undercard. it serves as an early sorting out on the way to Paris. Of the group of McIntosh’s summer in Budapest somehow exceeded the lofty young swimmers who went to Tokyo mainly for the experience and expectations set by her qualification for the Olympics at age 14. to prep for Paris, Budapest showed a select group that is ready to The Canadian has continued to drop time, all while expanding her take the next step toward stardom. versatility. After the 200 fly was a historically down event in Tokyo, For someone like O’Callaghan, the calculus is inherently unique McIntosh installed herself as the clear favorite in Paris, having because of her home country. The battle to emerge from Australian bossed the field with a world junior record 2:05.20 in Budapest in Trials, much like their American counterparts, makes competition what she calls her favorite event. on the world stage seem almost quaint. The Aussies hold four of the top seven times in the women’s 100 She’s also a contender in really anything she wants among the CONTINUED ON 14 >> AUGUST 2022

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19th FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS / Continued from 13

distance set. She won the 400 IM in another WJR, edging Grimes in what could be a North American duel for the next decade. She gave Ledecky a bit of a push in the 400 free—against the swimmer whose quotes she once turned into posters for her bedroom wall. McIntosh is certainly worthy of a place alongside Ledecky and Titmus as they battle it out for that event in two years’ time. The IM and fly augment a Ledeckian program that can stretch from 200 to 1500 in freestyle, as the schedule and matchups permit. She’ll have the freedom, within Canada’s setup, to pick the events that best suit her medal chances. And if she can continue to improve at even a fraction of the rate from the last two years, then her chances in Paris are looking bright. “I’ve definitely learned so much in the past year,” McIntosh said after the 400 free. “(I learned) how to execute a 400 freestyle, and I’m so happy with how I swam it. It’s given me a lot of confidence.”v

Finke, Kieran Smith and Caeleb Dressel. Such a move was risky as Ledecky left her comfort zone and a system that had been successful for her, but the results have been stellar. Ledecky’s times at these World Championships were among her fastest in years. Ledecky started off her meet with the 400 free, and with Olympic champion and world record holder Ariarne Titmus absent, the 25-year-old American took advantage to reclaim gold with a time of 3:58.15, the fourth-quickest mark of her career and the seventhfastest time ever recorded. Same story in the 1500 free as Ledecky beat the field by almost 15 seconds with a time of 15:30.15, her fastest time in more than two years and the sixth-fastest in history. The individual 200 freestyle was not on Ledecky’s program this time around, but she remained a key member of the U.S. women’s 800 free relay. This year, she handled the third leg and moved the Americans from third place at the start of her leg to first place at the finish by more than a second. Her split of 1:53.67 was the fastest of her career and the third-fastest in history—and the American team, considered a longshot candidate to win gold, ended up pulling away for victory. Finally, Ledecky finished off the week with the 800 free, the BY DAVID RIEDER same event that started it all for her a decade earlier in London, and her fifth consecutive world title in the 800 free put her in a category or Katie Ledecky, the pursuit of greatness has never stopped, all by herself. No one in the history of the sport had ever achieved not since Ledecky emerged as a 15-year-old in 2012 as she won five consecutive. Michael Phelps (men’s 200 fly) and Katinka a surprise Olympic gold medal in the 800 freestyle. Since then, she Hosszu (women’s 400 IM) each won five titles overall in one race, has been the distance queen, undefeated in the 800 and 1500-meter but not consecutively. events in international finals and really darn good in the 400 free At the previous World Championships in Gwangju three years as well. At this year’s World Championships, Ledecky swept gold earlier, Ledecky had to overcome illness and use a brilliant final medals in the 400 and 1500 for the fourth time in her career (in 100 meters to overtake Italy’s Simona Quadarella and keep the five World Championships appearances), and she captured an streak alive, but this one brought back Ledecky’s utter dominance. unprecedented five-peat in the 800 while breaking more all-time She beat runner-up Kiah Melverton of Australia by 10.73 seconds, career records. She was also named Female Swimmer of the Meet. which marked her widest margin of victory in a Worlds final of the After the 2021 Olympics, Ledecky could have stopped completely 800 free after capturing her previous titles by 2.46, 10.26, 2.78 and with her place among the sport’s all-time greats secured, but that’s 1.41 seconds. not how she ticks. Instead, she returned to full-time training two Ledecky swam a time of 8:08.04, the fifth-fastest mark in history months after the Olympics, but at a new location. Ledecky left her and her quickest time in four years. “It’s just year after year of hard college home and training base at Stanford to move to Gainesville, work,” Ledecky said. “I think back to London. I made it a goal to Fla., where she began training under University of Florida coach not be a one-hit wonder, and here we are 10 years later, so I’m really Anthony Nesty in a group that included Olympic teammates Bobby proud of that and still excited for the future as well.” The 800 free was Ledecky’s fourth gold medal of the meet and the 19th World Championships gold (14 individual, 5 relay) of her illustrious career. That total is the most of any female swimmer in history and second-most of any swimmer behind Michael Phelps’ 26. Ledecky moved ahead of former U.S. teammate Ryan Lochte (18) in Budapest. In the overall medals tally, Ledecky now owns 22 for her career (19 gold, 3 silver), and at this meet, she tied and then surpassed Natalie Coughlin for most career medals by a female swimmer (with only Phelps and Lochte ahead among males). At this stage of Ledecky’s career, she is no longer the singular dominant force in world swimming in the 400 free with Titmus having broken her world record and Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh right on her heels, but there is no one in the >> With four gold medals in Budapest—and 19 first-place finishes overall (14 individual, five relay)—Katie world who can match up with the American Ledecky now has the most of any female swimmer in history and second-most of any swimmer behind over 16 lengths or 30 lengths. As new Michael Phelps’ 26. In the overall medals tally, the American legend owns 22 for her career, surpassing challengers rise to meet her, Katie Ledecky Natalie Coughlin for most career WC medals by a female swimmer. remains at the helm. v

THE WOMEN’S G.O.A.T.

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19th FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

WORLD RECORDS STILL RECOVERING FROM COVID BY MATTHEW DE GEORGE

ll that stood between Kristof Milak and a world record at the Tokyo Olympics, the Hungarian superstar insisted, was a suit malfunction. Some 10 minutes before the Tokyo final of the men’s 200 butterfly, Milak’s suit tore. The dose of adversity got him off his game enough to allow the world record to survive, though it couldn’t forestall his golden destiny. It also, in hindsight, set up a chance at a home-pool coronation. At the 2022 World Championships in Budapest, Milak winning the 200 fly seemed about as close to a foregone conclusion as the meet would offer. His time from semifinals, more than a second better than the competition, would’ve won gold. All that seemed to remain in the final was the question of a world record—and even then, the quandary was more about if Milak could be the first man under 1:50. Milak delivered in the most raucous of environments, routing the field for gold by more than three seconds and downing his previous world record from 2019. However, for the second straight major meet, the latter stood out: Just like the Tokyo Olympics, the 2022 World Championships featured only two individual world records. One relay record augmented those, after four in Tokyo. As the world makes up for the lost time of the COVID-19 disruptions, the records have been among the slowest to recover. For the records that have fallen—Milak, Italian Thomas Ceccon in the men’s 100 backstroke and the Australian mixed freestyle relay—the scarcity has magnified the accomplishments.

MAGICAL MILAK

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>> Although Kristof Milak bettered his own world record in the 200 fly with a 1:50.34, a time in the 1:49s was his admitted objective. “I just need a little bit more time to achieve this, and I really want it,” Milak said. “All in all, it wasn’t a smart swim. I was driven today by the crowd. For the 1:49, I probably need a little bit more training, and I need to swim smarter, and then I can achieve that.”

WORLD RECORDS SET AT 2022 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Event

Time

Name

Country

Date

51.85r

Ryan Murphy

USA

8-13-16 Rio

51.60

Thomas Ceccon

ITA

6-20-22

WOMEN No World Records MEN 100 Back

200 Fly

1:50.73

Kristof Milak

HUN

7-24-19 Gwangju

1:50.34

Kristof Milak

HUN

6-21-22

3:19.40

Caeleb Dressel (47.34) Zach Apple (47.34) Mallory Comerford (52.72) Simone Manuel (52.00)

USA

7-27-19 Gwangju

3:19.38

Jack Cartwright (48.12) Kyle Chalmers (46.98) Madison Wilson (52.25) Mollie O’Callaghan (52.03)

AUS

6-24-22

MIXED 400 Free Relay

At 22, Milak is entering a stage of dominance in the 200 fly that can only be described as Phelpsian. It’s fitting, given who he’s succeeded as the event’s paragon. Milak’s Budapest Worlds were drained of head-to-head drama once Caeleb Dressel pulled out of the meet due to health reasons. The two were worthy adversaries in the 100 fly, though there was nothing Dressel or anyone would do to prevent Milak’s ascension in the 200 fly. The 200 would be first up for Milak. He clocked in at 1:52.39 in semifinals, easing to the top seed by 1.62 seconds. The final seemed to be a battle between Milak and the clock, the Budapest home crowd cheering him forward. The final was over before the field hit the first wall. Milak delivered a magisterial swim, his technique impeccable as always, his rhythm metronomic and unflagging. By the midway point, the

lead was more than a second, with James Guy playing the rabbit in an outside lane. As he stroked down the stretch, all that remained to be resolved was how much he’d dash the world record by. He’d gone 1:50.73 in Gwangju, and 1:49 has long been the frontier to aim for. In the end, the clock showed 1:50.34 for a special bit of history. “I mean, this is my home, my pool,” Milak said. “I train here. I race here. Lane 4 belongs to me. I really wanted to show something big for these fantastic people. The Olympic gold means a lot, but winning here, with a new world record, in front of 4,000 people, that eclipses everything.” Milak has reached an echelon few inhabit, where a world record can somehow underwhelm. A time in the 1:49s is the objective. CONTINUED ON 16 >> AUGUST 2022

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“I just need a little bit more time to achieve this, and I really want it,” Milak said. “If you look back and analyze the swim, the first 50 was stronger than ever, and that’s why the next three were weaker than usual. All in all, it wasn’t a good swim. It wasn’t a smart swim. I was driven today by the crowd. For the 1:49, I probably need a little bit more training, and I need to swim smarter, and then I can achieve that.”

A CECCON SHOCK

The world record in the men’s 100 back had been put on high alert before Budapest. It just wasn’t from the swimmer who finished ninth in prelims. The backstroke races in Budapest featured a rare degree of openness. The international ban of Russia removed reigning Olympic champ Evgeny Rylov and silver medalist Kliment Kolesnikov. Paired with the down form of China’s Xu >> Despite placing ninth after prelims, Italy’s Thomas Ceccon came back not only to win the 100 Jiayu, the two-time reigning world champ, backstroke over world record holder Ryan Murphy, but also break the American’s previous WR (51.85r the podium path appeared clear. from Rio) with a 51.60. The main source of world-record hype came from a perhaps unlikely American in opting for the veteran Madi Wilson and 100 free champ Mollie Hunter Armstrong. The fast-rising Tokyo O’Callaghan. On the men’s side, the choices were sparser, but with rookie set the world record in the 50 back at American Trials, and he Kyle Chalmers limited to one individual event, he was the freshest looked in fine form in prelims of the 100. choice to pair with Jack Cartwright. Ceccon, for all his recent success, placed ninth in prelims, The teams played possum in prelims to an extreme degree, with 9-tenths back of Armstrong. The Italian had accomplished plenty the U.S. holding the edge in a 3:24. But from the time a defiant in the event: He was fourth in Tokyo in setting a national record of Chalmers took over in finals from Cartwright, who led off with the 52.30, then added 400 free relay silver and medley relay bronze. third-fastest leg, the Aussies were away. Chalmers, angered after Ceccon went 52.12 in semifinals, under the meet record Xu set in finishing 22nd in the 100 fly, split 46.98 to move from third to first, a 2019, but 3-hundredths slower than Greece’s Apostolos Christou. spot they never looked in danger of relinquishing. Once Wilson put With Armstrong third, Ryan Murphy sixth and Ryosuke Irie in the distance on Canada and the U.S. on the third leg, with the rocking mix, the finals picture muddied further. form of O’Callaghan for the final 100 meters, the world record Ceccon delivered a spectacular final. He was narrowly behind became the only question. By going 52.03 off the end, O’Callaghan Murphy at the 50-meter wall, but Ceccon charged off the turn. The got them there in 3:19.38, clipping 2-hundredths off the mark set by result was a time of 51.60, undercutting Murphy’s world record by a the U.S. in 2019. v quarter-second. Murphy finished second in 51.97, just 12-hundredths off his mark from the 2016 Olympics, with Armstrong a hundredth behind for bronze. “I didn’t think of any record or time before the start,” Ceccon BY JOHN LOHN said. “I just swam my own race. The water and the pool are excellent, and it’s a fantastic thing when you break the world record in every here is he? Why isn’t she here? It wasn’t difficult to identify sport. For me, it’s simply unbelievable.” one of the leading storylines of the World Championships as It was a signature performance for the Italians, if not for what the absence of several leading names in the sport. Still, there were they did on the final day of the meet. With Ceccon leading off the plenty of storylines at this year’s World Championships. Here are medley relay in 51.93—besting Murphy by a decisive 6-tenths—the but a few: Italians won gold and tied the European record.

A MYRIAD OF STORYLINES

AUSSIES AT IT AGAIN

The mixed freestyle relay has been present at four editions of the World Championships. A world record has fallen at each. The quantum leap came in 2017, when more than three seconds flew off the record thanks to the United States, with the trims since measuring in the fractions of a second. In Budapest, the trend continued, by the slightest of margins. And it was, for the first time since 2014, thanks to the Australians. With the insane sprint depth cultivated Down Under, the mixed 400 free relay would seem a perfect fit to accommodate the Australian stable of sprinters. Even without the Campbell sisters or Emma McKeon, the country had its choice of female sprinters, 16

AUGUST 2022

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SARAH SJOSTROM SIZZLES

A year ago, following her recovery from a broken elbow, Sarah Sjostrom emerged from the Olympic Games with a silver medal in the 50 meter freestyle. It was a superb achievement for the veteran, given her Olympic hopes were—at one point—in serious doubt. Still, Sjostrom is known for sizable medal hauls from international competition, and greater performances awaited. This year’s World Champs served as the Swede’s return to dominant form, as she collected gold medals in the 50 freestyle and 50 butterfly and claimed a silver medal in the 100 freestyle—all of her work done in the back half of the competition. The triumph in the 50 fly marked her fourth consecutive world title in the event, and

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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS / Continued from 15

19th FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS her week’s collection raised her career total to 20 medals (10 gold, 7 silver, 3 bronze) at the World Championships, including a female record 19 individual medals. “It feels amazing,” Sjostrom said. “Every time I put my hand on the wall first, it means a lot to me. What can I say? Three medals. It’s been a busy four days for me, so I am super-happy that I’ve been able to do my fastest race in the final every time. Every race I’ve done, I’ve been fastest in the final, which I am very proud of.”

ITALIAN SURGE CONTINUES

The momentum generated by Italy at the Tokyo Games was maintained—even elevated—in Budapest. The European nation totaled nine medals, including six by its men’s squad. While Thomas Ceccon led the way with a world record of 51.60 in the 100 backstroke, distance standout Gregorio Paltrinieri pressed the pace in the 1500 freestyle from the start and touched in the No. 2 mark of all time, an effort of 14:32.80. The Italians closed the meet with a flourish as the 400 medley relay team of Ceccon, Nicolo Martinenghi, Federico Burdisso and Alessandro Miressi knocked off the United States and equaled the European record with a time of 3:27.51. Individually, Martinenghi added a gold in the 100 breaststroke and won silver in the 50 breast, while the 400 freestyle relay, featuring Miressi and Ceccon along with Lorenzo Zazzeri and Manuel Frigo, took bronze. Italy’s women were also solid as Benedetta Pilato was the champion of the 100 breaststroke and picked up silver in the 50 breast. Meanwhile, Simona Quadarella was the bronze medalist in the 800 freestyle.

FROM DQ TO TITLE FOR JUSTIN RESS

Champion or not? When American Justin Ress covered the 50 backstroke in 24.12, touching the wall ahead of countryman Hunter Armstrong, it seemed time to celebrate. Soon after, though, officials declared a disqualification, indicating that Ress had fully submerged during the finish, a violation of FINA rules. That quickly, Ress was off the podium and Armstrong was on top. However, the United States lodged an appeal, and approximately one hour after the race, the disqualification was overturned, and Ress had his gold medal restored, with Armstrong in the silvermedal position. Obviously, it was an evening of highs and lows for Ress, who took time to process what unfolded. “After I got disqualified, for 20 minutes I was in shock,” Ress said. “Then when I got the news that I got back the gold, that was another shock for me. By that time, I lived all kind of human emotions. That was totally incredible for me, and it’s hard to put into words what happened. It’s a long journey. I think if you work hard for the things, faith will reward you at the end.”

>> This year’s World Champs served as Sarah Sjostrom’s return to dominant form following her recovery from a broken elbow. With two gold (50 free, 50 fly) and a silver (100 free), the Swede raised her career total to 20 medals (10 gold, 6 silver, 3 bronze) at the World Championships, including a female record 19 individual medals.

>> The Italians closed the meet with a flourish by knocking off the United States in the 400 medley relay in 3:27.51, a European record. (Pictured, from left: Thomas Ceccon, Federico Burdisso and Nicolo Martinenghi, with anchor Alessandro Miressi in pool.)

>> The USA’s Justin Ress touched first in the 50 back, but was initially disqualified for fully submerging during the finish, a violation of FINA rules. About an hour after the race—and after the award ceremony—the DQ was overturned, and Ress had his gold medal restored.

A SPECTACULAR COMEBACK

Go back a decade, and Ruta Meilutyte was a teenage star at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, her talent powering her to the gold medal in the 100 breaststroke. A dazzling career followed, one filled with additional global and continental medals, along with world records. By 2019, however, Meilutyte was serving a two-year suspension by FINA for missing multiple out-of-competition doping tests. That ruling led the Lithuanian into retirement. In 2021, with her suspension over, Meilutyte started to rebuild her career, and she reaped stellar results in Budapest, where she followed up a bronze medal in the 100 breaststroke with a championship in the 50 breaststroke. On the road to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Meilutyte is once again a factor on the international stage. v

>> Lithuania’s Ruta Meilutyte returned to swimming in 2021 following a twoyear suspension from FINA for missing multiple out-of-competition doping tests. In Budapest, the former breaststroke world record holder and Olympic/ World Championship gold medalist captured a bronze medal in the 100, then won the 50. [ Photos Courtesy: Andrea Staccioli / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto ] AUGUST 2022

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1 9 t h F I N A WO R L D C H A M P I O N S H I P S

BUDAPEST 2022 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS PHOTO GALLERY PHOTOS BY DEEPBLUEMEDIA/INSIDEFOTO

>> PICTURED: (From top left, left to right) : Gregorio Paltrinieri-ITALY-1500 Free (European Record), Torri Huske-USA-100 Fly (6 medals: 3 gold, 3 bronze), Ryan Murphy-USA-200 Back (3 medals: 1 gold, 2 silver), Bobby Finke-USA-800 Free (2 medals: 1 gold, 1 silver), Benjamin Proud-GREAT BRITAIN-50 Free (1 medal: 1 gold), Yang Junxuan-CHINA-200 free (1 medal: 1 gold) 18

AUGUST 2022

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>> PICTURED: (From top left, left to right): Kaylee McKeown-AUSTRALIA-200 Back (4 medals: 1 gold, 3 silver), Nic Fink-USA-50 Breast (4 medals: 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze), Lilly King-USA-200 Breast (2 medals: 2 gold), Regan Smith-USA-100 Back (2 Medals: 2 gold), Nicolo Martinenghi-ITALY-100 Breast (3 medals: 2 gold, 1 silver), Alex Walsh-USA-200 IM (3 Medals, 3 gold) AUGUST 2022

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INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME

THE HISTORY OF SWIMMING IN PRE-COLUMBIAN MESOAMERICA BY BRUCE WIGO PHOTOS COURTESY: INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME

Swimming is universal to all races and cultures. However, in these times, we see very few representatives from the indigenous populations of Africa, the Americas >> Mountain Stream mural [ Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons ] or Oceania competing TEOTIHUACAN in aquatic sports at the Most of what is known about the swimming abilities of the Olympic Games. This fact has led some indigenous populations of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica comes to question the physical capabilities to us from observations made by the early conquistadors and archaeological evidence. In the 1940s, archaeologists discovered of these people as swimmers. a series of murals in the homes of wealthy or powerful citizens of There is no truth to these racist Tepantitla, a suburb of Teotihuacan, one of the most remarkable stereotypes. In fact, prior to the cities of the ancient world. The murals date from A.D. 100 to 650, when the city was abandoned. destruction of their native aquatic One mural depicts a “Great Goddess” who is thought to have been responsible for creation. In another scene, water drips cultures by mostly Western nations, from the hands of the Goddess, creating the mountain streams the indigenous populations of the of Tlalocan, the heavenly paradise ruled over by the Aztec rain so-called “uncivilized world” were god, Tlaloc. Scholars have differing interpretations of the meaning of these universally regarded by those who murals, but for me, the mountain resembles a modern waterparksaw them as being the best swimmers like scene, with mortals going down water slides, using a variety of strokes to swim and having fun in the water. and divers in the world. While the builders of Teotihuacan remain a mystery, the The purpose of this series is to inhabitants included a patchwork of cultures from the Maya, educate people about the universal Mixtec, Zapotec and other tribes. This may account for the different colors of the swimmers. history of swimming in the hope Another important archaeological artifact is a Totonac stone that these stories may inspire more carving of a swimmer dating to A.D. 600-800, and found near Mexico. The Totonacs were one of many pre-Aztec people—of every race, religion and Veracruz, tribes who may have built or inhabited the multi-ethnic city of ethnicity—to swim. Teotihuacan. The decline of Teotihuacan has been correlated to 20

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>> Figurines of swimmers taken from the Mountain Stream mural, created for ISHOF by artist Jean Ermann Desiomots

lengthy droughts and uprisings against the ruling classes. THE MAYA In 2009, archaeologists uncovered two massive carved stucco panels in the Mirador Basin of Guatemala’s northern rain forest. Known as the El Mirador Swimming Panels, they are the earliest known representation of the Mayan creation myth, predating other such artifacts by a millennium. According to researchers, the panels—26 feet long and 20 feet high— with images of monsters, gods and swimming heroes—date to 300 B.C. They formed the sides of a channel that carried rainwater into a complex system of stepped pools, where it was stored for drinking and agriculture. The carved images of swimmers, which have an uncanny similarity to the modern “wave breaststroke,” depict an important scene from the Popol Vuh, the centerpiece of Mayan beliefs for well more than a millennium and which stands as one of the world’s enduring religious stories. A text of the Mayan myth was first recorded and transcribed in the 16th century by a Dominican monk. The saga’s two main characters are the Hero Twins, named Hunahpu and Xbalanque, who were like a double dose of Hercules. They were the sons and nephews of another set of twins, Hun Hunahpu and Vucub Hunahpu, who were passionate ball players. They were so good that they came to the attention of the Lords of the Dead in underworld, Xibalba, which was at the bottom of the sea. There the two men were defeated, sacrificed and decapitated. The sons were born predestined to avenge their father and uncle, and the El Mirador sculpture and the images that appear on pottery found throughout the Mayan lands, shows them swimming down to Xibalba to defeat the Lords of the Dead, which they did. But it’s not just Mayan gods who swam. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of Mayan villages all along

>> Totonac Swimmer, scale reproduction created for ISHOF by artist Jean Ermann Desiomots

>> Section of the El Mirador Swimming Panel, scale reproduction created for ISHOF by artist Jean Ermann Desiomots

>> Aztec possibly drowning from the Florentine Codex, Book XI CONTINUED ON 22 >> AUGUST 2022

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MESOAMERICAN SWIMMING / Continued from 21

the Yucatan and Central American coastlines with piles of shells, proving the Mayans were skilled watermen who harvested food from the sea, like all other indigenous tribes throughout the Americas. Today, inland Maya are not good watermen, few can swim, and many are drowned in lakes and streams. It is strange that along the shores of Lake Atitlán—one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Guatemala—most of the local inhabitants cannot swim and do not bathe in it. THE AZTECS When the conquistador, Hernando Cortez, and his men began their approach to the Aztec capital, they landed in Veracruz, where Cortez’s chronicler, Bernal Diaz, observed that the Indians of both sexes were excellent swimmers who “were as much at home in the water as on land.” When the Spanish horsemen attacked the Aztecs on the causeways of Tenochtitlan on Lake Texcoco, Diaz wrote that “the barbarians (Indians) threw themselves quickly into the water—for like crocodiles or seals, they swim as easily as they walk on land.” According to the Aztecs, if you drowned, it wasn’t by chance. Whoever died a watery death did so for one of two reasons: Either you were such devout subjects that the Tlaloque gods, assistants to Tlaloc, selected you as a worthy inhabitant of their watery, heavenly paradise or they had hoarded precious jade stones or other action that angered the Tlaloque gods enough to kill you! (It must have left relatives guessing.)

>>Brenda Villa, a product of the City of Commerce Aquatics, Calif.

CFK SWIM MEET & OPEN WATER SWIM IN KEY WEST September 3 & 4, 2022 800 Yd | 1 & 2 Mile Open Water

EVERY CHILD A SWIMMER The importance of swimming in pre-Columbian American cultures cannot be overestimated, although little has been written on the subject. Perhaps no people on earth took more pains to learn to swim nor were any better at it. There certainly were no people whose avocations of life more often called for its use, as many of the tribes spent their lives on the shores and in the waters of our beaches, lakes, rivers and swamps. But they also swam for fun and understood the benefits of hydrotherapy as a cure all for injuries and illness. It was for these reasons that children of both sexes were taught by their parents to swim as soon as they were old enough to walk. Unfortunately, for a variety of historical, social and cultural reasons, the descendants of these ancient swimmers have become detached from their rich aquatic traditions and heritage. But in communities where swimming has been encouraged, like in the City of Commerce, Calif., we can get a glimpse of what these incredible people can do in the water. Take the case of water polo great, Brenda Villa, who can trace her proud ancestry to first peoples of the Americas and who, at the time of her retirement in 2012, was the most decorated athlete in the history of the women’s game with four Olympic medals (one gold, two silver, one bronze). With more communities like the City of Commerce embracing the ISHOF concept of “Every Child a Swimmer,” we will not only see a healthier and happier society, but much needed increase in diversity in the aquatic sports. v

Contact Lori Bosco lori.bosco@cfk.edu 305-809-3562 www.swimaroundkeywest.org

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Bruce Wigo, historian and consultant at the International Swimming Hall of Fame, served as president/CEO of IHOF from 2005-17.

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NUTRITION

SPORTS DRINKS:

NEEDED OR NOT NEEDED? BY DAWN WEATHERWAX, RD, CSSD, LD, ATC, CSCS

HISTORY The sport drink got its start in the 1960s by Dr. Robert Cade. He wanted to create a beverage that would help the Florida Gators football team minimize sluggishness in the heat! Since that moment, the sports drink industry has become a billion dollar business with many more brands entering the market. COMPOSITION Sports drinks are largely comprised of carbohydrates, electrolytes and water. The amounts and types of each are what have differed over the years. TIMING Sports drinks should be considered if the activity takes longer then 45-60 minutes. It takes 30-45 minutes for the carbohydrates to get into the muscle for energy. Sodium is the main electrolyte that impacts hydration status and helps get the water into the cell. WHEN TO CONSUME There are many factors to consider if a sports drink would be of benefit. The main ones are length, duration, intensity, temperature and the amount one sweats. Usually, endurance sports are where most sports drinks are considered, but they can also be useful if someone struggles eating before movement or maximizing fuel and hydration during activity. WHICH ONES TO CONSIDER There are many out there. Here are some options to choose from: • • • • • • •

Gatorade®/Gatorade® Organic: Very accessible Greater Than®: Uses coconut water as its base and has adequate amounts of sodium Infinit: Can customize your own blend Liquid IV®: Found in grocery stores Precision™ Hydration: Can get your own fueling plan Skratch Labs®: Good for sensitive stomachs Tailwind®: Found in most running stores

SUMMARY Sports drinks do have a purpose in sports. They provide quickerabsorbed fuel for the muscles within 45 minutes of ingesting along with important electrolytes, especially sodium. They also help keep the athlete hydrated. When and how often is dependent on many factors, and varies per athlete and situation. Sports drinks are not mandatory, but they can definitely help at appropriate times. 3,000 to 3,500-CALORIE TRAINING MENU Pre-Swim Practice (4:30-5:15 a.m.) 1 pkt Kodiak or Kashi oatmeal 2T Chia seeds 1/2 cup Unsweetened applesauce or puréed peaches 16 oz Water (Might add 1 table Nuun or Precision Hydration electrolyte tablet) [ Photo Courtesy: Pascal Küffer / Pexels.com ]

Training (5:30-6:45 a.m.) 4-16 oz Water an hour (amount needed depends on sweat rate) (Might add 1 tablet Nuun or Precision Hydration electrolyte tablet per 16 oz) Breakfast (6-7:30 a.m.) MUST HAVE WITHIN 30-45 minutes after training Breakfast pizza (hot or cold) 1 Dave’s Killer English Muffin 3 oz Canadian bacon 2T Organic pizza sauce 1 Laughing Cow lite cheese 1/2 cup Veggies of choice (tomato, spinach) 1 Mango 16 oz Water or hibiscus tea 1 Multivitamin/mineral, fish oil and vitamin D3 Lunch (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) 1 Pita or 1-2 oz pita chips 3 oz Shredded chicken (seasoned with Dijon mustard, pepper and minced celery) 1/2 Avocado 2T Dried cranberries 2 cups Mixed greens 1 cup Baby carrots 1 cup Red grapes 2 Dill pickles 16 oz Water infused with cranberry and mint OR Afternoon Snack (2-3:30 p.m.) 1-2 oz Trailmix (1/4-1/2 cup non-GMO soy nuts, 1/4 cup salted seeds or nuts and 1/4 cup dried berries 16 oz Water Training (3:30-5:30 p.m.) 4-16 oz Water an hour with one NUUN tablet (optional tablet) per 16 oz or Infinit customized blend Post-recovery within 30-45 min: 1 Rise Bar (If you can have dinner within that time, then this snack is optional) Evening Meal (6-7 p.m.) 3-6 oz Shrimp 1-2 cups Snow peas and broccoli with any seasonings 1T Olive oil or non-GMO canola oil 1 cup Jasmine rice 16 oz Water 1 Multivitamin/mineral, fish oil Evening Snack (8-10 p.m.) 1-2 Kodiak blueberry muffins with ground flax seed added to recipe 8-16 oz Horizon soy, oat or nut milk OR Water with optional electrolyte tablet v Dawn Weatherwax (RD, CSSD, LD, ATC, CSCS) is a registered/licensed dietitian with a specialty in sports nutrition and founder of Sports Nutrition 2Go and Dawn Weatherwax Sports Nutrition Academy. She has been working with swimmers for over 25 years and has launched an online nutrition program for swimmers at Dawnweatherwax.com. AUGUST 2022

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FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMER OF THE YEAR

ONE LAST

TIME

[ Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick ]

Having already swum on the grandest stage of her sport, the Olympics, and earning a silver medal, Claire Curzan returned for one more year of high school swimming and put together one of the finest prep seasons ever, setting American and national high school records, enjoying the camaraderie with her Cardinal Gibbons High School teammates and being named Swimming World’s Female High School Swimmer of the Year. BY DAVID RIEDER

ithin a few magical months, Claire Curzan made the jump from up-and-coming teenage record setter to legitimate Olympic hopeful to Olympian. In the spring of 2021, every time Curzan hit the water meant a shot at a personal best or a record, and in June, she finished second in the 100 meter butterfly at the U.S. Olympic Trials. While Curzan just missed qualifying for an individual final in Tokyo, she did win an Olympic silver medal as a relay alternate. And then, just months after returning home to North Carolina from her first Olympics, Curzan returned to high school swimming. She had never considered skipping her senior season of competing for Cardinal Gibbons High School, even after her dream of swimming on the highest level crystalized. Even after her resounding breakthrough over the previous year, Curzan knew the experience of one final round of high school swimming would be too special to miss. “I don’t know if I can put it into words. It sounds cliché. It really was a full-circle moment for me,” Curzan said. “It was great just to have competed at that big stage and now be able to enjoy swimming and be with my friends and just really soak it all in. I think I was able to appreciate it more after the whole Olympic experience, and I’m super grateful for that because I would hate to have taken it for granted.” The four-month high school season began with a rare appearance in short course meters as Curzan and Cardinal Gibbons traveled to Chattanooga, Tenn., for a dual meet against Baylor. With so few SCM high school meets taking place, Curzan took advantage of the opportunity to lower three national records in the 100 fly, 50 free and 100 back, and she just missed a fourth record in the 100 free. The meet also gave her some racing practice in the format before she headed to the Short Course World Championships in Abu Dhabi, where Curzan won bronze medals in the 50 and 100 fly, both in world-junior-record time, plus four relay medals. Back in the more familiar yards format, Curzan broke the national high school record in the 100 back at her final regional meet, and one week later, she swam her final high school state meet. With important international goals on the horizon, Curzan only tapered for a few days, but that was enough to produce one of the finest performances in high school swimming in decades. On Feb. 10, Curzan not only crushed Torri Huske’s national high school record in the 100 fly, but she also lowered Erika Brown’s American record. Curzan’s time of 49.24 in the event made her at 26

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the time the second-fastest performer in history. “It was incredible,” Curzan said. “Seeing the stands after I touched and looking over to the coaches and swimmers’ area and seeing them go crazy, it was very special. I was blown away by that race and so happy it went the way that it did.” Not long after, Curzan anchored Gibbons’ 200 free relay in 21.40 to help her team win the event, and then she became the first high school swimmer ever under 50 in the 100 back. Her mark of 49.61 made her the third-fastest performer ever (now fifth) as she crushed her less-than-week-old record by 8-tenths. Curzan’s final high school race? An epic relay comeback. She swam the final leg of Gibbons’ 400 free relay, and she entered the water in fourth place, more than five seconds off the lead and 3.5 seconds behind second place. Curzan proceeded to split 46.76, which would have ranked among the top splits at the NCAA Championships, let alone at a high school meet. She reeled in her competition to help Gibbons take the win by 18-hundredths—an emotional, gratifying ending to a perfect coda of this high school swimming chapter. “I think the last state meet definitely kind of hit it home for me,” Curzan said. “Really sad because it was my last one ever, and I didn’t want it to sink in. But I couldn’t be happier with the way that it ended. The final relay was the most memorable with me chasing down the other team, and being able to get us No. 1 on the podium was super fun.” A GLOBAL SHOWCASE Four months later, Curzan returned to major international competition at the World Championships in Budapest, but this was no one-event-plus-medley-relay experience like the Olympics. Instead, Curzan qualified to represent the U.S. in four individual events, and when relays were added to the mix, she ended up with 16 swims over the course of the eight-day meet. And on Day 1, the U.S. coaching staff immediately showed full trust in Curzan by assigning her to the anchor leg for the women’s 400 freestyle relay. “I was honestly a little taken aback when I heard that,” Curzan said. “My coach sat me down, and he was like, ‘I advocated for you to be at the end because I know that you thrive under that competitive spirit. Just go out there and race the people and get your hand on the wall.’” Curzan thought back to her final high school swim, that relay anchor when she overcame a massive deficit to eek out a state title.

[ Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick ]

>> At the recent World Championships, Curzan captured her first individual medal in the 100 backstroke. “Katie Ledecky said to me, ‘Did you ever think you would get your first individual medal in backstroke?’ By no stretch of my imagination would that have ever happened, but I was super happy with that race,” Curzan said. In all, she won five medals (2 gold/3 bronze), including four relays.

She channeled the unique relay energy found with that race,” Curzan said. “I don’t know if I can put it into in the ready room, which she described as In the event she calls her “baby,” the words. It sounds cliché. It really “nerve-wracking because obviously you 100 fly, Curzan ended up fifth, 3-tenths off want to do well for your teammates. You the podium. She was admittedly not thrilled was a full-circle moment for don’t want to let them down at all. But it’s with the performance, but she was able to me, It was great just to have also less pressure because you’re sitting quickly brush it off and return for the 100 with your best friends and you’re about back semis later that night. Later on in the competed at that big stage and to go have fun and race. And honestly, the meet, she finished eighth in the 100 free and vibe is just so much more chill in the ready now be able to enjoy swimming fifth in the 50 fly. room.” No, the meet was not perfect, but and be with my friends and just Indeed, Curzan split 52.71, more than a Curzan successfully juggled all those races half-second quicker than her lifetime best really soak it all in. I think I was in three different strokes, and she expects in a flat-start 100 free, and she held onto to continue racing all three and take on able to appreciate it more after a bronze medal for the United States. And busy schedules in the future. “I honestly after that, Curzan was locked into that the whole Olympic experience, think I function better when I kind of have anchor slot. A last-minute lineup change more events to juggle, more packed of a and I’m super grateful for that put her in action on the freestyle leg of the schedule. I like racing, so I don’t really see mixed 400 medley relay, and Curzan also because I would hate to have it as a burden. I see it as fun because I get to anchored the mixed 400 free relay and have so many splashes,” Curzan said. taken it for granted.” women’s 400 medley relay at the end of the meet. Both medley relays won gold, and - Claire Curzan STANFORD-BOUND the mixed free relay claimed bronze—and Next up for the 18-year-old is a move all of Curzan’s splits were between 52.62 west to join Olympic and World Championship teammates Smith and 52.84. and Huske at Stanford, where Curzan’s pedigree will instantly As for her individual events, Curzan qualified for the final in place her into the mix for national titles in the sprint events. Greg all four, and she captured her first individual medal in the 100 Meehan, the head coach of the Cardinal, will surely take advantage backstroke. Yes, backstroke. In the highly-anticipated 100 back of Curzan’s speed, versatility and relay skills as he attempts to shape final at the U.S. International Team Trials in late April, Curzan another title-contending roster. had finished second behind Regan Smith, edging out esteemed And Curzan is heading to college having finished off her high backstrokers like Rhyan White and Katharine Berkoff, and Curzan came through in the Worlds final to get on the podium. school years with about as satisfying a run as possible: making the “Katie Ledecky said to me, ‘Did you ever think you would get Olympics, a near-perfect final high school state meet and showing your first individual medal in backstroke?’ By no stretch of my she belongs and can be depended upon to perform for the United imagination would that have ever happened, but I was super happy States on the world stage.v AUGUST 2022

SWIMMINGWORLD.COM

MALE HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMER OF THE YEAR

BRINGING OUT

THE BEST The best competition brings out the best in great

swimmers. That is exactly what happened this

past high school season with Zionsville junior Will Modglin, who was named Swimming World’s 2021-22 Male High School Swimmer of the Year.

t the high school level, Carmel High School swimmers at the Indiana State Championships have consistently provided some of the toughest competition the country has to offer. Rival swimmer Will Modglin, a junior from Zionsville High School, located about 10 miles from Carmel, met that challenge by winning the 200 yard individual medley and 100 backstroke in two of the nation’s top performances by high school swimmers this season. His prelim time in the 200 IM was 1:44.10, the third fastest of any high school swim during the school year (he went 1:45.11 in the finals). In the prelims of his 100 back, he went 46.05, the fastest high school swim in the country, before winning with a 46.16. He also put together the top score in power points—177.1 back and 175.0 IM for a total of 352.1—to secure his selection as the country’s top boys’ high school swimmer of the year. “I feel really good about the high school season,” Modglin told Swimming World. “It was a good season overall. My prelims session of the (Indiana state) meet was awesome, but the finals weren’t the best—yet I was still happy with how it turned out. It was really about keeping the same momentum from last year, when I had a very good year (No. 2 in the country behind Oklahoma’s Aiden Hayes), and I wanted to keep that going moving forward. “We had a lot of motivated guys this year, and it created an awesome practice atmosphere. We pushed each other every day in practice.” That is because his teammates knew that a showdown with Carmel was on the horizon, and Zionsville—even being one of the top high school teams in the country—did not have enough depth to unseat Carmel. “It is honestly a lot of respect,” Modglin said. “We know our team is good, but Carmel is even better. Everyone hates to lose, but at the end of the day, we have tons of respect for them. We know when we are swimming against them, and when they are swimming against us, that we all push each other to go faster. There is a lot of mutual respect.” And a lot of hard work to get to that point. “Having three months off due to the COVID outbreak in the end probably helped him, as I think Will came back more refreshed,” Zionsville coach Scott Kubly told Current, a weekly 28

AUGUST 2022

SWIMMINGWORLD.COM

[ Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick ]

BY DAN D’ADDONA

local newspaper serving Zionsville. “He worked hard all season long and was rewarded for that hard work with two (individual) state titles.” IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TEAM Competing for the Indiana championship was a fun memory Modglin and his teammates won’t soon forget. “High school swimming is definitely more about the team,” Modglin said. “We want team success as a whole. When you go to state, everyone wants to bring back a state championship to their school, even a runner-up. It is more fun swimming for the team. The high school state (meet) comes down so much more to points than a club meet. I am still looking for that in club, but it is different.” In high school, Modglin also is focused on his two main events instead of swimming multiple events at a club meet. That team focus in high school has especially helped his backstroke. Modglin said he was a breaststroker and IMer before putting things together in the backstroke. “This past year, it was definitely my wheelhouse set of events coming off of my sophomore year. I won both of the events last year, so I was familiar with those. They are my two best individual events. It was also where the team needed me, so it worked out perfectly in that sense,” he said. “The 100 back—personally, it is my underwater. That is a strong suit for me, especially underwater on my back. It helps me have a really strong 100 back, which allows me to excel in that

[ Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick ]

>> As a sophomore last year, Zionsville’s Will Modglin finished runner-up to Aiden Hayes as Swimming World’s Male High School Swimmer of the Year. Now a junior, he finds himself at the top of the pack after turning in two of the nation’s fastest performances by high school swimmers this season: a first-place ranking in the 100 yard backstroke and a third-place showing in the 200 IM.

event instead of the 100 fly or 100 breast.” That change took place during middle school. “It kind of all happened when I was about 12. That is when I kind of broke out in backstroke. Before that, I really was a breaststroker,” he said. “I swam the 100 back at my state meet at 12 and did pretty well. I was trying to do my underwater to 15 at that point. Once I saw that success doing those underwaters, I saw success in my races and started focusing on that.”

“Olympic Trials was the most

stressful meet in which I’ve ever

competed. It gave me so much

humungous, I was just using Trials as a learning experience. I knew I would have the chance again,” he said.

FUTURE GOALS Modglin has one more year at Zionsville High School, but he’s already committed at that meet. That was one of to the University of Texas. my first experiences swimming “Texas is just something special. It didn’t even cross my mind when recruiting against the pros and the top was starting because I didn’t think I was college guys. But it made me feel good enough. I had schools in mind, but the environment of the people at Texas like I was supposed to be there. ” GAINING EXPERIENCE AT TRIALS really was a great feel. I knew once I was - Will Modglin That success didn’t slow down and on campus, I could see myself being here continued all the way to qualifying for for the next four years. It just checked off last year’s U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha. He finished all the boxes. It is something special to have the chance to join that among the top 40 in his best events, and it was a huge step toward program. It is hard to put into words,” he said. becoming a better swimmer. His performances during the high school and club seasons plus “Olympic Trials was the most stressful meet in which I’ve ever the knowledge that he his headed to Texas keeps Modglin focused competed,” he admitted. “The 100 back is my best event long on both of his short-term and long-term goals. course, and we had to do that right away. I was in the last circle“Short-term goals: Junior nationals at the end of the summer... seeded heat. It was something walking out that I will never forget. and I’m going to rip some new best times long-course. I haven’t I didn’t even eat before, and I didn’t even realize that until later. had the best couple of long-course seasons. I want to go there and It gave me so much more confidence after swimming at that meet. have a good meet, then short-course winter junior nats,” he said. That was one of my first experiences swimming against the pros “Long-term: Obviously, I want to do well at Trials and doing and the top college guys. everything I can in these next couple years to try and put myself “But it made me feel like I was supposed to be there. It allows up there on that Texas roster when I come in and keep improving.” me to take a deep breath.” One thing’s for sure: He isn’t going to sneak up on anyone— That should make everything different at the 2024 Trials. especially since we now know that the best competition brings out “It definitely gives me a large focus for 2024. I knew going into Trials, I was pretty young, and unless I was dropping something the best in this Male High School Swimmer of the Year. v

more confidence after swimming

AUGUST 2022

SWIMMINGWORLD.COM

HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMERS OF THE YEAR: RUNNERS-UP

AMERICA’S

FINEST

In addition to the nation-leading performances from Swimmers of the Year Claire Curzan and Will Modglin, there were several other stellar swims turned in by the SOY runners-up, led by freshman Teagan O’Dell of Santa Margarita Catholic, Calif. and senior Quintin McCarty from Discovery Canyon, Colo.

BY DAN D’ADDONA | PHOTOS BY PETER H. BICK

TEAGAN O’DELL, Freshman Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Calif. Teagan O’Dell just finished her freshman season at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in California. Most freshmen are looking to find their spot on a team or even reach a bigger stage, but O’Dell entered high school already competing on the biggest stage in U.S. swimming. At just 14, she competed at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha, Neb.—something very few swimmers that young have ever done, especially in five events. O’Dell took that speed to her high school, where she continued to dominate swimmers her age—and older. At the California State Championships (CIF-Southern Section Division 1), she won the 100 yard backstroke in 52.27 before claiming the top spot in the 200 IM as well, touching the wall in 1:55.15. Her IM time, which broke the Division 1 record, was the second fastest time nationally this past season, while her backstroke time was a hundredth of a second off the CIFSS record time. Both of her performances were fast enough to place her second in the nation in combined power points (353.3), behind only Female Swimmer of the Year Claire Curzan. O’Dell started swimming competitively at age 7 for the Chino Hills Sharks before joining Irvine Novaquatics. In August 2019 as a 12-year-old, Teagan took down Missy Franklin’s 11-12 girls national age group record in the 200 meter IM, clocking 2:18.69 at the Western Zone Age Group Championships to erase Franklin’s 2:19.12 mark set in 2008. In USA Swimming’s 13-14 age group, she had the top all-time long-course rankings in the 100-200 backstroke and 200-400 IM. Meanwhile, she was also second in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyles, making her one of the most versatile teenagers in her sport. “She is very aware of her training, fully understanding her pace, speed and technique, and utilizing each training set to 30

AUGUST 2022

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>> Teagan O'Dell

THE TOP 3: HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMERS OF THE YEAR BY BOB KLAPTHOR GIRLS 1

CLAIRE CURZAN (Sr.) Cardinal Gibbons, N.C.

Event Rankings

Combined Power Pts.

Total

#1 100 Back (49.61*)

199.8

#1 100 Fly (49.24*, AR)

193.1 #1 392.9

TEAGAN O’DELL (Fr.) Santa Margarita Catholic, Calif.

#2 200 IM (1:55.15)

179.0

174.3 BK (52.27) #2 353.3

LUCY BELL (Sr.) Fossil Ridge, Colo.

#1 200 IM (1:54.99 alt)

KRISTINA PAEGLE (Sr.) Bloomington South, Ind.

#1 100 Free (48.00)

LILY CHRISTIANSON (So.) Penn, Ind.

#1 50 Free (22.14)

KAYLA WILSON (Sr.) Norfolk Academy, Va.

#1 200 Free (1:44.22)

HAYDEN MILLER (Sr.) Cypress Creek, Texas

#1 500 Free (4:40.65)

LYDIA JACOBY (Sr.) Seward, Alaska

#1 100 Breast (59.40)

CAMILLE SPINK (Jr.) Battle Field, Va.

#2 100 Free (48.13)

BOYS 1

WILL MODGLIN (Jr.) Zionsville, Ind.

#3 50 Free (22.31) Event Rankings

Power Pts.

Total

#1 100 Back (46.05p)

177.1

#3 200 IM (1:44.10p)

175.0 #1 352.1

2 3T

QUINTIN McCARTY (Sr.) Discovery Canyon, Colo.

#1 50 Free (19.47p)

REX MAURER (Jr.) Loyola, Calif.

#1 500 Free (4:13.90)

MAXIMUS WILLIAMSON (Fr.) Southlake Carroll, Texas

#1 100 Free (42.63pr alt) 5

#2 200 Free (1:34.95) #2 100 Free (42.98)

169.1

#2 200 IM (1:43.70)

176.8

#3 345.9 SCORING: 3 points for a #1 ranking, 2 for #2, 1 for #3; 3 for national high school record (*); and 3 for American record (AR)

maximize her workouts. She enjoys racing and takes full advantage of her peer group to challenge and be challenged,” Irvine Novaquatics coach Ken LaMont told Best Version Media (BVM) Sports. As a high school swimmer, O’Dell got considerably stronger in the water thanks to a weightlifting class that supplemented her training in the water. “It’s a fun class,” she told the Orange County Register. “I focus on my core when I’m lifting because it’s good for swimmers to have strong core muscles. I do upper body, lower body, explosiveness (exercises) and squats for pushing off those walls.” The added strength combined with her already record-breaking speed could have staggering effects in the years to come. Already one of the top prep stars in the country—with three more years of high school remaining—O’Dell will definitely be a swimmer worth watching. QUINTIN McCARTY, Senior Discovery Canyon High School, Colo. Quintin McCarty wanted to leave a lasting legacy in his final high school swim meet. Swimming at the Colorado 4A State Championships, the senior from Discovery Canyon High School in Colorado Springs did not disappoint, breaking two state records on his way to a pair of individual titles. McCarty, who has committed to NC State, won the 50 yard freestyle in 19.48, going a hundredth of a second faster during prelims. In the 100 freestyle, he won in 43.23, while his time in prelims was again a little faster at 43.07. He also led off the 400 free relay in prelims with a 42.73 (42.63 altitude-adjusted) and led off the 200 medley relay with a backstroke split of 21.56. Both of McCarty’s sprint freestyle times earned him the No. 1 national rankings this season.

>> Quintin McCarty

“I had such a great experience,” McCarty told Gazette Preps after the state meet. “This was only my second year swimming for Discovery Canyon. I learned so much—and this sport, I owe it all to my parents and God. At the end of the day, they’ve helped me get where I am. “Being able to help my team was amazing. If I can make anyone around me better, then that’s the best.” McCarty’s coach, Joe Fanthorp, told Gazette Preps, “(Quintin) was well-respected on the team, despite not being with us all four years. I tried to put him in a challenging position. He goes to meets and wins races by multiple body lengths. I tried to stretch him out and make the meets harder for him, and put pressure on him.” McCarty did not swim on the high school team his sophomore and junior seasons because of COVID and his focus on the U.S. Olympic Trials. “Having the flag on the side of your cap is one of the most amazing feelings,” McCarty said. “The experience (at Trials) was amazing, but right after, I started to look at high school swimming again.” That focus led him to become one of the top high school swimmers in the history of Colorado swimming and one of the top performers in the nation. v

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2022

TOP HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITS

[ Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick ]

Swimming World takes a look at the swimmers it considers to be the 10 best high school recruits—both male and female—from the Class of 2022 and where they’ll be attending college in the fall. (The number following each school’s name indicates this year’s NCAA finish.) BY CHANDLER BRANDES

VIRGINIA (#1) Grab your shades, because the future of the two-time defending NCAA champions is looking real bright. First up for Virginia’s Class of 2022 is Carly Novelline, a talented sprint freestyler and backstroker with undeniable relay potential. She really found her stride this year in the backstroke events, shaving enough time to score in both the 100 and 200 at the Big Dance. Although her sprint free times have steadied just a tad, we have a feeling that throwing her in a training group with the likes of Kate Douglass and Gretchen Walsh will likely do the trick. One of the better age group mid-distance freestylers in recent memory, Claire Tuggle, is also headed to Virginia this fall. She is on the brink of placing at the NCAA level in the 200-500 free, and even though she has focused more on long course than short course as of late, something is telling us that those plateaus will be a thing of the past in the very near future. Tuggle’s proven success combined with her continued potential will only help the rich get richer. And you know what’s certain: Death, taxes and Todd DeSorbo. TEXAS (#2) Goodbye Alaska, hello Austin. Although she may have had an “off” summer, it’s hard not to put the reigning 100 meter breaststroke Olympic gold medalist on this list. Lydia Jacoby, one of two U.S. Olympians in the class and by far the top breaststroker in the group, has a lot of room to grow when it comes to translating her long course success to short course yards. But if the old saying that everything’s bigger in Texas holds true, expect to see some pretty big time drops once she gets in the hands of Carol Capitani and trains alongside Anna Elendt. STANFORD (#3) More often than not, The Farm seems to be home to the nation’s top recruit (think Torri Huske, Regan Smith, Katie Ledecky— you get the point). This year is no exception, as U.S. Olympian and World Championship medalist Claire Curzan is headed to Stanford. She would’ve scored a whopping 49 points at the 2022 NCAA Championships—but here’s the catch: She would’ve scored in the A-final of seven different events as an individual, and that’s 32

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[ Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick ]

>> Blair Stoneburg, Jensen Beach, Fla.: Wisconsin

GIRLS

>> Charlotte Hook, Cary Academy, N.C.: Stanford

not even counting her relay potential in, well, all five of them. It is unclear what events this jack-of-all-trade will focus on once she gets to college, which certainly is a “problem” the Cardinal welcomes. The TAC-Titans-to-Stanford pipeline is strong, as Greg Meehan is also getting Curzan’s club teammate, Charlotte Hook. Hook would’ve picked up an impressive 21 individual points at last season’s national meet, giving the Cardinal the top two point scorers in the class based on current best high school times. Then you throw Lucy Bell into the mix, who also already boasts NCAA scoring times in the same events as Hook (200 fly, 200 IM, 400 IM). Although Virginia may be tough to beat over the next few seasons, you better watch out, because Stanford is showing no signs of slowing down. NC STATE (#5) The Wolfpack is getting a good one in Kennedy Noble, who earns a spot in the Top 10 after steady time drops and a stroke full of power and speed. Besides Curzan—who may not even find herself swimming backstroke at the collegiate level—Noble is the top backstroker in this cohort with times that bode well for NC State’s

medley relays and are already within NCAA scoring range. It is too early to tell what her third event will be, but Noble could find herself with either IM or fly events added to her lineup, given her rate of improvement across several different races. FLORIDA (#13) The Class of 2022 might just be one of the best IM classes, well...EVER...and Zoe Dixon is no exception. She would’ve been an A-finalist in the 400 IM in 2021 and a B-finalist in 2022, and that’s long before she has gotten her first taste of the Gator magic. With no shortage of 200400 IMers in this group, Dixon has separated herself from the pack and increased her prospect value by adding a mean 200 fly and 200 back to her repertoire (reminding you of Elizabeth Beisel, perhaps?). Definitely expect to see her making an immediate impact on Florida’s roster as soon as she steps foot in Gainesville.

CLASS OF 2022 TOP HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITS NAME

HIGH SCHOOL

CLUB

COLLEGE*

STROKES

NCAA PTS.**

Carly Novelline

New Trier, IL

NASA Wildcats

Virginia (1)

BK/FR

Claire Tuggle

St. Joseph Santa Maria, CA

Santa Maria

Virginia (1)

FR/IM

Lydia Jacoby

Seward, AK

Seward Tsunami

Texas (2)

Lucy Bell

Fossil Ridge, CO

Fort Collins Area

Stanford (3)

FL/IM

Claire Curzan

Cardinal Gibbons, NC

TAC Titans

Stanford (3)

FR/BK/FL

Charlotte Hook

Cary Academy, NC

TAC Titans

Stanford (3)

FL/IM

Kennedy Noble

Millennium, AZ

Phoenix

NC State (5)

BK/IM

Zoe Dixon

Mills E. Godwin, VA

Nova of Virginia

Florida (13)

IM/BK

Justina Kozan

Santa Margarita Catholic, CA

Mission Viejo

USC (16)

FR/FL/IM

Blair Stoneburg

Jensen Beach, FL

Treasure Coast

Wisconsin (17)

Dawson Joyce

Seminole, FL

Seminole Aquatics

Florida (3)

Michael Cotter

Green Hope, NC

TAC Titans

NC State (4)

FR/IM

Quintin McCarty

Discovery Canyon, CO

Pikes Peak

NC State (4)

FR/BK

Lance Norris

Nash Central, NC

TAC Titans

NC State (4)

FR/IM

Owen McDonald

Rivers Academy, GA

Dynamo

Arizona State (6)

IM/FR

Liam Custer

Riverview, FL

Sarasota Sharks

Stanford (7)

Josh Zuchowski

Kings Academy, FL

Flood Aquatics

Stanford (7)

Sam Powe

McCallie School, TN

McCallie GPS

Georgia (8)

BK/FR

Landon Gentry

Patriot, VA

Nation’s Capital

Virginia Tech (11)

FL/IM

Baylor Nelson

Community of Davidson, NC

SwimMAC Carolina

Texas A&M (19)

IM/BR/BK

GIRLS

BOYS

USC (#16) * Number in parentheses indicates team’s finish at 2022 NCAAs The Women of Troy have landed a huge recruit in Justina ** NCAA points are based on the Top 10 recruits’ best high school times and where these swimmers might have scored individually at the 2022 Division I NCAAs. The points were calculated by assuming the swimmers would Kozan, who would have scored swim one event per day and based on the combination that would score the most individual points. However, in 13 points from three different reality, a swimmer could double-up, or a coach could decide different events for their swimmers, based on team, events at NCAAs in 2022. Her individual or relay needs. versatility across all four strokes makes her the top 400 IMer in the class, a pretty impressive feat in a group not lacking talent in that discipline. She will arrive in Los Angeles with an impressive international résumé as well, having won the 200 meter IM at the FINA World Junior Championships in 2019. Maybe there is something in the water at USC that makes elite-level IM prowess a threat at the conference, national and international level (*cough cough* Katinka Hosszu).

[ Photo Courtesy: Sarasota Sharks ]

WISCONSIN (#17) This is the second year in a row that the pure freestyle queen in the class will be a Badger, and this time that honor goes to Blair Stoneburg. She would’ve scored in the 200 and 500 free at last season’s NCAAs, and it’ll be interesting to see if her third event will tap into her speed or her endurance. With Stoneburg excelling in the mid-distance events to complement reigning NCAA mile champion Paige McKenna in the longer races, the Badgers are in good position to continue climbing up the team rankings in the near future. But, with a coach like Yuri Suguiyama, any crystal ball could’ve predicted that happening.

BOYS FLORIDA (#3) Dawson Joyce has flown relatively under the radar, but don’t expect that to be the case for much longer. A true sprint freestyler

>> Liam Custer, Riverview, Fla.: Stanford CONTINUED ON 34 >> AUGUST 2022

SWIMMINGWORLD.COM

TOP HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITS / Continued from 33

[ Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick ]

but still significant, improvements in the 500 free, but that’s bound to change once he suits up for the Cardinal. Although the relay potential is not as high as others in his class, there is no denying the value Custer presents. Stanford didn’t waste any time reloading in the Class of 2022, getting another stellar commitment from Josh Zuchowski. He’s the top backstroker in a class that’s pretty strong in that discipline overall with a respectable IM for show. Collectively, there’s no one “big name” recruit in this cohort who really stands out above the rest, but that could all change during their freshman year—and Zuchowski just may be that person. If he continues his time drops when he arrives on The Farm—as he has the last few years—Zuchowski just may have the potential to be an NCAA scorer during his rookie campaign.

>> Baylor Nelson, Community School of Davidson, N.C.: Texas A&M

through and through, he will be joining a Florida program that knows how to produce and develop elite-level sprint talent. Joyce, who will definitely be a relay contributor at some point during his time as a Gator, also has the potential to be an individual SEC scorer right from the get-go. He likely has a lot more in him than what his current times show, truly making him a hidden gem that will bode well for Florida. NC STATE (#4) This is the second year in a row that NC State has had three boys on Swimming World’s Top 10 list, a huge testament to Braden Holloway and his staff. Michael Cotter, Quintin McCarty and Lance Norris are all freestylers in their own right, but what makes it even sweeter is the range these athletes provide across that stroke. It’s not every day that one team lands three top recruits with speciality from the 50 all the way to the mile, but that’s exactly the case for the Wolfpack. Remember what we were saying about that TAC-Titans-toStanford pipeline for the ladies? Well, the same can be said on the boys’ side about NC State, as Cotter and Norris are both products of that club team. Cotter’s a solid mid-distance freestyler, while Norris specializes in the longer disciplines. Both have seen substantial time drops over the past few seasons, a trend that will likely continue once they make the 40-minute move from Cary to Raleigh. Then there’s Quintin McCarty to throw into the mix, once a dark horse who has now really made a splash as a senior. He’s the sprinter of NC State’s recruiting cohort whose third event may very likely become the 100 back. Like many in this Class of 2022, McCarty has continuously seen time drops in recent years and will also be on the hunt for a coveted NC State relay spot as soon as he gets to campus. ARIZONA STATE (#6) Like McCarty, Owen McDonald is perhaps another potential dark horse in this class who is full of fast-improving, fast-rising superstars. An IMer by trade who’s not too shabby in sprint free and backstroke, McDonald definitely fits into that ‘fast-improving, fast-rising superstar’ category, thus fitting in nicely at Arizona State. Besides his recent time drops and him soon training under the legendary Bob Bowman in Tempe, there’s one other reason Swimming World added him to this list. What is it, you ask? Let us tell you: We really, really, really like the thought of him training every-single-day with Leon Marchand. ’Nuff said. STANFORD (#7) One minute. Read that again, and let it sink in, because that’s how much time Liam Custer dropped in the mile over the course of one season. That huge time drop would’ve secured a ninth-place finish in the 1650 at the 2022 NCAA Championships, making him the highest point scorer on this list. He has made more modest, 34

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GEORGIA (#8) Georgia should be feeling peachy with the addition of Sam Powe, a strong backstroker and mid-distance freestyler. Although he’s just on the outskirt of scoring range at the NCAA level right now, he boasts some of the top backstroke times in the class. But what’s really special about him is the rate in which he became one of the best backstrokers in his group—nearly eight seconds in the 200 and about three in the 100 since his sophomore year. That beautiful progression speaks well to his potential and his future with the Dawgs. VIRGINIA TECH (#11) Virginia Tech finds itself on this list given the addition of Landon Gentry, a talented butterflyer who will likely make his way to the top of the conference and national rankings faster than you can say Youssef Ramadan and Antani Ivanov. His rate of improvement has staggered just a tad over the past year, but we don’t foresee that being the case for very long under the guidance of Sergio Lopez. And, for good measure, Gentry has also been part of eight national age group record relays, making him a great in-state keep for the Hokies. TEXAS A&M (#19) Think of an event, any event, and Baylor Nelson can probably do it, and do it pretty darn well. Back, breast, fly, free—mix it all together, and that’s the recipe for an elite IMer like Texas A&Mbound Nelson. He’s one of just two swimmers in his class who already own NCAA scoring-worthy times. He would’ve been a B-finalist in the 200 IM and the first alternate in the 400 IM this past season, and is also just on the cusp of scoring range in a few other events. He just may be the No. 1 recruit in this class given his versatility and medley relay potential, surely making the Aggies do a big “thumbs up.” v Chandler Brandes earned her bachelor’s degree in communication with a double minor in coaching and sport management in 2019 from the University of Vermont, where she also swam for the Catamounts. She received her master’s degree in sport administration from the University of Louisville in 2021 and has served as Swimming World’s high school content manager since 2018. Currently, she serves as associate director, athletic media relations & content creation, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

TRAINING

DRYSIDE TRAINING

RACE PREPARATION BY J.R. ROSANIA

DEMONSTRATED BY NORIKO INADA • PHOTOS BY EMMI BRYTOWSKI

n many parts of the country, clubs are preparing their swimmers to race. In the Southwest where I’m from, swimmers are preparing the next several weeks for state, sectional and national-level competitions. In this month’s article, we will look at several exercises that will help swimmers prepare to perform at their peak level of ability. Included in the program are explosive- and speed-oriented movements. The focus is on starts, turns and stroke rate. Ideally, these exercises will increase the swimmers’ strength and, along with a taper, bring out their speed and efficiency. This race preparation program should begin four to six weeks prior to a taper meet. Perform three sets of eight to 10 repetitions with a weight that can be moved with speed. 1) STABILITY BALL TUBE STROKE FREESTYLE Lying face down on a stability ball and using rubber stretch cords, perform a freestyle stroke. 2) STABILITY BALL TUBE STROKE BACKSTROKE Lying supine with a stability ball between your shoulder blades, perform backstroke.

3) BENT-OVER ALTERNATING DUMBBELL ROW With a dumbbell in each hand, bend at the waist to 90 degrees, parallel with the floor, and perform a rowing movement. 4) DUMBBELL SQUAT JUMP INTO STREAMLINE With a dumbbell in each hand, drop into a squat, and then jump vertically into a streamline. 5) BOX JUMP Standing in front of a box or platform, squat to a 90-degree knee angle, and then jump onto the top of the box or platform. v

4 1

MEET THE TRAINER J.R. Rosania, B.S., exercise science, is one of the nation’s top performance enhancement coaches. He is the owner and CEO of Healthplex, LLC, in Phoenix. Check out Rosania’s website at www.jrhealthplex.net. MEET THE ATHLETE Noriko Inada, 44, swam for Japan at the 1992, 2000 and 2004 Olympics. She now swims Masters for Phoenix Swim Club, and owns Masters world records in the women’s 25-29, 3034, 35-39 and 40-44 age groups.

NOTICE All swimming and dryland training and instruction should be performed under the supervision of a qualified coach or instructor, and in circumstances that ensure the safety of participants. AUGUST 2022

SWIMMINGWORLD.COM

COACHING

SWIMMING TECHNIQUE CONCEPTS BY ROD HAVRILUK , Ph.D.

THE BIOMECHANICS AND MEDICINE IN SWIMMING SYMPOSIA

he Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming (BMS) Symposia have a long and unique history. The first conference was conducted in Belgium in 1970, and the conferences have continued for over 50 years. The conference series has been the largest and most successful global effort to promote the application of science in swimming. HISTORY In 13 conferences, more than 1,000 papers have been presented. Biomechanics (i.e., technique) has been the primary focus, but there have also been presentations on physiology, medicine, instrumentation, skill learning, anthropometry, evaluation, education, coaching and training. In FIG. 1 >> In addition to the formal presentations, BMS conferences offer opportunities for informal gatherings, such as at the addition to oral and poster presentations, farewell banquet in Japan. Pictured (from left] are Dr. Ludovic Seifert (France), Dr. Bob Stallman (Norway), Dr. Marek Rejman (Poland) and Dr. Rod Havriluk (USA). the conference usually includes poolside demonstrations of the latest technology to changes in hand path and hand pitch. and social events (see Fig. 1). The first symposium was organized by Dr. Leon Lewillie and • Adrian (1982) predicted the development of “ideal swimming Dr. Jan Clarys (the “godfather” of BMS) and held in Belgium in styles” and models to “predict injury potential.” 1970. There have been 13 symposia to date, held mainly in Europe • Ungerechts (1986) proposed the connection of kick force with (Belgium 1970, 1974; Netherlands 1982; Germany 1986; England vortex formation. 1990; Finland 1998; France 2002; Portugal 2006; Norway 2010) • Hollander (1986) reported that the contribution of the legs to with conferences also held in Canada (1978), United States (1994), total power in freestyle was only about 10%. Australia (2014) and Japan (2018). • Toussaint (1990) summarized research on freestyle and concluded that “aerobic power is only of moderate importance NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS since most races do not last long enough to make it a major The conferences have produced many notable studies, including concern.” some that have had an enduring effect on research while raising the awareness of coaches and swimmers about topics critical • Vilas-Boas (1994) reported that a “flat” breaststroke was more to performance. The studies also support the use of accurate economical than an “undulating” style. quantitative measures for the most meaningful feedback. • Costill (1998) explained that “the current emphasis on excessive At the first conference, Counsilman presented “The application training loads (>5,000-7,000 meters/day)...is physiologically of Bernoulli’s principle to human propulsion in swimming,” and unjustified.” theorized that a swimmer’s hand generated both lift and drag forces. • Takagi (1998) concluded that “the pressure differential His presentation was fundamental in bringing attention to detailed method has potential to become a useful technique in stroke adjustments in hand path and hand pitch. diagnostics.” Other prominent past presenters and topics/findings that have • Arellano (2002) found that over 50% of the swimmers in an had an enduring effect on research and performance include: elite group had errors in five key technique elements. • Miyashita (1970) investigated fluctuations in body velocity • Seifert (2010) showed that a positive index of coordination was within a stroke cycle. associated with the fastest swimming. • Clarys (1974) developed technology to measure active and passive drag. • Schleihauf (1978) detailed variations in lift and drag force due 36

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• Langendorfer (2010) argued for “developmentally appropriate practices” to individualize instruction as opposed to using the typical “error correction model.”

• Narita (2018) observed that “the kicking motion did not increase or decrease the drag” in freestyle. Unfortunately, many of the findings have not been assimilated into typical training regimens. For example, it is unusual for a swimmer to be analyzed for fluctuations in body velocity, hand pressure differential or arm index of coordination. PRESENTATION ARCHIVE Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Jan Clarys and the work of Dr. Bodo Ungerechts, the papers from all previous symposia are available to read and download for free. The BMS archive website is: https://www.iat.uni-leipzig.de/datenbanken/iks/bms/. BMS XIV LEIPZIG, 2022-23 On behalf of the organizing committee for the next BMS conference, Maren Witt wrote, “It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the XIVth International Symposium for Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming in Leipzig. Due to the current situation, however, we have decided to start with a series of virtual sessions before we meet in person in 2023. As this event takes place every four years on different continents, we are particularly pleased that the next meeting will take all participants to the heart of Europe. With these event formats, we would like to give everyone interested in swimming the opportunity to exchange ideas on current research questions, and also on the implementation of results in practice. The latest technological developments as well as fundamental, overarching research questions and their application in various fields of practice will be the focus of the joint exchange.” The format of the XIV International Symposium of BMS has been adapted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new format intends to offer multiple scientific exchanges through six virtual sessions over 10 months, concluding with an in-person conference a year from September in Leipzig, Germany. The initial virtual session held last month on July 15 included: • Opening of the series of sessions (International Council & Organizing Committee) • Leon Lewillie lecture (Daniel Daly, KU Leuven, Belgium) • Viral infections (Bernd Wüstenfeld, team doctor for the German Olympic team) • Effects of COVID-19 in competitive sports (International Trainer Course in Swimming) The remaining five virtual sessions are: • Sept. 22: Swimmers’ shoulder (4 p.m. GMT) • Nov. 18: Collaborative team support (9 a.m. GMT) • Jan. 27, 2023: Talent scouting (5 p.m. GMT) • March 17, 2023: Flow simulation (9 a.m. GMT) • May 18, 2023: Current technology (4 p.m. GMT) The in-person conference will be held at Leipzig University on Sept. 6-9, 2023 (see Fig. 2). v

SUMMARY

The Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming Symposia has a long history of valuable scientific contributions. The series continues with virtual sessions and an in-person conference in Germany in September 2023.

Dr. Rod Havriluk is a sport scientist and consultant who specializes in swimming technique instruction and analysis. His newest ebooks in the “Approaching Perfect Swimming” series are “Optimal Stroke Technique” and “Swimming Without Pain,” and are available at swimmingtechnology.com.

FIG. 2 >>BMS XIV will provide a new format with multiple scientific exchanges offered through six virtual sessions between July 2022 and May 2023, concluding with an in-person conference a year from September in Leipzig, Germany. (Pictured: from top, BMS XIV logo and photos from Leipzig University, including the school’s swimming flume, bottom.)

AUGUST 2022

SWIMMINGWORLD.COM

REVERSE PERIODIZATION (Part 1) This month, Swimming World explores the concept of reverse periodization—its acceptance, application and place in modern-day aquatic training. BY MICHAEL J. STOTT

Any discussion of periodization, reverse and otherwise, requires definition: Classic (or traditional) periodization in swimming is accepted as initial, long distance training at relatively low (below anaerobic threshold) levels followed by an increase in volume and intensity leading to a max race-pace effort while experiencing a reduction in volume. By any definition, the goal is preparation for peak performance at a desired moment. In the simplest terms, reverse periodization (RP) is a reversal of that traditional training model. In each method, athletes proceed through preseason, aerobic, anaerobic and race-specific periods, maximizing training adaptations in planned macro, meso and micro cycles. ***

olumes have been written on general athletic training principles. And any coach, kinesiology-educated or not, can benefit from a perusal of works by sport scientists, including Han Selye, Orjan Madsen, Jan Olbrecht, Leo Metayev, Jan Svedenhag, just to name a few. Swim training literature written by sport scientists and fellow coaches, while not as plentiful, remains required reading for anyone looking to expand one’s aquatic knowledge. Spoiler alert: healthy differences of opinions exist. Regardless, diverse discussions merit consideration and perhaps experimentation for the curious. Even less has been written on reverse periodization, which at its core, is a pedagogical model. And what studies exist vary in methodology, sample sizes and scientific particulars. Where there is universal agreement is that the subject requires more study. A good starting place is a scholarly tract entitled, “Reverse Periodization for Improving Sports Performance: A Systematic Review” by Jose M. Gonzalez-Rave, Fernando Gonzalez-Mohino, Victor Rodrigo-Carranza and David B. Pyne in Sports Medicine Open. Published in April 2022, the paper examined 925 studies and winnowed them down to 11 before conducting a systematic review. The authors “sought to identify the main characteristics of 38

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reverse periodization and the influence of training volume and periodization models on enhancing physiological measures and sports performance.” Two hundred athletes were included in the study, which revealed that reverse periodization does not provide superior performance improvements in swimming, running, muscular endurance, maximum strength or maximal oxygen uptake, compared to traditional or block periodization. The study’s conclusion stated “that reverse periodization is no more effective than other forms of periodization in improving sports performance. More comparative studies on this alternative version of periodization are required to verify its effectiveness and utility across a range of endurance sports.” The study’s three key points determined that reverse periodization: • Is no more effective than other forms of periodization in improving sports performance, muscular endurance, maximum strength or maximal oxygen uptake. • Likely induces similar improvements to a traditional model in shorter events such as the 100-meter swimming event. • And that more comparative studies of periodization models in endurance sports require careful planning of experimental design, longer study periods and, where appropriate, matching of training volumes and intensities. Says one of the studies’ authors, David Pyne (Canberra, Australia): “There are only a few scientific studies on this approach, and most of our knowledge is based on hard-earned experience of coaches, swimmers and support staff on the pool deck. This review indicates that reverse periodization is equally effective (or in other words, no more effective than other forms of training), so is an option to consider. “No real surprise, it comes down to the experience of the coach in optimizing the progression of individual swimmers on the basis of their history, training background, age, event specialization and rates of both adaptation and learning. Reverse periodization can be more tolerable for swimmers as training intensity (and load) are

[ Photo Courtesy: Becca Wyant ]

COACHING

SUCCESS STORIES While many coaches choose not to employ it, RP has advocates who have enjoyed success. “In swimming, the adoption of (reverse periodization) is not new. In fact all one would have to do today is pick up a copy of Kurt Wilke and Orjan Madsen’s book, ‘Coaching the Young Swimmer,’ published in 1987, to see a basic form of this in action,” says former Carmel Swim Club mentor and now GAIN Network director Chris Webb. “This style of training was adopted by British Swimming as a primary part of its curriculum in recent years, in part because of the great work done by coaches like Bill Sweetenham—former director of British Swimming and an Australian coaching legend—as well as by Stephan Widmer, most famously known for coaching great Australians Libby Trickett, Leisel Jones, Christian Sprenger and Jessicah Schipper,” says Webb. Sweetenham was British Swimming’s national performance director from November 2000 to September 2007. His tenure was marked by medal success at the World Championships. Prior to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, he set Great Britain on a course of marked improvement. Using a system he dubbed, “Anaerobic Approach to Training,” Britain won as many medals at the 2001, 2003 and 2005 World Swimming Championships as it had in all previous World Championships dating back to 1973. Because of his philosophy and willingness to share, Sweetenham developed strong personal and professional bonds with coaches like Don Talbot, Bill Nelson, Dick Hannula and Eddie Reese. Sweetenham also influenced Australian coaches Ken Wood, Janelle Pallister and Michael Bohl (coach of Stephanie Rice, Emma McKeon and Lani Pallister), who experimented with training that emphasized speed development throughout the season. “Gregg Troy and Michael both trained the Olympic winners in the men’s and women’s 100 front crawl from within programs of 400-to-200-based philosophies,” Sweetenham says. IN PRACTICE TODAY In practice, very few coaches are applying reverse periodization in its purest form—i.e., as a precise reversal of classic periodization training. Why? As Webb observes, “I don’t think people understand what RP actually is. That’s common with most anything we do— i.e., USRPT. “Unless you have read Dr. Rushall’s papers, you aren’t doing his specific methodology because what coaches do is take pieces of something and say they are doing it, but that’s not the case. So a lot of people think RP is USRPT. RP also gets misused and misunderstood because it is oddly used in the triathlon world—because of training in winter in northern climes,” says Webb. “I follow a lot of what Stephan Widmer and Bill Sweetenham did with British Swimming,” adds Webb. “Basically, it was a lot of technique and fast swimming at first—technique and speed development at the beginning of the season. Technique is the foundation of speed. You have to do technique and then speed because you can’t endure a quality you don’t already possess. If you start doing all endurance work early in the season, you don’t possess the requisite quality (speed) to do it. “Then you move from capacity training, then layer on aerobic in reverse order. Once you build a foundation of speed and technique, you slowly build all the aerobic capacity and metabolisms on top of that—always using your speed as a checkpoint throughout the

[ Photo Courtesy: Dynamo Swim Club ]

managed as fatigue accumulates.” The authors did not reject reverse periodization as a training model, but suggested more research is needed to provide a better understanding of the benefits of reverse training periodization in comparison with other models.

>> Chris Webb, former Carmel Swim Club mentor and now GAIN network director, says that the adoption of reverse periodization in swimming is not new. “This style of training was adopted by British Swimming as a primary part of its curriculum in recent years, in part because of the great work done by coaches like Bill Sweetenham and Stephan Widmer,” says Webb.

>> Bill Sweetenham was British Swimming’s national performance director from November 2000 to September 2007. A proponent of reverse periodization, his tenure was marked by medal success at the World Championships. Prior to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, he set Great Britain on a course of marked improvement. Using a system he dubbed “Anaerobic Approach to Training,” Britain won as many medals at the 2001, 2003 and 2005 World Swimming Championships as it had in all previous World Championships dating back to 1973. CONTINUED ON 40 >> AUGUST 2022

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REVERSE PERIODIZATION / Continued from 39

[ Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick ]

season to make sure you are not getting buried.”

>> Mike Novell, coach of the Fort Collins Area Swim Team in Colorado, has mentored junior national and junior Pan Pac record holders. He believes that “developing athletes improve at different rates, and allowing them to bring all their energy systems along early in the season gives kids a chance to go fast early and mid-season. I believe the thing that makes them go really fast at the end of the season versus the beginning is the periodization of the strength and conditioning, combined with the rest in the pool.”

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CAN IT WORK? Webb believes, “It is an effective training method for high school and club teams with March championships. The training methodology is sound; it is effective, measurable, reliable and repeatable. Using this method fits all those standards. I won junior national and high school titles using this methodology.” Mike Novell, coach of the Fort Collins Area Swim Team in Colorado, has mentored junior national and junior Pan Pac record holders. “Swimming fast at the beginning of the season is beneficial for club and high school-age athletes for a couple of reasons— the first being teaching,” he says. “In my experience, kids swim differently when at race-pace speed, and that is where the skills we are trying to develop exist. It is difficult to do that if we are spending the first phases of the season swimming only subaerobic and threshold-type speed. I mostly work with year-round athletes, but I would imagine that would be compounded for kids who only were swimming three to six months per year. “The second reason is that developing athletes improve at different rates, and allowing them to bring all their energy systems along early in the season gives kids a chance to go fast early and mid-season, which might make the difference in qualifying for the state meet or whatever. I believe the thing that makes them go really fast at the end of the season versus the beginning is the periodization of the strength and conditioning, combined with the rest in the pool,” says Novell. So...comes the question, “Why isn’t everybody doing it?” Answer: “Because it is not easy and not familiar. People do what is familiar and easy. It requires a little bit of time—and it’s not the only effective way of doing something.” Webb references the high-volume culture of Mark Schubert, Sherm Chavoor and others in the late 1960s and ’70s. Enormously successful with that model, America produced Olympic and world champions who became poster children for the mega-yardage approach that became a popular training model for decades. AGREEMENT Researchers and coaches agree that while RP will work for swimmers training for events 200 and up, “It’s more effective for a larger group of athletes 200 meters and down,” says Webb. “Still, the traditional model can’t be overlooked. Sometimes you’ll do a hybrid.” Next month: Club and college coaches discuss their understanding and implementation (or lack of same) on reverse periodization. v

Michael J. Stott is an ASCA Level 5 coach, golf and swimming writer. His critically acclaimed coming-of-age golf novel, “Too Much Loft,” is in its second printing, and is available from store. Bookbaby.com, Amazon, B&N and book distributors worldwide.

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TOTAL ACCESS MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO LEARN BEN TITLEY’S PESPECTIVE ON PERIODIZATION TRAINING. TITLEY, HEAD COACH OF SANT CUGAT NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE IN SPAIN, IS A DISCIPLE OF BILL SWEETENHAM’S THEORIES ON PERIODIZATION. IN 2021, AS HEAD COACH OF THE HIGH PERFORMANCE CENTER-ONTARIO, HE WORKED CLOSELY WITH PENNY OLEKSIAK AND 10 OTHER CANADIAN OLYMPIANS. NOT A TOTAL ACCESS MEMBER? YOU’RE JUST A CLICK AWAY: SWIMMINGWORLD.COM/VAULT

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AUGUST 2022

SWIMMINGWORLD.COM

SPECIAL SETS

This month’s “Special Sets” features Fort Collins Swim Team swimmer, Lucy Bell, coached by Mike Novell. The Fossil Ridge High School prep star, who has committed to Stanford this fall, is Colorado’s topranked female recruit in the Class of 2022 and eighth-ranked nationally. BY MICHAEL J. STOTT

ucy Bell has been kicking fanny and taking names throughout even during the most intense training sessions and races. Her her high school career. She’s a 13-time high school state personality matches her strokes in that she remains relaxed even in champion (seven individual events, six relays) and 16-time NISCA the most stressful of circumstances. Together her attitude and stroke All-American. technique make for a beautiful tandem,” he says. At the 2022 state meet, she took down Missy Franklin’s 2013 “That’s not to say Lucy isn’t a fierce competitor, but like 200 yard IM record of 1:56.85 when she posted the fastest high many world-class swimmers, she has an ability to flip a switch school time of the year (1:56.41/1:54.99 altitude-adjusted/NISCA and compete. She thrives off racing the best and embraces that conversion). Her NISCA results over her four-year prep career challenge. While not loving the spotlight, she loves to race and rises include six Top 10 individual showings. to the occasion in the biggest moments. She is a great teammate In March, Bell won five events at the Austin Speedo Sectionals and truly puts the needs of the team before her own. Lucy typically (SCY). As of that meet (held a month after the Colorado 5A State swims her best when she is surrounded by her swimming buddies, High School Championships), her best short course times this year and she has no problems swimming a tough double or an off stroke would have scored in four events at NCAAs: 400 IM (4:07.32, 8th), event if that is what is best for her team. 200 IM (1:55.21 altitude-adjusted/NCAA conversion, 13th), 100 fly “Lucy is an awesome person and is very fun to coach,” says (51.83, 14th) and 200 fly (1:54.80, 15th). In addition, going into Novell. “Her parents have supported her dedication to the team and USA Swimming’s summer nationals in Irvine that were held the allowed her to mature at her own rate, which really complemented end of July—and seven weeks before entering Stanford—she had her long-term athletic development. Greg Meehan and Tracy Slusser achieved seven long course qualifying times. at Stanford are getting a great athlete and person.” “Lucy is a unique talent and bucks the common characteristics that I’ve noticed in nationalcaliber swimmers,” says her WEEK/MICROCYCLE Fort Collins Swim Team coach, Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Mike Novell. “She came to Lower body Upper body Lower body Active Rest Total body FCST at 12 after learning to AM Dryland Dryland + Dryland dryland swim in Monterey, Calif. at Water Power Best Average Monterey Bay Barracudas and circuit or Lactate in Hawaii at Manoa Aquatics. Her strokes have been built Aerobic IM Threshold Recovery Aerobic Threshold PM on a strong foundation based Stroke/IM Dryland Distance or Lactate on a very natural connection Lactate Groups + Power with the water. This makes her Circuit look very smooth and relaxed CONTINUED ON 42 >> AUGUST 2022

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SPECIAL SETS - LUCY BELL / Continued from 41

SAMPLE SETS “The following sets came from training for a string of meets through February to March,” says Novell. “In this period, she swam well in all the big moments along the way and was training well in practice. Our plan kept her sharp through all the racing. We are a GAIN team, and she did strength endurance and power endurance dryland at this time.” Threshold Free (SCY) Coach Novell: “This was one of the more impressive free sets at altitude that I’ve seen.” • 4 x 100 @ 1:10 Free (Holding 59s) • 4 x 100 @ 1:30 Kick • 4 x 100 @ 1:05 Free (Holding 58s) • 4 x 100 @ 1:30 Kick • 4 x 100 @ 1:00 (Holding 55s) Typical Lactate (LC) After a 45-minute warm-up: • 6 x 50 @ 6:00 from a dive, all out (27.9-28.2) Underwater Work • 20 x 25 @ :30 Streamline DK UW w/fins • 3 x 50 @ 2:00 Off the block, UW w/fins (No breath at wall, 25-26s) • 3 x 50 @ 3:00 Off the block, Streamline UW (27s) Aerobic IM Set • 20 x 100 @ 1:25 IM Cruise (1:12s)

• 10 x 100 @ 1:20 IM Faster average (1:09s) • 5 x 100 @ 1:15 IM Fastest average (1:05s) Active Rest 3x: • 1 x 25 @ :40 Max sprint from a dive • 1 x 50 @ :40 Easy • 2 x 25 @ :30 Max sprint from a push • 1 x 50 @ :40 Easy • 3 x 25 @ :30 Max sprint from a push • 200 @ 4:00 Easy Wed Lactate Set • 1 x 300 @ 4:00 Off the block, free (3:05 free at alt) 8 x 100 @ 1:40 Kick swim, non-free 8 x 50 @ 1:00 Drill 8 x 25 @ :40 Fast w/sox • 1 x 200 @ 4:00 Off the block, non-free (2:07 fly) 8 x 100 @ 1:25 IM Last 25 no breath 8 x 50 @ 1:00 IMO x 2 8 x 25 @ :30 IMO x 2, FAST w/fins and paddles • 1 x 100 @ 3:00 IM Off the block (:58 IM) v Michael J. Stott is an ASCA Level 5 coach, golf and swimming writer. His critically acclaimed coming-of-age golf novel, “Too Much Loft,” is in its second printing, and is available from store. Bookbaby.com, Amazon, B&N and book distributors worldwide.

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一娀䌀漀爀搀稀⸀挀漀洀㠀 ⸀㠀㠀㘀⸀㘀㘀㈀㄀ 42

AUGUST 2022

SWIMMINGWORLD.COM

COACHING

MEG SISSON

FRENCH

Q&A

[ Photo Courtesy: MIT Athletics ]

As the fifth female head swim and dive coach since 1997, Meghan Sisson French is continuing MIT’s winning aquatic tradition. BY MICHAEL J. STOTT

Q. SWIMMING WORLD: What drew you to swimming? A. COACH MEG FRENCH: My mom was a lifeguard, swim instructor and coach for our local recreation department, so I spent a lot of time around the pool growing up. I owe my mom for my love of the sport! SW: And then into competitive swimming? MF: I started swimming with my local rec team in Meriden, Conn., when I was about 5 years old. I transitioned to club swimming in early middle school and swam for the Meriden Silver Fins under Ed Heath, Danny Barillaro and Eileen Thurston through the rest of my age group career. SW: What epiphany led you into swim coaching? MF: My coach at Springfield College, John Taffe, asked me during my senior year if I had ever thought about coaching. He thought it would be a good fit and offered me a graduate assistant position. After two years, I realized I wanted to pursue coaching rather than focusing solely on my degree in clinical social work. Coaching at Springfield proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made! SW: In what ways is swim coaching a form of applied sociology? MF: Simply stated, sociology is the study of relationships and human behavior. Coaching is all about building trusting relationships and being in tune with your team and what works and what doesn’t. SW: A Connecticut Yankee of sorts, why the move to California? MF: When I decided to pursue college coaching, the Pomona-Pitzer job was the perfect opportunity. The interview was

the first time I had ever been to California, and it all just clicked. JP Gowdy convinced me it was a good move. I’m so thankful he did! SW: And what then drew you to MIT? MF: I always thought I’d end up in the New England area someday. And after being at Pomona-Pitzer, I really enjoyed working with student-athletes in a rigorous academic environment. MIT had a great combination of all the things for which I was looking. SW: You have been uber successful at MIT. Who are some folks who have influenced how you coach? MF: John Taffe for one. I learned a great deal from the graduate assistants at Springfield—Barrett Roberts, Lindsey Delarosby, John Weaver and Katie Stefl. JP Gowdy was a significant influence during my years at Pomona-Pitzer. Others are former MIT coach Sam Pitter and Boston area coaches like James Sica. It’s been really nice having so many colleagues in the same city off whom I can bounce ideas. SW: Built in 2002, the MIT natatorium remains a real recruiting attraction, does it not? MF: Absolutely! Our facilities are a big draw for our recruits. The pool is big, bright and fast!—everything swimmers and divers need to have a great training and racing environment. Hosting a lot of our championship meets gives us quite a “home pool advantage” throughout the year. SW: At this year’s D-III NCAAs, the men finished sixth and the women eighth, continuing a decade-long top 10 run. MF: Our swimmers and divers are incredibly bright and put 100% effort into everything they do. Their classroom work

MEG SISSON FRENCH Head Coach

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts •

Springfield College (Mass.), B.S., applied sociology, 2012; MSW, 2015

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4x member of Springfield team; NEWMAC champions, 2009, 2010

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Head coach, MIT, 2019-present

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Interim head coach, Pomona-Pitzer, 2016; associate head coach, 2017-19, assistant coach, 2015-17; summer swim director, 2016-present

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Graduate assistant coach, Springfield College, 2013-15; volunteer assistant, 2012-13

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Head coaching record at MIT: men (16-1), women (13-3)

In 2020, Meg Sisson French was named the NEWMAC Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year. The next year, she coached three athletes to the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials, and this past season, MIT’s men finished sixth at the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships, while the women placed eighth.

ethic transfers well to the pool. Our athletes are engineers—they like to solve problems. Swimming fast and diving well at the end of the year is like a problem set: How can they maximize their practice effort and energy to do as well at conference and NCAAs? It’s a fun process to share, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. CONTINUED ON 45 >> AUGUST 2022

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