COUNTRY TIDBITS Editor’s Note: Other than splitting the Americas into north and south regions, Swimming World follows the FINA region and national federation structure as part of its regional spotlights. Unless otherwise indicated, the performances for each of the following swimmers were swum at last year’s World Championships in Shanghai, China (July 24-31, 2011).
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As of May 1, there are 88 days until the start of the XXXth Olympic Games. Beginning in its January issue and running through
American Samoa (ASA) ER
June, Swimming World TE
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takes a regional look
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Australia (AUS)
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around the
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swimmers from
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at past successes of
Megan Fonteno had the top performances for her country with a 35thplace 26.46 in the women’s 50 free and a 43rd-place 57.85 in the 100.
James Magnussen, known as “The Missile” in Australia, dominated the sprint free events at the Australian Olympic Trials. First, he lowered his textile best time with a 47.10 in the men’s 100 free, then he moved to the top of the world in the men’s 50 with a 21.74. Meanwhile, veteran Olympians Ian Thorpe, Geoff Huegill and Michael Klim failed to qualify for London. Libby Trickett’s comeback, however, was successful, as she earned a spot on the Aussie team as a relay member.
Cook Islands (COK) Celeste Brown paced her country with a 58th-place 29.59 in the women’s 50 free and a 65th-place 1:05.76 in the 100 free.
Fiji Islands (FIJ) Matelita Buadromo clocked a 32nd-place 2:44.01 in the women’s 200 breast and a 38th-place 1:14.70 in the 100 breast.
Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Kerson Hadley led his nation with a 33rd-place 30.46 in the men’s 50 back, and a 69th-place 25.72 in the 50 free.
Guam (GUM) Pilar Shimizu turned in a 41st-place 1:21.19 in the women’s 100 breast and a 55th-place 28.71 in the 50 free.
Marshall Islands (MHL) Ann-Marie Hepler posted a 39th-place 30.69 in the women’s 50 fly for her nation’s best effort. She also finished 53rd in the 50 free with a 28.43.
New Zealand (NZL) New Zealand finished 19th in the team standings, led by the likes of Glenn Snyders and Lauren Boyle. Boyle finished sixth in the women’s 400 free (4:06.11), eighth in the 800 (8:32.72) and 12th in the 200 (1:58.09). Snyders placed ninth in the men’s 50 breast (27.64), 10th in the 200 breast (2:11.68) and 13th in the 100 breast (1:00.59). Additionally, Gareth Kean clocked a 53.50 for eighth in the men’s 100 back.
Northern Mariana Islands (NMA) Victoria Chentsova hit the wall in 5:18.67 to finish 36th in the women’s 400 free. She also placed 47th in the 200 free with a 2:27.86. — continued on 24 22
May 2012