IGNORANCE IS A CHOICE SWIM SMART MEG HARRIS | AUSTRALIA 2020 TOKYO OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST WORLD RECORD HOLDER
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Interimwww.SwimmingWorldMagazine.comPublisher,Editor-in-Chief-JohnLohnLohn@SwimmingWorld.comOperationsManager-LaurieMarchwinskiLaurieM@ishof.orgMarketing&NewsManager-KyleMillsKyle@SwimmingWorld.comCirculation/Membership-LaurenSerowikLauren@ishof.orgAccounting-MarciaMeinersMarcia@ishof.org
017 CHINA WRAPS UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 13-FOR-13 IN DIVING MEDALS by Matthew De George China swept the last three diving medals at the recent World Championships over the final two days of competition, completing a perfect 13-for-13 run for the diving superpower. All told, China took 17 medals from 13 events, with 13 gold, two bronze and two silver.
008 BRENT RUTEMILLER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AS ISHOF CEO AND SWIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE PUBLISHER by John Lohn After five years as the CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame and more than 30 years in multiple roles with Swimming World Magazine, most recently as publisher, Brent Rutemiller has announced his retirement. His decision comes on the heels of a courageous battle with cancer, which is in early remission, and his tenure can only be measured as highly successful.
014 COMMENTARY: BACKSTROKE FINISH RULE NEEDS CHANGE AFTER JUSTIN RESS DQ ORDEAL by David Rieder Justin Ress was initially disqualified after touching first in the 50 backstroke at World Championships for fully submerging at the finish—which was later overturned, with Ress reinstated as the winner. It’s time for FINA and the other powers in swimming to rewrite the backstroke finish rule so no swimmer at the World Championships—or your local club meet—is DQ’ed for a tick-tack infraction on a backstroke finish.
024 BUDAPEST MIRAGE? ASSESSING U.S. DOMINANCE AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS by David Rieder Although this year’s World Championships was very different from years past, with so many stars of the Tokyo Olympics not competing, the American dominance, nevertheless, was unmistakable. Team USA finished with 45 medals, the most ever by one country at a World Championships, shattering the previous record of 38 from 2017—and they finished with 17 gold medals. 2022 AQUATIC
010 HOW CARSON FOSTER IS FULFILLING POTENTIAL AS NEXT AMERICAN MEDLEY STAR by David Rieder Carson Foster had just swum 4:06.56 for the silver medal in the 400 IM at the recent World Championships in Budapest—more than two seconds behind Leon Marchand’s 4:04.28. To the uninformed eye, the race appeared a crushing defeat for Foster, but he had actually produced the best swim of his life by an enormous margin, becoming the third fastest American ever behind Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte.
016 HOW THEY TRAIN CALEB MAULDIN by Michael J. Stott
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DIRECTORY SWIMMING WORLD BIWEEKLY JULY 2022 | ISSUE 13 CONTENTS PUBLISHING, CIRCULATION AND ACCOUNTING
020 BEFORE THE HEROICS OF JASON LEZAK, AMERICAN BRUCE HAYES DELIVERED GROSSBUSTING ANCHOR FOR 1984 RELAY GOLD by Matthew De George Against seemingly insurmountable odds, Bruce Hayes anchored the U.S. 800 free relay at the 1984 Olympics with the best swim of his life to pull off a stunner for gold after coming from behind on the last 100 meters to touch out West Germany’s Michael Gross, the 200 free world record holder, by 4-hundredths of a second.
018 MADDIE MUSSELMAN SCORES FIVE GOALS; U.S. WOMEN’S WATER POLO WINS FOURTH STRAIGHT TITLE by Matthew De George Behind five goals from MVP Maddie Musselman, the United States overcame Hungary, 9-7, in the women’s water polo final at the 2022 FINA World Championships. It’s the fourth consecutive title for the Americans—an unbroken streak dating back to 2015—and seventh overall since 2003.
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION, ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND MERCHANDISING OFFICE One Hall of Fame Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Toll Free: 800.511.3029 Phone: www.SwimmingWorldMagazine.com954.462.6536 EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION ManagingEditorial@SwimmingWorld.comSeniorEditor-BobIngramBobI@SwimmingWorld.comEditor-DanD’AddonaDanD@SwimmingWorld.comDesignDirector-JosephJohnsonJoeJ@SwimmingWorld.comHistorian-BruceWigo Staff Writers - Michael J. Stott, David Rieder, Shoshanna Rutemiller, Matthew De George Fitness Trainer - J.R. Rosania Chief Photographer - Peter H. Bick SwimmingWorldMagazine.comWebMaster@SwimmingWorld.comWebMaster: ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND MERCHANDISING Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENTS Americas: Matthew De George (USA) Africa: Chaker Belhadj (TUN) Australia: Wayne Goldsmith, Ian Hanson Europe: Norbert Agh (HUN), Liz Byrnes (GBR), Camillo Cametti (ITA), Oene Rusticus (NED), Rokur Jakupsstovu (FAR) Japan: Hideki Mochizuki Middle East: Baruch “Buky” Chass, Ph.D. (ISR) South Africa: Neville Smith (RSA) South America: Jorge Aguado (ARG) PHOTOGRAPHERS/SWTV Peter H. Bick, USA Today Sports Images, Reuters, Getty Images OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF: ENDORSED BY: One Hall of Fame Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Toll Free: 800-511-3029 Phone: www.SwimmingWorldMagazine.com954-462-6536On The Cover: Carson Foster | Photo by Andrea Staccioli / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto6 SWIMMINGWORLD.COMBIWEEKLY
022 A SUMMER OF REDEMPTION FOR TEAM USA VETERAN AND DISTANCE STAR LEAH SMITH by Matthew De George After not qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team headed for Tokyo, the summer of 2021 could’ve been the end of the road for veteran Leah Smith, who had won two medals five years earlier at the Rio Olympics. But it says something about Smith’s fortitude and character that she came back from that adversity and was as good as ever at the 2022 FINA World Championships.
Defy evolution. Be first. Order now at eolab.com KYLE CHALMERS eo Swim BETTER Ambassador Olympic Champion and World-Record Holder Quantify and improve technique on the pool deck with eo SwimBETTER.
“Brent’s retirement marks the end of a much needed transitional chapter in ISHOF’s journey and yet another incredible mark for Brent on the world of aquatics,” said Steve Hasty, the Vice Chairman of the ISHOF Board. “We wish him well on his next journey.”
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Brent Rutemiller Announces Retirement As ISHOF CEO and Swimming World Magazine Publisher by John Lohn
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I want to thank everyone for all of their support over the years. Leading the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Swimming World was a privilege as well as a responsibility that I took very seriously. I believe that to truly win in life, you must first help someone else win. That is what philanthropy and running a non-profit corporation is all about. I think my inner drive to be ethical and credible has rung true through the years.
In the days ahead, a deeper look at Rutemiller’s impact will be published on the Swimming World website. For now, though, here is the letter he drafted to his staff announcing his retirement. What better words to run than those of the man who did so much during his career, and whose impact will long be appreciated.
In 2017, I committed to a five-year plan to lead ISHOF. At the time, ISHOF had just ended its relationship with Fort Lauderdale, Florida and was put on a 30-day month to month lease. The aquatic center’s grandstand was condemned, leaving the center with very few events. The museum had roof leaks and
Rutemiller has served as the CEO of ISHOF since 2017, during which time he guided the organization from financial struggles to profitability. More, Rutemiller’s leadership was the driving force behind the new ISHOF facilities which have been, and will be, constructed. While new outdoor venues have been completed, ISHOF’s new museum buildings are slated to open in 2024, offering the public the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful history of aquatic sports. Prior to assuming his ISHOF role, Rutemiller occupied several positions with Swimming World, most notably serving as publisher of the magazine and its website starting in 2002.
A fter five years as the CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame and more than 30 years in multiple roles with Swimming World Magazine, most recently as publisher, Brent Rutemiller has announced his retirement. Rutemiller’s decision comes on the heels of a courageous battle with cancer, which is in early remission, and his tenure can only be measured as highly successful.
air conditioning issues. Financially, ISHOF was in disarray after reporting a loss of $153,087 in net assets the year before. Many of my friends thought I was crazy to take on such a huge challenge to turn ISHOF around. The first couple of years were tough as we suffered through Covid-19 and a loss of sponsorships and advertisers. The loss of revenue from the museum being shut down and events canceled was unexpected. However, through it all, I am happy to report that ISHOF is more stable now with a 30-year city lease and a $277,000 profit last year. We have a new aquatic center and the first high diving tower of its kind in the world. Our relationship with Mayor Dean Trantalis and City Manager Chris Lagerbloom is strong. We have the support of the city commissioners, especially Steven Glassman who represents ISHOF’s district and sits on ISHOF’s Board of Directors. It is important to note that a lot of our success with the city came from Laura Voet, Aquatic Complex Manager, who was always there to help us maneuver through city hall. It is with great pride that I can say that we successfully merged Swimming World Magazine and its multi-media platforms with ISHOF. Combining financials was difficult but the result gave ISHOF a long-needed, powerful world-wide marketing vehicle. But more importantly, we brought a renewed mission and vision to the aquatic community. Nothing embodies that energy more than the new iconic buildings that are set to come online in 2024. The project is under the leadership of Mario Caprini, developer, financier and ISHOF Board Member.
Sincerely, Brent Rutemiller «
Joe Johnson did incredible work as our graphic designer to migrate Swimming World from a print publication into a digital asset allowing us to expand our offering to readers and advertisers. John Lohn, our Editor-In-Chief, and his staff of writers brought credibility to the written word, keeping Swimming World close to its roots as the most credible source of information in aquatics. Kyle Mills, as our Chief Technology Officer and Ashleigh Shay as our News and Advertising Manager, brought us perspectives from the next generation. A big thank you to Steve West for agreeing to become an ISHOF Board member while donating his time as a software engineer to help integrate Swimming World and ISHOF’s digital assets. Steve taught me a lot about the digital landscape over the years, starting with launching SwimInfo.com back in 1997. It was the first website in the world dedicated to aquatic news and eventually morphed into SwimmingWorld.com. Thank you, Steve.
There were key individuals along the way who made an incredible impact on ISHOF’s resurgence. Laurie Marchwinski was instrumental in running our operations. Without Laurie, we would not have been nearly as successful. She has been with the museum for more than 40 years, starting when she was 17. Marcia Meiners plowed through the financials each month, merging two corporations into one statement. It was an impossible task that many would not have agreed to tackle. Lauren Serowik successfully took on the herculean task of converting all of Swimming World subscribers to ISHOF members and maintained our databases while overseeing our swimshop and sales. Meg Keller Marvin gave me tremendous insight into the vast relationships that ISHOF has with people throughout the world. Alyssa Lovitt reconnected us with the Fort Lauderdale Community – an important relationship that was missing for years. I must recognize all the part-time employees who worked on passion and reduced salaries to digitize, catalog, and pack all ISHOF memorabilia, especially Todd Eller. It is with deep gratitude that I thank Bruce Wigo for staying on to mentor me and remain as our historian. And hats off to Bill Kent, our Board Chairman for believing that nothing is insurmountable. On the Swimming World side, my relationships go deeper, having been with Swimming World in some capacity since 1985. (I started as an educational cartoon writer for $100 a month). Bob Ingram, long-time Senior Editor since the early 1970s, made me look good as I rose to become the Publisher.
A humble thank you to the ISHOF Board of Directors for supporting me through many uncertain times. I have known Steve Hasty, Aaron Peirsol, Sandra Bucha, Tod Spieker and Dale Neuburger for many years and was proud that they served on my board. I will always value their friendship and advice. All the other board members have earned my respect and I hope that our paths will cross someday soon. I am very proud of my tenure as CEO of ISHOF. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to lead the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Swimming World. However, it is time for new leadership. My commitment was for five years and to that I must stay true. I have given my best and it is time for me to give back to my two disabled sons and my wonderful wife, Ellen, who has been by my side, supporting me at every turn. I love the aquatic family of which I have been a part of, at some level, all my life. I’m sure I will surface again in some body of water, but for now I leave ISHOF and Swimming World in good hands. Thank you for all your support and remember, if you want to win, first help someone else win!
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To the uninformed eye, the race appeared a crushing defeat for Foster, but he had actually produced the best swim of his life by an enormous margin. “I hit the wall, and I saw 4:06, which at first I thought that’s what [Marchand] went because I obviously didn’t expect him to go 4:04,” Foster said. “And then I was like, ‘Oh, I went 4:06.’”
How Carson Foster Is Fulfilling Potential as Next American Medley Star by David Rieder
]BickH.PeterCourtesy:Photo[
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Foster had knocked almost two seconds off his lifetime best, and he had become the eighth-fastest performer in history and the third-quickest American ever behind Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. That breaststroke leg that left him so far behind Marchand? The split was 1:10.32, which was quicker than Phelps swam on the way to the world record of 4:03.84 at the 2008 Olympics. Marchand had just split 1:07.28, by far the fastest breaststroke split in history, as he threatened Phelps’ world record through 350 meters before finishing in 4:04.28, the second-fastest time ever. Absolutely nothing for Foster to be ashamed about. “I felt like I kept a very positive attitude the entire race, which is huge for me,” he said. This was a swim years in the making as Foster climbed the levels of the sport, in his high school years with the Mason Manta Rays in Cincinnati and then in two years at the University of Texas. But only three months prior, Foster’s ability to perform in significant finals races had been in serious doubt. Foster’s track record was indicative of a swimmer who could swim very fast times but not in the moments that counted.
I t was the first long course World Championships final for 20-year-old American Carson Foster, and at the halfway point, he had the lead. Anointed a rising star five years earlier, Foster had been building since then toward this moment, a showcase swim with senior-level medals on the line. Day one of the 2022 World Championships brought the 400 IM, and Foster flipped into breaststroke in 1:58.18, about a halfsecond in front of France’s Leon Marchand. But then, Foster could only watch as Marchand clawed ahead and then built a substantial lead over the two lengths of breaststroke. Marchand out-split Foster by three seconds on that segment, and the race for gold was over. Foster made up some ground on freestyle and still believed he was going to run down Marchand until the final 25 meters, but the American ended up with a silver medal.
After NCAAs, Foster admitted he faced some self-doubt, particularly with just a month of turnaround time before the U.S. International Team Trials, the meet that Foster had built up as his shot at redemption after missing the Olympic team. “I was kind of in a little bit of a funk for a week,” he said. What helped to get him back on track, Foster said, was a technique called brain-spotting. Foster had learned about brain-spotting in late 2021, and he credited the practice with helping him believe in his own abilities, separate his self-worth from swimming success and relieve the pressure entering important moments. And in late April, he put all the pieces together as he qualified for Worlds. Foster admitted that having the 200 freestyle before the individual medley events helped since he could swim that event without huge expectations, and he ended up finishing third to clinch a relay spot for Budapest. A day later, Foster raced the 400 IM final, and although he again fell behind on the breaststroke leg, he surged back ahead on freestyle to secure the win.
Foster missed out on his chance to qualify for the Games, one day before the 400 IM Olympic final, Foster raced the 400 IM at a low-key meet hosted at his home pool in Austin, Texas, and he recorded a mark of 4:08.46 in the event, the fastest time in the world for 2021. In Tokyo, Kalisz and Litherland earned gold and silver, respectively, but no one in the Olympic final would surpass Foster’s time. In the aftermath, Foster described a strategy change that allowed him to conserve energy over the first half of the race and then finish strong on freestyle as he set his sights ahead to the 2022 World Championships.
“It was super satisfying. I would say that night was probably the most satisfying as I left, and then the next day, as I watched the race and looked at splits, obviously the perfectionist in me was like, ‘that was not a great race’ with the way I swam it, but execution is what matters at Trials, and times kind of go out the window as long as you get first or second,” Foster said. “It was a huge step for me in terms of confidence. The monkey is off my back. I did it. I’m going to Worlds.”
Foster was texting with Texas assistant coach Wyatt Collins about his plan for the event, and he said, “I would love to be 1:57-high in prelims, 1:56-mid to low in semis and rip a 1:55-
LEARNING TO PERFORM IN BIG MOMENTS
Listen to Foster explain what drives his swimming career, and it makes sense that he was an Olympic Trials qualifier at age 14 (he finished 43rd in his only event), a Junior Nationals winner in four events and a World Junior Championships silver medalist at age 15 and on the verge of breaking through to the senior level before he even got to college.
The 2021-22 college season saw a determined Foster hitting quick times week after week, and midway through the year, he swam his first-ever senior international competition, the Short Course World Championships, and he won two individual medals in the IM events along with a relay gold. However, at his next focus meet, the NCAA Championships, doubts about Foster began to creep in again. In Foster’s first individual race, the 200-yard IM, he ended up sixth, a full 2.5 seconds behind first-place Marchand. The next morning, Foster arrived at the McAuley Aquatic Center for the 400-yard IM prelims fully expecting to break the American record, Kalisz’s 2017 mark of 3:33.42. Foster put up a serious challenge to that record and finished in 3:33.79, then the second-fastest time ever. But that evening, Foster swam two seconds slower, and he ended up third behind Cal’s Hugo Gonzalez and Arizona State’s Marchand. Looking back now, Foster views this NCAA moment as a sign he lacked the maturity to handle the physical, emotional and mental demands of a championship meet. Channeling disappointment for a prelims race was missing the point, and he was “dead” by the time he got to the final.
“I’m just obsessed with swimming. Practice is my favorite part of the day, as weird as that sounds. I love getting in,” Foster said. “I just love finding something new in practice and having it click. It just makes my week, and then all I want to do is get in and work on it.”
CHAMPIONSHIP SETBACKS
When he arrived in Budapest, Foster swam as if he belonged, as if he deserved all the accolades as the next great American medley swimmer. He proved that in the 400 IM and again four days later in the final of the 200 IM. He clinched another silver medal in that race, again behind Marchand, as he swam under 1:56 for the first time (1:55.71).
Continued >> 11SWIMMINGWORLD.COMBIWEEKLY
Perhaps more significantly, Foster showed the poise and maturity he had been missing as recently as the NCAA Championships as he advanced through the rounds. Chilling out in prelims is a skill that takes time for young swimmers to develop because they naturally worry about swimming too slow and not advancing.
When Foster returned to Olympic Trials in 2021, he had become a serious contender to qualify for the Tokyo-bound squad in the meet’s first event, the 400 IM. Foster was the top qualifier out of prelims in the event, and he had the lead in the final for the first 280 meters when Chase Kalisz moved slightly ahead, but Foster was still in position to qualify for Tokyo until Jay Litherland used a furious finishing surge to move ahead into second place.
“I did that completely on purpose. I was fired up about the 200 IM the night before. I was ticked that I got sixth and didn’t go a time that I felt like reflected where I was in that event,” Foster said. “I think my emotions kind of got the best of me that day. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was better than my 1:40 I went the day before. I definitely learned from that lesson just don’t let my emotions carry me to being stupid at a meet like that.”
The Americans had an easier path to gold in Budapest with the Olympic-champion squad from Great Britain missing star Duncan Scott, but Foster and his U.S. teammates have fully bought into the goal of reestablishing control of that event,
Foster did not hesitate in eagerly accepting that lofty challenge.
mid at finals.” Sure enough, Foster hit those marks exactly. “It was pretty cool. It gives me a lot more confidence going into not only Worlds but also NCAAs knowing that I kind of am getting to the point where I know where each of those times feels like,” Foster said. “It’s definitely making me more comfortable going through the rounds, but I think a lot of that can be attributed to me just being more confident in myself that I’m going to be able to do it when it matters.”
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EXPECTING GREATNESS
In the aftermath of the Olympic Trials 400 IM last year, Kalisz took a moment to speak with Foster. He reassured his young challenger of his talent and his potential, and Kalisz gave Foster his phone number. Over the next year, Kalisz began providing feedback and mentorship. Kalisz made suggestions ranging from tips on where to push the pace in races and technical aspects of breaststroke what Foster should expect in each session at a major competition. “We developed a texting relationship throughout the NCAA season. He was encouraging me, watching my races and helping we with strategy. Obviously, going to Trials was a little bit of a weird switch because we were both competing to try to get spots, but he continued to help me and support me through Trials, which was super cool, especially because I was doing both of his events, and we were competing to try and make Worlds together,” Foster said. “I’ve learned a lot from him. It’s been really special. He’s been a great mentor so far, and I don’t think Chase is going to be done anytime soon, hopefully.”
Think about that: Foster is a week removed from crushing his best time to join a very small group of men who have ever been 4:06 in the 400 IM, and he’s already speaking about getting under a legendary world record, Phelps’ 4:03 that has been untouched for 14 years. Foster has always possessed the physical tools to make that happen, but it’s the mental fortitude shown through his World Championships debut that puts such astounding goals into the realm of realistic. That mindset does not only apply to Foster’s individual swims. The day after his 200 IM at Worlds, Foster joined a U.S. men’s 800 freestyle relay seeking a return to the medal podium after a devastating fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Games. Foster handled the second leg after Drew Kibler, a teammate of Foster’s at the University of Texas, and Trenton Julian and Kieran Smith finished off a gold-medal performance for a group of men all age 23 or younger.
One year after their Trials introduction, Kalisz was again at Foster’s side after Foster clinched his World Championship silver medal in the 400 IM, and immediately, Kalisz spelled out the future he believed Foster was capable of. He pointed to Marchand’s 4:04. “That’s Carson’s next goal,” Kalisz said. “I know Carson has big dreams and big goals, and he wants to compete for a gold.”
“I left that race obviously pumped up about my 4:06, but I was like, ‘Alright, this is the new standard.’ I fully expect that I’m going to be racing Leon for years to come, God-willing. We’re going to create a great rivalry hopefully. 4:04 is now the standard, and if you want to win, you’ve got to be 4:03,” Foster said. The idea of chasing Marchand will motivate Foster through practices, and he wants to use Marchand’s inspiration to lower his breaststroke splits to a more competitive but also to better capitalize on his own strengths.
“There’s only a certain point I’m going to get my breaststroke to if I’m not a natural breaststroker like Leon,” Foster said. “For me, it’s doing what Leon is doing. It’s making his weak stroke solid and really capitalizing on his best stroke, and my best strokes are obviously fly and back, so I’ve just got to try to capitalize on those. If I’m going to go 4:03 or we’re going to push each other to try to go 4:02, we’re not going to be able to have a weak stroke.”
BUILDING FOR MORE
“The expectation was from the minute we left trials try to win that relay. Obviously, it would have been a lot closer if Duncan would have been there,” Foster said. “Now, our mission is to keep it. Great Britain is not going away anytime soon. Australia is going to continue to improve that relay, so it’s not going to be easy, and we know that. Our goal going into that really was to get the world record. We got unfinished business there as well. All four of us are completely expecting to be back there next year and try to go 6:57 or 6:58.”
It would be inappropriate to describe Foster’s journey through swimming without mentioning the swimmer who has been on the journey with him almost the entire way: his older brother Jake. They have trained together their entire lives except for the one year when Jake had started college and Carson was a high school senior. They are both individual medley specialists, although Jake’s best stroke is breaststroke. Carson admitted that he chose Texas as his college home because Jake was already there. “Jake and I have gotten so much closer in college. We’re best friends, and there’s very few nights during the year where we’re not hanging out,” Carson said. “I’m not going to lie. It does get heated during practice. Jake and I are both pretty good at being reserved during practice toward other people. We don’t like to yell at other people that much, but if it’s one of us doing something to the other person, being a Sally Save-up or going hard in warmup, one of us is going to get on each other. I think everyone in our group will attest to that.”
Jake will have another championship meet opportunity later this month at U.S. Nationals in Irvine, Calif., where he will aim for times among the best in the country in the 200 breast and the medley events. Carson, meanwhile, will skip Nationals after his busy racing schedule in the spring and summer, but he will swim a pair of events (200 butterfly and 200 backstroke) at a Sectionals meet in Austin this weekend before winding down his season. And as he finishes off the summer and prepares to move into a 2022-23 season that will include his third collegiate campaign for the Longhorns and end with another World Championships, Foster is feeling as assured as ever about his swimming, his place in the sport and his future. The physical skills and the approach to training have always been there, and over the past few months, Foster’s mindset and mental preparation for the biggest races have allowed him to swim freely and show what he is capable of. “Seeing how fast I can go, that’s the most fun part about swimming to me,” Foster said. “Obviously, there’s going to be a point somewhere down the road where I’m not getting faster, and I think I’ll be content with just loving the sport no matter what it’s giving me. I think for right now, though, swimming free is just being in the ready room or being at practice and being like, ‘All right, let’s do something I’ve never done before.’ And that’s what excites me.” « From top aquatic facilities to miles of warm beaches and waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is the ideal spot for your next event. Dive in at VisitLauderdale.com/Sports. TO A
Welcome
just like the Americans possessed during the Phelps-Lochte era from 2004 to 2016.
At the 2021 Olympic Trials, Jake finished fifth in the 400 IM and sixth in the 200 breast, and this year, he came within a second of qualifying for the World Championships in the 200 breast with a third-place finish. On his brother’s swimming success, Carson said, “It’s probably hard. I’ve gotten a little more attention for my swimming to this point, and I think that Jake is going to start hitting the spotlight pretty soon with what I think he has in store for the next couple years.”
>> Carson Foster with Leon Marchand & Chase Kalisz
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WONDERLANDWATER
How do you rewrite the rule so that swimmers are still prevented from kicking underwater past 15 meters. Simple: look at the guidelines used by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The rule is almost identical to the one utilized by FINA and USA Swimming, except the last sentence reads: “After breaking the surface of the water, the swimmer must remain on the surface except for turns and finishes.”
Commentary: Backstroke Finish Rule Needs Change After Justin Ress DQ Ordeal by David Rieder
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It was a pure moment of triumph for two American sprint backstrokers. Justin Ress had edged out world-record holder Hunter Armstrong to win the world title in the 50 backstroke, and the two men raised their arm in celebration. But moments later, the scoreboard flipped, and Armstrong was listed as the gold medalist with Ress disqualified for fully submerging at the finish. After a confusing hour that included Armstrong accepting the gold medal and a long video review, the DQ was overturned, and Ress was reinstated as the winner. Armstrong gladly handed over the gold medal to his teammate. The situation was resolved with the rightful winner leaving Budapest with a gold medal, but why was the Ress victory ever in doubt? Officials disqualified the 24-year-old for fully submerging at the finish as he lunged for the wall. The technique Ress utilized at the end of his race is fairly common among backstrokers, throwing the head back after the last stroke and using a final dolphin-kick motion to reach for the wall. There is considerable debate whether this motion is actually more efficient than simply reaching back on the final stroke, but Ress and his coaches clearly believed the lunging finish was best for him. The problem only arises if a swimmer lunges so far back and ends up completely underwater. According to the official rules for backstroke, “Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it is permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and after each turn.” That rule was designed to prevent swimmers from gaining too much of an advantage from their underwater dolphin kicks off the start and each turn. Since the early 1990s, backstrokers have only been permitted to go 15 meters before emerging. The finish is, of course, well past 15 meters, so underwater finishes are out. Clearly the rule was not written to regulate finishes, but the wording of the rule necessitates its application, and it’s not abnormal to see backstrokers disqualified for infractions at the finish.
Well, the wording of the rule needs to change. It’s time for FINA and the other powers in swimming to rewrite the guideline so no swimmer at the World Championships or your local club meet is DQ’ed for a tick-tack infraction on a backstroke finish.
]Insidefoto/Deepbluemedia/StaccioliAndreaCourtesy:Photo[
Consider most of the common reasons for a disqualification in swimming: false start (in an individual event or relay), non-simultaneous motion or touch on breaststroke or butterfly, kicking too far underwater or an extra dolphin kick on breaststroke. All of these violations provide an unfair advantage for a swimmer. A backstroke finish where the swimmer dips an inch or two underwater? No advantage — so why does this need to be a disqualifying offense?
Make an exception for finishes. It’s that simple. It will save headaches at swim meets across the world, and it will save swimmers ranging from age groupers to world-record holders (like Armstrong) from feeling like a victory was fraudulent. This would not be the first time in recent memory that swimming has undergone a significant rule change to bring out better fairness. It has only been since 2005 that a single dolphin kick has been allowed in each breaststroke pullout, and that rule brought about much more significant change than an adjustment on backstroke finishes would. Of course, if FINA is already making changes in backstroke, it makes sense to get rid of the delay-initiating-turn rule on backstroke, another global source of frustration. High school swimming and college swimming have dropped the rule, and it makes sense. A swimmer gliding or kicking into the wall on a backstroke flip turn would only be slowing himself or herself down. No need for a penalty if the swimmer is getting no extra advantage!
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Let’s be clear: no one is suggesting there need to be massive overhauls to stroke technique. Just make some tweaks. These changes would make the sport a smoother experience for youth swimmers, masters swimmers and world champions alike, and they would help ensure that the most deserving swimmers are the ones receiving the medals.«
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NAVY NCAA PREP PRACTICE (March 17, 2022 - SCY) BY MICHAEL
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Note: 25s: hold race tempo and drop 1 stroke per 26 in pairs 2nd group: hold race tempo & DEC time in pairs 3rd group: SWOLF at/close to race tempo; DEC in pairs Rest: 3:00 Main: 100 race preparation 1800 (Duration: 37:20) EGYTYPESTKPACE 2x {2 x 50 @ 1:15 (20y fast/30m cruise) EN2SSTK1:15 {2 x 50 @ 1:30 (40 fast/10 cruise)EN3 SSTK 1:30 {2 x 100 @ 2:00 (60/40) EN3 SSTK1:00 {1 x 100 @ 2:30 (80 fast/20 cruise) SP2SSTK1:15 {8 x 50 @ :50 (BC 6/5/4/3
STOTT HOW THEY TRAIN MAULDINCALEB SPONSORED BY Warm-up 1500 (Duration: 24:50) EGYTYPESTKPACE 1x {6 x 50 @ :55 (see note below) RECSFRC:55 {1 x 100 @ 1:30 (excellent turns) EN1SFRC:45 {6 x 50 @ :55 (see note) RECSFRC:55 {1 x 200 @ 2:50 (excellent turns) EN1SFRC :43 {6 x 50 @ :55 (see note) RECSFRC:55 {1 x 300 @ 4:00 (excellent turns) EN1SFRC:40 Note: 50s: O: open + inc speed turns, E: 3 turn 50s Add Toe OR agility for group 2, Change paddles for group 3 Rest: 3:00 Pre: hold on the water 800 (Duration: 16:00) EGYTYPESTKPACE 1x {6 x 25 @ :30 (see note) EN2SSTK1:00 {1 x 50 @ 1:00 (swim close to where you finished) EN2SSTK1:00 {1 x 50 @ 1:00 (easy) RECSF-C1:00 {6 x 25 @ :30 (see note) EN2 S STK1:00 {1 x 50 @ 1:00 (swim close to where you finished) EN2SSTK1:00 {1 x 50 @ 1:00
S ubmarine posting may be known as the silent service, but there was nothing quiet about Midshipman Caleb Mauldin’s performances while swimming for the Naval Academy. Mauldin completed his academic time in Annapolis with impressive showings at February’s Patriot League Championships, helping the Middies win for the 18th straight year. In his individual events, Mauldin won the 100 yard back (46.12) and finished third in both the 100 free (43.92) and 100 fly (47.12). For context, he holds eight of the top times in Navy history in the 100 back and three of the top 10 in the 200 back, and he also ranks eighth in the 100 fly. “Where he excelled was on relays,” says his coach, Bill Roberts. “He would often set the tone as a backstroker.” At the PLC meet, Mauldin led off both winning medley relays with backstroke splits of 21.50 and 46.00. “If he swam fly or free, he was one of our most reliable and exciting relay swimmers.” In the 200 (second) and 400 freestyle relays (first), Mauldin registered anchor splits of 19.97 and 43.01. “Caleb is one of the most dedicated athletes I have ever coached,” says Roberts. “He is a terrific student of the sport. He takes any piece of information or idea and pursues it to its fullest. It is the reason he improved in multiple events while at Navy. “He came to us as a very skilled underwater swimmer from Coach Steve Bialorucki’s program at ODAC (Old Dominion Aquatic Club, Va.) and continued to get better. In our kick sets, we had a hard time keeping up with him, as he essentially met any interval we threw at him. Fins or no fins, front side/backside, dolphin or flutter, Caleb was operating in the fastest interval lanes at all times. During his senior year, he began wearing two pairs of socks—one over his feet and one over his ankles. This was a terrific addition and was a challenge he mastered. “One area where he may have struggled was during the middle of a training cycle. His effort was always there. However, with a limited number of meets, he just could not replicate his traditional performances in the midst of high training. “Yet Caleb was very resilient. Freshman year during our winter training camp, he had an emergency appendectomy. After several weeks, he returned to training, nearly regained peak form, and was named rookie of the Patriot League Championships. As a senior against Army, he set pool (breaking Michael Phelps’ record), meet, league and Service Academy records with his 45.82 in the 100 back,” says Roberts. J. (easy) RECSF-C1:00 {6 x 25 @ :30 (see note) EN2SSTK1:00 {1 x 50 @ 1:00 (swim close to where you finished) EN2 S STK1:00 {1 x 100 @ 2:00 (easy) REC S F-C1:00
in pairs) EN1SFR:50 Rest: 3:00 Starts 150 (Duration: 7:30) EGYTYPESTKPACE 1x {6 x 25 @ 1:15 (resistance for 4 of 6) SP3 DSTK 2:30 Rest: 3:00 Recovery 600 (Duration: 10:00) EGYTYPESTKPACE 1 x {8 x 75 @ 1:15 (see note) RECSFRC:50 Note: 1 & 5: 1st 25 FL, 2 & 6: 2nd 25 FL, 3 & 7: last 25 FL, 4 & 8: choice Total Distance: 4,850 yards (Duration: 1:47:40, Stress: 92, Swims: 9) vTOTAL ACCESS MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO SEE CALEB MAULDIN’S PROGRESSION OF TIMES. NOT A TOTAL ACCESS MEMBER? YOU’RE JUST A CLICK AWAY: SWIMMINGWORLD.COM/VAULT Courtesy:Photo[ AthleticsNavyHoffmann,Phil ] 16 SWIMMINGWORLD.COMBIWEEKLY
]InsidefotoDeepbluemediaStaccioliAndreaCourtesy:Photo[>>
China Wraps up World Championships in Diving Medals by Matthew De George Chang Yani & Chen Yiwen
13-for-13
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All told, China took 17 medals from 13 events, with 13 golds, two bronze and two silver. (Each nation was limited to one synchro pairing.) Great Britain was second on the medal table with six medals (three silver, three bronze) followed by the U.S. and Canada with three each. The U.S. has the edge with two Thesilvers.American pair of Zachary Cooper and Maxwell Flory finished eighth in the 10-meter synchro. Sarah Bacon was third in the preliminary round of the 3-meter springboard but finished fifth in finals, 51 points off the medal stand. Josh Hedberg went from fifth in prelims in the men’s 10-meter platform to 11th place overall. «
C hina swept the last three diving medals at the 2022 FINA World Championships over the final two days of competition, completing a perfect 13-for-13 run for the diving Twosuperpower.ofthose came via the women’s program. On Saturday, Chen Yiwen won the women’s 3-meter springboard, 35 points clear of Canada’s Mia Vallee. The bronze went to Chang Yani. It was no surprise, then, when on Sunday, Chen and Chang won the women’s 3-meter synchro title. They tallied 343.14 points, 40 points clear of the Japanese duo Rin Kaneto and Sayaka Mikami. Australia picked up its second medal of the meet, via Maddison Keeney and Anabelle Smith in bronze. That just left the men’s 10-meter platform. Yang Hao and Lian Junjie had won the synchro event, with Yang and Yang Jian in the individual event. Yang Jian won the event in 2019, earned bronze in 2017 and silver at the Tokyo Olympics. A bad third round, though, sent Yang Jian’s to third and had Yang Hao in second place. But the 28-year-old Yang Jian rallied in the fifth round, doing enough to get to 515.55 points and jump Japanese teen Rikuta Tamai to gold. Yang Hao was third. Chang and Chen had no such drama in the women’s synchro event, pulling away “Theearly. diving here was amazing,” Chang told FINA’s website. “We enjoyed the audience… They gave us a lot of energy and power, so we would like to thank it, we are very grateful for them.”
Ryann Nueshul added a hat trick. Ashleigh Johnson made 10 saves. Musselman was named the MVP of the final. She joined Johnson, the top goalkeeper of the tournament, on the media all-star team.
]Insidefoto/DeepbluemediaStaccioliAndreaCourtesy:Photo[>> Asleigh Johnson 18 SWIMMINGWORLD.COMBIWEEKLY
It’s the fourth consecutive title for the U.S., an unbroken streak dating back to 2015, and seventh overall, since 2003.
It’s the fourth Worlds gold medal for Rachel Fattal, Musselman and Maggie Steffens. (Steffens has three Olympics golds, Fattal and Musselman two each.) Kaleigh Gilchrist, Johnson and Stephania Haralabidis each won their third. It’s the second for Jordan Raney. Six members of the team won their first Worlds medal, with Neushul joining her sisters Kiley Neushul and Jamie Neushul as World Champions. Steffens scored the other goal for the U.S., which put them up 4-3 at half after playing catch-up most of the first half. Neushul made it 5-3 after the break, and Musselman and Neushul opened the lead to 7-4 after three quarters. A Neushul goal to start the fourth was all the space that Johnson would need, at an 8-4 lead. It would get close, with Hungary closing within 8-7. But Musselman buried a penalty shot, the second of the day for the United States, to make it 9-7 and seal the win. Greta Gurisatti tallied a hat trick for Hungary, and Rita Keszthelyi added two goals. Hungary was just 3-for-11 on power plays. “We know every time we go into a game with Hungary, we’re going to get their best,” U.S. coach Adam Krikorian said. “They’re a very talented and competitive group. We obviously got a great game today. I’d have to say the difference was out defense. Our defense was phenomenal throughout the entire game. I don’t think we were very pretty offensively, but when you play defense like and you block the ball as well as we did, you’re always going to be in the game. “And also just our composure. I can’t speak enough of how unfazed we are in difficult situations and moments. It doesn’t get any more difficult than playing in front of five, six thousand Hungarian fans.” Netherlands defeated Italy, 7-5, for the bronze medal.« Wins Straight De George
nzcordz.com 800.886.6621 SWIM FASTER,SWIMSTRONGER SWIM MART Maddie Musselman Scores Five Goals; U.S. Women’s Water Polo
B ehind five goals from the sensational Maddie Musselman, the United States overcame Hungary, 9-7, in the women’s water polo final at the 2022 FINA World Championships.
Fourth
Title by Matthew
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Before
One day earlier, Michael Gross had won gold in the 200 free in 1:47.44, a new world record. Now, he would anchor West Germany’s relay, but earlier that night Gross had touched out American favorite Pablo Morales for gold in the 100 butterfly. For the Americans, Heath and Float had finished second and fourth, respectively, in the 200 free, but they were finished with their legs, and now it was all on Hayes, whose lifetime best in the 200 free was more than two seconds behind the new world record Gross had established. “Our plan, which we had talked about at length, was to have an insurmountable lead of about four seconds by the time I went in the water,” Hayes told Swimming World in 2014. “But the race didn’t play out that way, and I only had a lead of about a second-and-a-half. I could tell that the lead wasn’t as large as we had hoped it would be, so I just tried not to Thepanic.”Americans had established a tradition of victory in the 800 free relay, with only one loss at the Olympics since World War II. But Gross, known as “The Albatross,” seemingly extinguished the hopes of another trip to the top of the podium as he caught up to Hayes in the first 100 meters and then pulled ahead on the third lap. The crowd of more than 10,000, mostly supporting the United States, had gone quiet. It looked like Gross was about to pull away for his third Olympic gold medal of the meet. But Hayes saw a glimmer of hope. He had prided himself on having great finishing speed, so even if his lead was gone and he was racing the world-record holder, Hayes thought that maybe he had that last little bit left to give. And he did.
A t the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, Bruce Hayes stood on the blocks awaiting the biggest moment of his swimming career with the hopes of an entire U.S. team riding on his swimming over the next four lengths. Hayes was diving in to anchor the American men’s 800 freestyle relay, and teammates Mike Heath, David Larson and Jeff Float handed him a lead of 1.56 seconds over West Germany.
“I was always confident in my ability to close out a race on the final 50,” Hayes said in 2014. “In a weird way, maybe it the Heroics of Jason Lezak, American Bruce Hayes Delivered Gross-Busting Anchor for 1984 Relay Gold by Matthew De George
]MorseTimCourtesy:Photo[ 20 SWIMMINGWORLD.COMBIWEEKLY
Hayes increased his tempo and increased his kick. Everything was on the line, and Hayes was desperately thrashing to try to get back ahead of the steadfast Gross. Hayes pulled alongside Gross with 10 meters to go, and with five meters to go, Hayes stopped breathing and lunged for the wall.
A second-and-a-half advantage entering the anchor leg of a relay in an Olympic final? Sounds perfect — but not here. Not with the world’s best swimmer anchoring for West Germany.
In swimming lore, this race stands the test of time as one of the all-time great swimming relays, and really the only comparison is the 400 free relay at the 2008 Olympics, a race strikingly similar in nature to this one in 1984: a veteran anchor with the best swim of his life to pull off a stunner for gold after coming from behind to touch out an individual world-record holder. In both races, the top two teams crushed the world record by a huge margin.
When Gross didn’t pull away from me on the third 50, I knew I had a chance to run him down. As I started to catch him, I could hear the crowd going wild and I just put my head down and focused on having a good touch. The final 10 meters was really a blur.” Hayes hit the wall first in 7:15.69, just four hundredths ahead of Gross and West Germany (7:15.73). Both teams were more than three seconds under the existing world record of 7:18.87, established by the United States earlier that day in Grossqualifying.hadsplit 1:46.81, the fastest split in history to that point and more than a half-second quicker than his flat-start world record from the day before, but the out-of-body swim that Hayes found in this moment produced a split of 1:48.41, 1.41 seconds quicker than his lifetime-best time in the individual Lookingrace. back on that accomplishment decades later, Hayes most remembers “the moment after I touched when I turned around to look at the scoreboard and saw the ‘1’ next to our lane. I didn’t even notice the time at first or how close the race was. I just knew that we had won and started jumping up and down in the water.”
So long before Jason Lezak became famous for his heroics against France’s Alain Bernard in 2008, there was Bruce Hayes. Maybe this race never reached the same level of fame as it would have in the age of YouTube, but a mere four hundredths of a second, half the margin of victory in the 2008 relay between Lezak and Bernard, enshrined Hayes as an American sports legend. «
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helped for me to be a little behind heading into the final lap.
This race was the highlight of the swimming portion of the 1984 Games, an event boycotted by the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries as retribution for the U.S. and its allies skipping the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. The Americans were utterly dominant in LA, winning gold medals in 20 out of 29 events and capturing more than a third of the total medals awarded (34 out of 87), but the drama of this race earned the quartet of Leak, Larson, Float and Hayes a front-page spread in the Los Angeles Herald Examiner with the caption “Gross Busters.”
T he summer of 2021 could’ve been the end of the road for Leah Smith on the global swimming stage. The ingredients were all there. Smith won two medals at the Rio Olympics. Five years later, she was four years postgrad and on the outside looking in at the team for the Tokyo Olympics. A combination of tough breaks at Trials in Omaha, the unsuccessful search to find an angle in new events and the unrelenting stream of young talent in the distance freestyle events where – to begin with – everyone is chasing the one non-Katie Ledecky spot … it all conspired against Smith. And it could’ve marked the last we saw of Smith on the international stage. But it says something about Smith’s fortitude and character that she came back from that adversity and was as good as ever at the 2022 FINA World Championships. Smith was excellent in Budapest. Though she didn’t make the final in the 200 free, an odd event for an otherwise dominant American effort, she won bronze behind Ledecky in the 400 free. She was also part of the best swim of the meet, according to FINA ranking points, the American women’s 800 free relay, which won gold in 7:41.45.
A Summer of Redemption for Team USA Veteran and Distance Star Leah Smith by Matthew De Geor ge
Smith proved that last summer’s Trials was the aberration. She seemed to be constantly chasing in that meet, after falling short in the 400 IM. A 4:37 in the months leading up to Omaha made for a “crunch time decision” on whether she’d opt for the 400 IM or try to qualify for the first ever Olympic 1,500 free. She went for the latter, finished fourth on the opening day in Omaha, and never really got back on track. The rest of the program seemed to be a game of whack-a-mole, of swims and scratches. She passed on the 1,500 to focus on the 800, and missed the final in 10th. She led the way in prelims of the 200 freestyle but was eight in the semis and final. The kicker was that her prelims time of 1:57.52 would’ve been fifth int eh final, earning her a relay spot. Factor in the immense young talent emerging around her –Bella Sims in the 200, Paige Madden in the 400, Katie Grimes in the 800 and Erica Sullivan in the 1,500 – and Smith could’ve seen this as the end of her time on the
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Instead, she likely saw it for what it was: To make an Olympic team as an American, you need to have a good performance at Trials and get a little luck. Smith had neither. But she refocused, the University of Virginia grad jolting her training with a move to the University of Texas (where Sullivan also trains). She went back to her wheelhouse, focusing on a narrower range of swims, as many mid- to late20s swimmers do. And the reward was not just a place in Budapest but improvement from the disappointment of 2021. Smith didn’t just qualify in the 200 and 400 freestyle. She set her best time in the former since 2018. In the latter, she got to within 1.5 seconds of her best time, from 2016. And her performance in the 400 free final, going from the fifth seed in prelims to a late charge down the stretch to pip Australia’s Lani Pallister at the wall by .08 seconds, was the kind of gutsy swim that has typified her stellar career.
“It means a lot,” Smith said. “I think that’s my third podium at Worlds with Katie in the 400. It doesn’t get old, such an honor and I am really excited that we were able to get two Americans on the podium in the first night.”
international scene.
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Coming in the event where she won her individual bronze medal, behind Ledecky and Jaz Carlin in 2016, seemed a fitting, full-circle moment.
>> Team USA’s winning World Championships 800 freestyle relay: (From left): Katie Ledecky, Leah Smith, Claire Weinstein and Bella Sims
Smith played a vital role in Budapest. The youth of the American delegation required leadership. Smith provided that, alongside Ledecky, in leading the U.S. to the most successful Worlds ever. She’s had a long enough career that swimmers she shares a relay with could’ve grown up as swimmers idolizing her. If there’s any doubt as to Smith’s standing in American swimming, refer to the elation in Rowdy Gaines’ voice on the broadcast at seeing her nab bronze. Or the comments on her Instagram posts from Budapest, a who’s who of American swimmers, many of the rivals she has to fend off at Trials. To an individual, they seemed utterly elated to see her succeed on the global stage again. That’s the esteem in which Smith is held in U.S. swimming. It’s a presence that will continue to loom through at least Paris.
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K ieran Smith had his arms in the air before any other anchor swimmer had touched the wall. He motioned as if to say, “Bring it on,” and then he turned to his teammates for rousing high-fives. Finally, he took a seat on the lane line, raised his arms once again and slammed the water. Of the many American relay victories over the years at the World Championships, this particular triumph in the men’s 800 freestyle relay meant something extra. After all, the Americans were less than 11 months removed from finishing fourth in the event at the Tokyo Olympics, the first U.S. relay in any swimming event ever to finish lower than third at an Now,Olympics.theAmericans
are back on top, with their first world title in the 800 free relay since 2013 and their first gold medal at a major international competition since 2016, when the team of Conor Dwyer, Townley Haas, Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps raced for the Stars and Stripes. A strong performance in the 200 freestyle at the U.S. International Team Trials in April, where Smith, Drew Kibler and Carson Foster all swam in the 1:45-mid range, was a promising development, and in Budapest, those three plus Trenton Julian keyed a threesecond, swagger-boosting victory. This event marked the fourth relay gold medal for the U.S. this week, and the Americans finished with five relay golds overall after winning just two at last year’s Olympics. They topped their medal tally from last year’s Tokyo Olympics with two days of competition remaining, and they ended up with an enormous total: 45 medals, the most ever by one country at a World Championships, shattering the previous record of 38 from 2017. They finished with 17 gold medals
However, it is crucial to remember the realities of this week’s competition: this was not a full-scale World Championships. Not by a long shot. All throughout the meet, this storyline was unshakeable. For one reason or another, so many stars of the Tokyo Olympics Budapest Mirage? Assessing U.S. Dominance at World ChampionshipsbyDavidRieder
“Itoverall.was an incredible eight days with this team,” U.S. men’s team captain Ryan Murphy said. “I felt like we just kind of put our heads down, 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 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.”
]Insidefoto/DeepbluemediaStaccioliAndreaCourtesy:Photo[
when the World Championships are not a true representation of the best the world has to offer, it’s important to properly contextualize these results, especially with the eyes of the swimming world already peering ahead to the Paris Olympics just two short years away. The U.S. squad captured 12 individual golds this week, but only five of those were won against a full-strength field. Ledecky did not have to contend with Titmus in the 400 free. Murphy’s first individual world title in Thursday’s 200 backstroke came against a field lacking the suspended Rylov, Murphy’s nemesis in the event over the past five years. Huske delivered a stellar performance in the women’s 100 butterfly to win gold, but Olympic champion Maggie Mac Neil was absent. Take nothing away from these well-deserved gold medals, but understand the realities.
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If we are to truly judge the best swimmers in the world for 2022, let’s wait. Let’s see what sort of times the missing Australian and European stars can produce at the Commonwealth Games or European Championships in just over one month’s time. Compare the results from everyone’s focus meet for the year to calculate supremacy. That will give a more accurate assessment for this year than simply zeroing in on Budapest. It has been an extremely strong week of performances for the United States, and it has been particularly impressive to watch young swimmers like Foster, Huske, Alex Walsh and Katie Grimes take the next steps in their careers. This week’s breakout swimmers can, should and will use confidence derived from Budapest to build off in the leadup to the Paris Games. But let’s wait a month or two to let the full picture of world swimming for 2022 unfold. Caeleb Dressel
« >>
The team of Regan Smith, Lilly King, Torri Huske and Claire Curzan all posted solid splits, nothing spectacular but enough to get the job done for a half-second victory over Australia.
Of course, every swimmer and relay team that earned a medal this week deserves to be commended. They raced against the field present, and the results are legitimate. But we still must consider the Inwhat-if.the aforementioned men’s 800 free relay, the Americans’ time of 7:00.24 would have been quick enough to win Olympic silver last year, but it was more than a second-and-a-half behind the winning time of Great Britain. The British team is without Duncan Scott, who split 1:43.45 on the anchor leg of the Olympic quartet. The British won bronze in Budapest, but replace the slowest leg of that relay with another 1:43 for Scott, and the Brits likely have enough to sneak by the Americans.
The final event of the World Championships saw the U.S. women hold off Australia for gold in the 400 medley relay.
Yes, these are hypothetical situations. Yes, the Americans won world titles fair and square. And yes, all the relay wins signs of enormous progress in a short amount of time. But
How about the women’s 800 free relay? The U.S. women were at risk of missing the podium after a shaky 200 freestyle behind Katie Ledecky at April’s Trials, but they rallied to take gold Wednesday evening, largely fueled by a career-best performance from Ledecky and a stunning 1:54.60 anchor split from 17-year-old Bella Sims. Australia was 2.41 seconds behind to earn silver, but what would have happened if Titmus was part of that quartet? Last month, Titmus clocked in at 1:53.31 at the Australian Championships, the fastest time in the world this year. There’s a good chance her presence could have helped push the Aussies over the top.
never made it to Budapest, including Emma McKeon, Ariarne Titmus, Evgeny Rylov and Adam Peaty. Kaylee McKeown was a late scratch from the 100 backstroke, and Caeleb Dressel swam just two events and the prelims of a third before he was done for the week.
The Americans got a big advantage on Huske’s butterfly leg against Australia’s Brianna Throssell, but what if relay veteran McKeon is handling that leg like usual? It would have been much tougher for Huske to build a lead and give Curzan a shot against Aussie anchor Mollie O’Callaghan.
AWARDS, RIBBONS & MEDALS Hasty www.hastyawards.com...............................................(800)Awards 448.7714 From the humble beginnings in a small woodshop of our founder who couldn’t find swim-specific awards for his athletes to supplying awards to events around the globe, Hasty Awards is proud to serve the swimming community. For over 30 years, we have had the pleasure of helping coaches and parent volunteers recognize the achievements of millions of swimmers with our exclusive medals, high-point and team trophies. Also knowing that the best way to promote your event or club is to customize your awards, our team will take your existing artwork or help you create your own logo to use on a wide range of awards from medals, ribbons, pins, plaques and trophies. Place your order online at www.hastyawards. com, or we would love to personally hear from you at 800448-7714. Swimming on the www.runningonthewall.com....................................(928)Wall 554.4910 At Swimming on the Wall, we know how much discipline and dedication are needed to win medals. Each and every one of them is precious. Visit our online storefront to create your own Wall of Fame to display your medals on your wall or wherever you want to show them off. Enjoy our selection of medal holders with tons of inspirational quotes, multiple colors, designs and sizes. We also carry matching motivational swimming tees and accessories as well. Show off the champion you are. BACKSTROKE FLAGS Competitor www.competitorswim.com.......................(800)Swim 888.7946 (SWIM) CHLORINE REMOVAL www.trihard.com..........................................................(305)TRIHARD 733.8457 CUSTOM CAPS AND TEAM GEAR Hasty www.hastyawards.com...............................................(800)Awards 448.7714 www.SwimOutlet.com...............................................(800)SwimOutlet.com 691.4065 DIVING BOARDS Spectrum www.spectrumaquatics.com....................................(406)Aquatics 532.6352 www.srsmith.com.........................................................(800)S.R.Smith 824.4387 EYE CARE www.trihard.com........................................................(305)TRIHARD 733.8457 FINS & SNORKELS FINIS www.finisswim.com.....................................................(888) 333.4647 Our vision is to help every person in the world enjoy the water and simplify swimming through innovation and high-quality products. SWIMMING WORLD PRESENTS 2022 AQUATIC DIRECTORY VISIT OUR ONLINE RESOURCE AT swimmingworld.com/aquatic-directory 26 SWIMMINGWORLD.COMBIWEEKLY
TYR www.tyr.com...................................................................(800)Sport 252.7878 GOGGLES & ANTI-FOG FINIS www.finisswim.com.....................................................(888) 333.4647 www.SwimOutlet.com.................................................(800)SwimOutlet.com 691.4065 TYR www.tyr.com...................................................................(800)Sport 252.7878 HAIR PRODUCTS TRIHARD www.trihard.com..........................................................(305) 733.8457 TRIHARD, the fastest-growing swim-care brand, fights the adverse effects of chlorine, bromine and ocean salts by providing pre- and post-swim solutions powered by PLECOTECH™, the proprietary technology thoroughly created to support aquatic athletes around the world, based on the optimal ratio of natural red algae, dead sea minerals and botanical extracts. Impressed by the unique technology and the effectiveness of the entire product line, thousands of athletes worldwide joined the TRIHARD community, continuously endorsing the brand to the aquatic community from kids to adults and from recreational activities to professional athletes. LANE LINES & REELS Competitor www.competitorswim.com.......................(800)Swim 888.7946 (SWIM) Competitor® Racing Lanes are the recognized choice for lane lines, providing superior wave-quelling performance proven to outperform other leading products by 20 percent. Made in the USA for more than 50 years, and fully guaranteed for durability and performance, Competitor is the Official Lane Line of USA Swimming and the NCAA Championships. Competitor Racing Lanes employ a unique flow-through system that provides consistent wave quelling from one lane to another, a unique feature not found in other products on the market. Competitor swim lanes also feature Lifespan+™ a new, proprietary protective formula that provides cutting-edge polymer- and color-stabilization components to substantially increase product life in harsh pool environments. Competitor Swim offers a complete line of swim products, including storage reels, pace clocks and backstroke flags. Spectrum www.spectrumaquatics.com....................................(406)Aquatics 532.6352 LIFEGUARD EQUIPMENT Spectrum www.spectrumaquatics.com....................................(406)Aquatics 532.6352 www.SwimOutlet.com.................................................(800)SwimOutlet.com 691.4065 BRAND YOUR BLOCKS It’s time to show the competition who they’re up against. YEARS Aquatics Contact us for custom starting platforms. www.spectrumproducts.com | info@spectrumproducts.com | 800.791.8056 Spectrum Starting Blocks: •Are available with your logos & colors • Are hybrid compatible • Are retrofitable • Fit any waterdraft • Fit any deck profile CONTINUED ON 28 >> 27SWIMMINGWORLD.COMBIWEEKLY
PACE CLOCKS Competitor www.competitorswim.com.......................(800)Swim 888.7946 (SWIM) PADDLES & PULL BUOYS FINIS www.finisswim.com.....................................................(888) 333.4647 TYR www.tyr.com...................................................................(800)Sport 252.7878 POOL ACCESS EQUIPMENT Spectrum Aquatics www.spectrumaquatics.com....................................(406) 532.6352 S.R.Smith www.srsmith.com.........................................................(800) 824.4387 POOL CONSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT Competitor www.competitorswim.com.......................(800)Swim 888.7946 (SWIM) S.R.Smith www.srsmith.com.........................................................(800) 824.4387 Since 1932, S.R.Smith (now part of the Fluidra family of brands) has manufactured high-quality products for residential swimming pools and commercial aquatic facilities. Products include ladders & rails, thermal pool covers, bulkheads, diving boards, slides, pool lighting, starting blocks, lifeguard chairs, lane line reels, pool games, water features and a full line of ADA-compliant pool lifts. And for people who design and build aquatic facilities, we have created configuration tools to make it easier to select the S.R.Smith products needed. Through a network of distributors, we offer products for new construction, remodel and the aquatic service industries. For more information, visit www.srsmith.com. SUITMATE® by Extractor www.suitmate.com.....................................................(847)Corporation 742.3532 www.SwimOutlet.com...............................................(800)SwimOutlet.com 691.4065 POOL CONSULTANTS Competitor www.competitorswim.com.......................(800)Swim 888.7946 (SWIM) POOL EQUIPMENT—HEATING/COOLING AquaCal AutoPilot, www.autopilot.com......................................................(727)Inc. 823.5642 AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc. has been manufacturing swimming pool heat pumps and salt chlorine generators in Florida since 1981, remaining the market leader by setting the standard for quality and technological innovations. AutoPilot salt chlorine generators deliver constant and controlled chlorine production in the pool’s plumbing, which means the pool and surrounding environment are no longer tainted with noxious chemical odors. This virtually eliminates chloramines and other nasty side effects, making the pool water softer and safer for swimmers. It also eliminates the need to store large supplies of hazardous chemicals on site. AutoPilot is the best choice for commercial facilities. POOL EQUIPMENT—SANITATION AquaCal AutoPilot, www.autopilot.com......................................................(727)Inc. 823.5642 PREP SCHOOLS Baylor School................................................................Chattanooga, TN Coed Boarding & Day, Grades 6-12 (423)267.8506 x279 (Coach Dan Flack) dflack@baylorschool.org www.baylorswimming.org and www.baylorschool.org The Bolles School...........................................................Jacksonville, FL Coed Boarding and Day, Grades Pre-K-12 (904)256.5216 (Coach Peter Verhoef) verhoefp@bolles.org www.bolles.org Fork Union Military Academy.....................................Fork Union, VA Boys Boarding, Grades 7-12/Postgraduate (434)842.4205 (Director of Admissions Jackie Montero-Sharpe) (434)842.4210 (Coach Jon Larson) LarsonJ@fuma.org www.forkunion.com Gulliver Preparatory School..................................................Miami, FL Coed Day, Grades Pre-K-12 Director of Enrollment Elena Castellanos admissions@gulliverprep.org (305)666.7937x1552 (Coach Christopher George) cgeorge@gulliverprep.org www.gulliverprep.org McDonogh School.....................................................Owings Mills, MD Coed Day & 5-day Boarding, Grades Pre-K-12 (443)544.7021 (Director of Enrollment Steve Birdsall) sbirdsall@mcdonogh.org (443)544.7161 (Aquatic Director Scott Ward) sward@mcdoogh.org www.mcdonogh.org Mercersburg Academy...............................................Mercersburg, PA Coed Boarding & Day, Grades 9-12/Postgraduate (717)328.6173 (Admission) admission@mercersburg.edu (717)328.6368 (Coach Glenn Neufeld) neufeldg@mercersburg.edu www.mercersburg.edu Peddie School................................................................Hightstown, NJ Coed Boarding & Day, Grades 9-12/Postgraduate (609)944.7501 (Director of Admission Molly Dunne) admission@peddie.org Director of Competitive Swimming Emmett Walling ewalling@peddie.org www.peddie.org Phillips Academy..............................................................Andover, MA Coed Boarding & Day, Grades 9-12/Postgraduate (978)749.4000 (Boys’ Coach David Fox) dfox@andover.edu (978)749.4000 (Girls’ Coach Paul Murphy) pmurphy@andover.edu www.andover.edu CONTINUED ON 30 >> 2022 AQUATIC DIRECTORY / continued from 27 28 SWIMMINGWORLD.COMBIWEEKLY
RESISTANCE TRAINING NZ www.nzcordz.com........................................................(800)Manufacturing 886.6621 NZ Manufacturing, Inc., is the leader in high-quality resistance swim training gear, general sports training and physical rehabilitation tools used by coaches, athletes, physical therapists, chiropractors and patients. Originally developed by a small group of competitive swimmers in 1985, StrechCordz® Dryland and In-Water tools have helped athletes improve their stroke, endurance and strength through resistance. Today, the StrechCordz® brand is recognized as the top swim training product line in the world, used by swimmers ranging from novice to international Olympians. SKIN LUBRICANT www.trihard.com..........................................................(305)TRIHARD 733.8457 SOCIAL TRAININGDISTANCINGTOOLS FINIS www.finisswim.com........(888) 333.4647 NZ www.nzcordz.com...........(800)Manufacturing 886.6621 www.SwimOutlet.com......(800)SwimOutlet.com 691.406 SPORTS & COMMUNITY FACILITY Hampton Virginia Aquaplex www.SportsHampton.com (800)487.8778 Introducing the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex & Splash Down Park, ideal for Mid-Atlantic and national competitive events. This state-of-theart facility is perfect for swimming and diving, artistic swimming, water polo and other competitive aquatic sports. The Aquaplex features an Olympicsized 50-meter pool, warm-up program pools, 1,500 spectator seats, an outdoor splash park and more! The center will serve the community with swim education and programming, and everyone will enjoy the thrill of waterslides and pool fun at Splash Down Park. STARTING BLOCKS Spectrum www.spectrumaquatics.comAquatics (406)532.6352 Since 1972, Spectrum Aquatics® has designed and manufactured high-quality custom rails, ADA lifts and commercialgrade pool deck equipment. Spectrum has innovative products, skilled employees, knowledgeable engineers and excellent customer service and sales staff. We look forward to providing you with exceptional support, and we take pride in offering you topnotch service and assisting you in finding the best solutions to meet your individual requirements. Spectrum CONTINUED ON 32 >> 2022 AQUATIC DIRECTORY / continued from 28 30 SWIMMINGWORLD.COMBIWEEKLY
strives to consistently exceed expectations and be the total solution provider for your equipment needs. From inquiry to installation, we are here for you and the aquatics community. Spectrum is highly regarded within the pool and spa industry and is acknowledged for: •Quality products with competitive pricing •Expedient •Leadershipdeliveryininnovative products •Friendly and caring customer service •Superior engineering and field sales support www.srsmith.com.........................................................(800)S.R.Smith 824.4387 STORAGE CONTAINERS Competitor www.competitorswim.com.......................(800)Swim 888.7946 (SWIM) STRETCH CORDS NZ www.nzcordz.com........................................................(800)Manufacturing 886.6621 SWIMSUIT WATER EXTRACTORS SUITMATE® by Extractor www.suitmate.com.......................................................(847)Corporation 742.3532 Built upon the pillars of quality, integrity and customer service, Extractor Corporation, creator of the SUITMATE® Swimsuit Water Extractor, offers a solution that efficiently removes 95 percent of water from a wet swimsuit in just eight seconds. Our product serves as the gold standard of convenience for high-end spas, luxury hotels and health clubs, and offers fitness clubs, swim clubs, educational facilities and public pools a way to keep facilities cleaner, safer and drier. Built with high-quality materials and featuring global safety and electrical certifications, the easy-to-maintain SUITMATE® Swimsuit Water Extractor is backed by Extractor Corporation’s excellent product and service integrity. SWIMWEAR AND APPAREL FINIS www.finisswim.com.....................................................(888) 333.4647 www.jolyn.com..............................................................(714)JOLYN 248.8344 Over a decade ago, JOLYN reinvented women’s competitive swimwear, making it better-fitting, more durable and as unique as the women who inspired JOLYN’s design team. With a heritage of designing high-performance swimwear for world-class athletes, JOLYN makes a range of swimwear that fits comfortably, stays put and is made to last. www.SwimOutlet.com.................................................(800)SwimOutlet.com 691.4065 SwimOutlet.com is the largest online specialty shop for swimming, fashion, beach and surf products in the U.S. For more than 15 years, SwimOutlet.com has focused on delivering the best online shopping experience and the best value. The brand’s success and very existence are CONTINUED ON 34 >> 2022 AQUATIC DIRECTORY / continued from 30 32 SWIMMINGWORLD.COMBIWEEKLY
The ORI GI NAL Resistance SWIM TR AINING GEAR Used by At hletes Worldwi de Re sistance Training Tool s De signe d to Improve Stamina, Powe r, Form, Stroke and Individual Me dle y Time s NZCordz .com 800.886.6621 dependent on the repeat orders and word-of-mouth recommendations of loyal, satisfied customers. SwimOutlet.com has become the swim customer’s first choice for quality swim products, lowest prices, reliable delivery and shopping convenience. TYR www.tyr.com..............................................(800)Sport 252.7878 TYR is the brand that makes all things possible through sport. Our roots are planted in the proving grounds of athletic performance and technical know-how: pattern making, athletic excellence, where body and performance meet design. Named for the Norse god of valor and sacrifice, TYR is a company built on commitment and discipline. Pushing the limits of innovation to propel athletes to their absolute best for over 35 years, whether it’s personal records or world championships, TYR has the hard-earned hardware to back it up. TOYS & GAMES Spectrum www.spectrumaquatics.com................(406)Aquatics 532.6352 TRAIN AT HOME FINIS www.finisswim.com................................(888) 333.4647 2022 AQUATIC DIRECTORY / continued from 32 CONTINUED ON 36 >>34 SWIMMINGWORLD.COMBIWEEKLY
VISIT OUR ONLINE RESOURCE AT swimmingworld.com/aquatic-directory NZ www.nzcordz.com........................................................(800)Manufacturing 886.6621 www.SwimOutlet.com.................................................(800)SwimOutlet.com 691.4065 T-SHIRTS Hasty www.hastyawards.com...............................................(800)Awards 448.7714 WATER POLO EQUIPMENT Spectrum www.spectrumaquatics.com....................................(406)Aquatics 532.6352 WATER SAFETY www.saferswimmer.eu.............................................+358407567345360swim The 360swim™ brand promotes water safety in the open water and is the European swimming buoy market leader. So, whether you are just starting out with swimming outdoors or are an avid triathlete, we help you to be safe, to be seen and to never swim alone. v 2022 AQUATIC DIRECTORY / continued from 34 From top aquatic facilities to miles of warm beaches and waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is the ideal spot for your next event. Dive in at VisitLauderdale.com/Sports. Welcome TO A WONDERLANDWATER 36 SWIMMINGWORLD.COMBIWEEKLY
SUITMATE ® : Keeping swimmers happy since '83 An innovative system that efficiently removes 95% of water from a wet swimsuit in just eight seconds 1-800-553-3353 • info@suitmate.com www.suitmate.com SUITMATE SWIMSUIT WATER EXTRACTOR
Basic Member Benefits STAY CONNECTED - Monthly Member ISHOF e Newsletter - Annual Yearbook With Your Name Listed - 12 Month Access to Swimming World Vault Includes: Swimming World Magazine, Swimming World Biweekly and Swimming Technique MEMBER DISCOUNTS - Discounted Ticket Price At ISHOF Events and Honoree Induction Ceremony - 10% OFF At The Museum/Swim Shop Tear off and return with payment To SHOP visit us at / halloffameswimshop.com Become A Member TodayFAMILY MEMBERSHIP - Basic Member Benefits - ISHOF T-Shirt, Pin & Patch - Swimming World Vault With Access To Past 24 Months - 12 Print Issues of Swimming World Magazine LEGACY$150 MEMBERSHIP - Basic Member Benefits - ISHOF Embroidered Polo Shirt, Pin & Patch - Swimming World Vault With Access Back To 1960 -12 Print Issues of Swimming World Magazine CORPORATE$300 MEMBERSHIP - Basic Member Benefits - ISHOF Embroidered Jacket, Pin & Patch - Swimming World Vault With Access Back To 1960 - Two tickets to ISHOF Induction Ceremony Dinner INDIVIDUAL$1000 MEMBERSHIP - Basic Member Benefits - ISHOF Pin & Patch - Swimming World Vault With Access To The Past 12 Months $100 o Individual Membership..............................................................$100 o Family Membership....................................................................$150 o Legacy Membership................................................................... $300 o Corporate Membership..............................................................$1000 o T-Shirt / Polo / Jacket Sizes - o S o M oL oXL o XXL o I also want to make a tax-deductible donor contribution in the amount of $_______________________Donate Now o Donation In Honor of My Name:__________________________________________________Coach Return completed form with payment to: ISHOF, 1 Hall of Fame Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 / p (954)462-6536 or at www.ishof.org Name PaymentE-mail_____________________________________________________________Phone_____________________________________________________________City_________________________________Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________State_______Zip____________(Checkone): oCheck oVisa o MC oAmEx o Discover Enclosed is my check to ISHOF for a total of $ ______________________ Please charge my credit card for a total of $________________________ Acc’t# ____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date ________________________ Card Code Signature___________________________________________________________________________ Contributions to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, a tax-exempt organization under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code, are deductible for computing income and estate taxes. To become an ISHOF member go to: Swimmingworld.com/join
