SW Biweekly July 21, 2021 Issue by Swimming World Magazine

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CONTENTS

009 | THE WAIT WILL SOON BE OVER The world can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel: the COVID-19 pandemic-delayed Olympics of 2020 are now less than a week away, set to begin with the opening ceremonies on Friday, July 23—2021—in Tokyo. And now it’s time to see who might win medals in the 35 swimming events. 2021 OLYMPIC PREDICTIONS by Dan D’Addona, Matthew De George, John Lohn, David Rieder and Andy Ross 010 | DAY 1 FINALS • Men’s 400 Individual Medley • Men’s 400 Freestyle • Women’s 400 Individual Medley • Women’s 4x100 Freestyle Relay

012 | DAY 2 FINALS • Women’s 100 Butterfly • Men’s 100 Breaststroke • Women’s 400 Freestyle • Men’s 4x100 Freestyle Relay

014 | DAY 3 FINALS • Men’s 200 Freestyle • Women’s 100 Backstroke • Men’s 100 Backstroke • Women’s 100 Breaststroke

016 | DAY 4 FINALS • Women’s 200 Freestyle

SWIMMING WORLD BIWEEKLY JULY 2021 | ISSUE 14 040 | OVER LACK OF SUPPORT, BECCA MEYERS WITHDRAWS FROM PARALYMPICS by Matthew De George Becca Meyers, who is deaf and blind as a result of Usher syndrome, requires a personal care assistant (PCA) to complete her daily activities in and out of the pool while at the Paralympics. However, since COVID-19 restrictions have limited the presence of non-athletes at the Games—including her PCA (who is also her mother)—Meyers elected to withdraw from what would have been her third Paralympics. 041 | DAVID CURTISS, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF NEW NCAA NIL RULES, PARTNERS WITH SPEEDO by Matthew De George American sprinter David Curtiss has signed a sponsorship agreement with Speedo, one of the first collegiate swimmers to avail himself of new NCAA rules allowing athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness (NIL). 042 | THE 18-AND-UNDER SWIMMERS WHO COULD STEAL THE SHOW AT THE TOKYO OLYMPICS by David Rieder At every Olympics, young swimmers emerge from seemingly out of nowhere and put on amazing performances to win Olympic medals. This year’s Olympic Games shouldn’t be any different, as Swimming World spotlights 11 swimmers ages 18 and younger who currently rank among the top 10 in the world and could possibly make a breakthrough in Tokyo.

• Men’s 200 Butterfly • Women’s 200 Individual Medley • Women’s 1500 Freestyle

046 | PARTING SHOT

• Men’s 4x200 Freestyle Relay

PUBLISHING, CIRCULATION AND ACCOUNTING www.SwimmingWorldMagazine.com Publisher, CEO - Brent T. Rutemiller BrentR@SwimmingWorld.com Editor-in-Chief - John Lohn Lohn@SwimmingWorld.com Operations Manager - Laurie Marchwinski LaurieM@ishof.org Production Editor - Taylor Brien TaylorB@SwimmingWorld.com Circulation/Membership - Lauren Serowik Lauren@ishof.org Accounting - Marcia Meiners Marcia@ishof.org

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EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION

018 | DAY 5 FINALS

Editorial@SwimmingWorld.com

• Men’s 800 Freestyle

Senior Editor - Bob Ingram BobI@SwimmingWorld.com

• Men’s 200 Breaststroke • Women’s 200 Butterfly

Managing Editor - Dan D’Addona DanD@SwimmingWorld.com

• Men’s 100 Freestyle • Women’s 4x200 Freestyle Relay

Design Director - Joseph Johnson JoeJ@SwimmingWorld.com

020 | DAY 6 FINALS • Women’s 200 Breaststroke

Historian - Bruce Wigo

• Men’s 200 Backstroke

Staff Writers - Michael J. Stott, David Rieder, Shoshanna Rutemiller, Andy Ross, Michael Randazzo, Taylor Brien

• Women’s 100 Freestyle • Men’s 200 Individual Medley

Fitness Trainer - J.R. Rosania

022 | DAY 7 FINALS • Men’s 100 Butterfly

Chief Photographer - Peter H. Bick

• Women’s 200 Backstroke

SwimmingWorldMagazine.com WebMaster: WebMaster@SwimmingWorld.com

• Women’s 800 Freestyle • Mixed 4x100 Medley Relay

ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND MERCHANDISING

024 | DAY 8 FINALS • Men’s 50 Freestyle

Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com

• Women’s 50 Freestyle

Marketing Assistant - Meg Keller-Marvin Meg@SwimmingWorld.com

• Men’s 1500 Freestyle • Women’s 4x100 Medley Relay • Men’s 4x100 Medley Relay

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)

027 | 2021 AQUATIC DIRECTORY

PHOTOGRAPHERS/SWTV Peter H. Bick, USA Today Sports Images, Reuters, Getty Images

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COVER PHOTO: RYAN MURPHY BY PETER H. BICK

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2021 OLYMPIC PREDICTIONS

THE WAIT WILL

SOON BE OVER

THE WORLD CAN FINALLY SEE THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL: THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC-DELAYED OLYMPICS OF 2020 ARE NOW LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY, SET TO BEGIN WITH THE OPENING CEREMONIES ON FRIDAY, JULY 23—2021—IN TOKYO. AND NOW IT’S TIME TO SEE WHO MIGHT WIN MEDALS IN THE 35 SWIMMING EVENTS— THREE MORE THAN IN 2016, WITH THE DEBUT OF THE WOMEN’S 1500 FREESTYLE, MEN’S 800 FREESTYLE AND THE MIXED 4X100 MEDLEY RELAY. HERE IS SWIMMING WORLD’S EVENT-BY-EVENT ANALYSIS: BY DAN D’ADDONA, MATTHEW DE GEORGE, JOHN LOHN, DAVID RIEDER AND ANDY ROSS Editor’s Note: Tokyo is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time (New York) and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Daylight Time (Los Angeles). Olympic finals and semifinals will be swum at Tokyo in the morning, with prelims swum the previous evening. So, for a finals session beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Japan on Sunday, July 25, that would be 9:30 p.m. EDT (6:30 p.m. PDT) on Saturday, July 24. BIWEEKLY

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DAY 1 FINALS Sunday, July 25

(10:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Japan Standard Time) MEN’S 400 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY | MEN’S 400 FREESTYLE | WOMEN’S 400 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY | WOMEN’S 4x100 FREESTYLE RELAY

MEN’S 400 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY World Record: 4:03.84 Michael Phelps, USA—Beijing 8-10-08 2016 Olympic Champion: 4:06.05 Kosuke Hagino, Japan

Although reigning Olympic champion Kosuke Hagino opted to not defend his title, Japan is well-positioned to thrill the home crowd in the opening event of the Games. Daiya Seto has won three of the past four world titles and has been a consistent power in the event for nearly a decade. Seto was automatically named to the Japanese squad in the event. En route to victory at the United States Trials, Chase Kalisz inched closer to the level that made him the 2017 world champion. The silver medalist at the 2016 Olympics, Kalisz cracked the 4:10 barrier at Trials and figures to drop time in Tokyo. He should be pushed by European champion and world junior record holder Ilya Borodin of Russia. France’s Leon Marchand recently went sub-4:10 and is a rising force, while American Jay Litherland can contend for the podium if he is within striking distance heading into the freestyle leg. New Zealand’s Lewis Clareburt is also a threat. —John Lohn Gold: Daiya Seto, Japan Silver: Chase Kalisz, United States Bronze: Ilya Borodin, Russia

free, has been at 3:44.51. Meanwhile, Italy’s Gabriel Detti won the bronze in 2016 and could definitely be a factor. —Dan D’Addona Gold: Elijah Winnington, Australia Silver: Martin Malyutin, Russia Bronze: Jack McLoughlin, Australia

WOMEN’S 400 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY World Record and 2016 Olympic Champion: 4:26.36 Katinka Hosszu, Hungary—Rio de Janeiro 8-6-16

It doesn’t seem that long ago that Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu was viewed as unbeatable in the 400 IM. In Rio at age 27, she dominated the race by nearly five seconds, winning her first-ever Olympic gold medal and destroying all the records in the process. She went on to win the event at the next two World Championships in 2017 and 2019, but currently, she has only the fifth fastest time in the world behind four Americans. Nineteen-year-old Emma Weyant and 26-year-old Hali Flickinger will represent the United States come Tokyo in an event the country has not won since Janet Evans

MEN’S 400 FREESTYLE

The field in the men’s 400 freestyle will look quite a bit different at this Olympiad. Defending champion Mack Horton of Australia missed out on qualifying after not finishing in the top two at Australian Trials. Meanwhile, silver medalist Sun Yang of China has been suspended for doping violations and is ineligible to compete in Tokyo. So, we can expect a new champion and a whole slew of contenders. Australia’s two qualifiers, Elijah Winnington (3:42.65) and Jack McLoughlin (3:43.27), will arrive in Tokyo with the world’s top two times of 2021. Russia’s Martin Malyutin has put together some solid swims, including a 3:44.18, while Germany’s distance specialist Florian Wellbrock has been as fast as 3:44.35. Austria’s Felix Aubock, an NCAA champion in the 1650

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>> DAIYA SETO, JAPAN

[PHOTO BY JOAO MARC BOSCH ]

World Record: 3:40.07 Paul Biedermann, Germany—Rome 7-26-09 2016 Olympic Champion: 3:41.55 Mack Horton, Australia

1 in 1988. Japan’s Yui Ohashi, who had the fastest global time in 2018, will have the eyes of the nation on her (even though spectators will not be permitted) to win Japan’s second medal in the 400 IM since Yasuko Tajima’s silver in 2000. —Andy Ross Gold: Katinka Hosszu, Hungary Silver: Yui Ohashi, Japan Bronze: Hali Flickinger, United States

WOMEN’S 4x100 FREESTYLE RELAY World Record: 3:30.05 Australia (Shayna Jack, Bronte Campbell, Emma McKeon, Cate Campbell)—Gold Coast 4-5-18 2016 Olympic Champion: 3:30.65WR Australia (Brittany Elmslie, Bronte Campbell, Cate Campbell, Emma McKeon)

[PHOTO BY PETER H. BICK ]

Gold: Australia Silver: United States Bronze: Canada 

[PHOTO BY MIKE LEWIS / ISL ]

Four Australian women swam under 53 seconds in the 100 free at the country’s Olympic Trials in June, making Australia the overwhelming favorite to win a third straight Olympic gold medal in the sprint relay. Emma McKeon has been as fast as 52.19 this year, making her the fourth-fastest performer in history, while Cate Campbell is one of just two women ever to crack 52. Madison Wilson and Meg Harris are the other two likely participants, and 2015 world champion Bronte Campbell (Cate’s sister) could also be a factor. The Americans had no one break 53.5 at their Trials, but the group of 2016 Olympian Abbey Weitzeil, Erika Brown, Olivia Smoliga and Natalie Hinds should be able to uncork several 52-second relay splits with the advantage of relay exchanges, and swimmers such as Simone Manuel and Torri Huske might be added to the mix despite not qualifying for this relay. Canada, which should battle for bronze with the Netherlands and Great Britain, will rely on defending 100 free co-gold medalist Penny Oleksiak, but Taylor Ruck will need to be closer to her best after a disappointing performance at Canada’s Trials. —David Rieder

>> KATINKA HOSSZU, HUNGARY

>>HALI FLICKINGER, UNITED STATES BIWEEKLY

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DAY 2 FINALS Monday, July 26

(10:30 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. Japan Standard Time) WOMEN’S 100 BUTTERFLY | MEN’S 100 BREASTSTROKE | WOMEN’S 400 FREESTYLE | MEN’S 4x100 FREESTYLE RELAY

World Record and 2016 Olympic Champion: 55.48WR Sarah Sjostrom, Sweden—Rio de Janeiro 8-7-16

No 100 fly final has ever seen multiple women break the 56-second barrier, but expect a scorching fast race in Tokyo. Three swimmers have already been under 56 this year: USA’s Torri Huske, China’s Zhang Yufei and Australia’s Emma McKeon—all who have a realistic shot to reach the podium. Huske was extremely impressive at the U.S. Olympic Trials, swimming a 55.66 to finish less than 2-tenths off the world record. Zhang has burst onto the scene with 55-second swims in late 2020 and in the spring of 2021, and McKeon has been a consistent podium presence in the 100 fly at the last two World Championships. But the pick here is Maggie MacNeil, ranked fourth in the world at 56.14, but less than two years removed from stunning the world by upsetting Sarah Sjostrom to win the 2019 world title. MacNeil did not have to swim at her best to qualify for Canada’s Olympic team, so expect a huge Tokyo performance, particularly after she smashed the fastest time ever in the 100 yard fly in capturing the NCAA championship earlier this year. Sjostrom, meanwhile, is the defending champion and world record holder, but after fracturing her elbow earlier this year, she might not even swim the 100 fly in Tokyo. Even if she does compete, her season-best time is a 57.65, so she faces an uphill battle to get on the podium. —David Rieder

>> ADAM PEATY, GREAT BRITAIN

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Gold: Maggie MacNeil, Canada Silver: Torri Huske, USA Bronze: Zhang Yufei, China

MEN’S 100 BREASTSTROKE World Record: 56.88sf Adam Peaty, Great Britain—Gwangju 7-21-19 2016 Olympic Champion: 57.13WR Adam Peaty, Great Britain

Only one man in the last two years has swum under 58 seconds in the 100 breaststroke. That man also happens to be under 57 seconds. If Adam Peaty does what Adam Peaty usually does, everyone else is swimming for silver. The British swimmer isn’t just aiming for a gold medal. He’s swimming to solidify his place as possibly the greatest men’s breaststroker in history. Double Olympic gold would just about do it, given his pedigree. Beyond Peaty, there are plenty of challengers in the 58-range. Michael Andrew was outstanding at the U.S. Olympic Trials, but will have a busier schedule in Tokyo than most breaststrokers. Arno Kamminga was 58.10 in May, but was just outdueled by Nicolo Martinenghi at Sette Colli. Both are medal contenders, but it’s going to take something special to unseat Peaty from his breaststroke throne. —Matthew De George Gold: Adam Peaty, Great Britain Silver: Michael Andrew, USA Bronze: Nicolo Martinenghi, Italy

[PHOTO BY MINE KASAPOGLU / ISL ]

WOMEN’S 100 BUTTERFLY

>> KATIE LEDECKY, UNITED STATES

WOMEN’S 400 FREESTYLE World Record and 2016 Olympic Champion: 3:56.46WR Katie Ledecky, USA—Rio de Janeiro 8-7-16

Barring a surprising development, the battle for Olympic gold will be a two-woman duel between American Katie Ledecky, the reigning champ, and Australian upstart Ariarne Titmus. When the women clashed at the 2019 World Championships, Titmus upset Ledecky, who was dealing with a stomach virus that left her in lessthan-optimal form. At the Australian Olympic Trials, Titmus scared the world record with a mark of 3:56.90. Ledecky was only 4:01.27 at the U.S. Trials, but a big drop is expected in Tokyo. China’s Li Bingjie has been 4:02 this year and will challenge for the podium, along with Italy’s Simona Quadarella. Although stronger in the 800 freestyle and 1500 freestyle, Quadarella cannot be discounted over eight laps. An interesting storyline is Canada’s Summer McIntosh, a 14-year-old phenom who was 4:05-low in May and is on a huge improvement curve. The youngster, with range from the 200 distance through the 1500, has the potential to drop even more time and enter the mix for the bronze medal. —John Lohn

On paper, Russia looks to be the team to beat with world No. 1 Kliment Kolesnikov (47.31) and Olympic rookies Andrei Minakov and Vladislav Grinev, who both reached the podium individually at the 2019 Worlds with Minakov garnering silver in the 100 fly and Grinev bronze in the 100 free. Add in three-time Olympian Vladimir Morozov, and Russia’s speedy quarter is faster than the United States with flat-start times added up. Dressel and Apple have been known to step up on relays, but how much of an edge can they gain on the Russians, who were right behind them at the 2019 Worlds? And behind those two nations, the bronze looks to be up for grabs among six other countries. Australia, Hungary and Brazil have all reached the podium since the U.S. won in Rio, but who will lock up the bronze in Tokyo? Our pick is Italy, who is led by Alessandro Miressi (47.45) and Thomas Ceccon (48.14) with several others in the mid-48 range. —Andy Ross Gold: United States Silver: Russia Bronze: Italy 

Gold: Katie Ledecky, USA Silver: Ariarne Titmus, Australia Bronze: Summer McIntosh, Canada

MEN’S 4x100 FREESTYLE RELAY World Record: 3:08.24 United States (Michael Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones, Jason Lezak)—Beijing 8-11-08 2016 Olympic Champion: 3:09.92 United States (Caeleb Dressel, Michael Phelps, Ryan Held, Nathan Adrian)

One cannot mention the men’s 4x100 free relay at the Olympics without first mentioning the United States, winners of nine of the 12 gold medals in this event at the Games—the last coming in 2016. This Olympiad, however, Team USA is without the leadership of Michael Phelps and Nathan Adrian, and will need to rely on 24-year-old Caeleb Dressel to lead the team to a gold medal this time around. Behind Dressel is Olympic rookie Zach Apple, who has been known to step up on relays, along with two-time Olympian Blake Pieroni, and rising upstart Brooks Curry.

[PHOTO BY PETER H. BICK ]

>> ZACH APPLE, UNITED STATES BIWEEKLY

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DAY 3 FINALS Tuesday, July 27

(10:30 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. Japan Standard Time) MEN’S 200 FREESTYLE | WOMEN’S 100 BACKSTROKE | MEN’S 100 BACKSTROKE | WOMEN’S 100 BREASTSTROKE

MEN’S 200 FREESTYLE

MEN’S 100 BACKSTROKE

World Record: 1:42.00 Paul Biedermann, Germany—Rome 7-28-09 2016 Olympic Champion: 1:44.65 Sun Yang, China

World Record: 51.85r Ryan Murphy, USA—Rio de Janeiro 8-13-16 2016 Olympic Champion: 51.97 Ryan Murphy, USA

Since Yannick Agnel won gold in the men’s 200 free at the 2012 Olympics in 1:43.14, no swimmer has been within a second of that mark. Instead, the 200 free at each major meet has been a tightly-packed event with numerous lead changes. That should be no different in Tokyo, especially with defending gold medalist and world champion Sun Yang banned for an anti-doping violation. The prediction here is Danas Rapsys, who touched first at the World Championships, but was disqualified for a false start. Rapsys has the fastest lifetime best of any active swimmer, and he is the sixth-fastest performer ever at 1:44.38. So far in 2021, British swimmers Duncan Scott and Tom Dean lead the world rankings, with hometown favorite Katsuhiro Matsumoto of Japan, European champion Martin Malyutin of Russia and newcomer Hwang Sunyoo also having been under 1:45, with the USA’s Kieran Smith just behind. Any of these men could be in the mix for the medals in an unpredictable Olympic final. —David Rieder Gold: Danas Rapsys, Lithuania Silver: Duncan Scott, Great Britain Bronze: Katsuhiro Matsumoto, Japan

WOMEN’S 100 BACKSTROKE World Record: 57.45 Kaylee McKeown, Australia—Adelaide, 6-13-21 2016 Olympic Champion: 58.45 Katinka Hosszu, Hungary

An argument can be made that this event has seen the greatest improvement since the last Olympics, with a sub-58 clocking likely required for a place on the podium. Australia’s Kaylee McKeown is riding serious momentum into the Games, having set the world record of 57.45 at the Australian Trials. She’ll be pushed by American Regan Smith, who was the previous world record holder and clocked in at 57.92 at the U.S. Trials. Canadian Kylie Masse, the reigning world champion, popped a mark of 57.70 at her Trials, and will be a factor in this deep event. Meanwhile, Great Britain’s Kathleen Dawson, the European champion, is on the cusp of going sub-58, while the Netherlands’ Kira Toussaint will look to ride her early speed to a medal. The United States’ Rhyan White is tested and surging, having navigated a minefield at the U.S. Trials to earn a Tokyo berth. An eye also must be kept on Australian veteran Emily Seebohm, who is making her fourth Olympic appearance. —John Lohn Gold: Kaylee McKeown, Australia Silver: Regan Smith, USA Bronze: Kylie Masse, Canada

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The contenders in the men’s 100 backstroke enter the Tokyo Games on the back of best times in 2021. The Russian duo of Evgeny Rylov and Kliment Kolesnikov each set season-best times in May. Ryan Murphy’s quickest time of this cycle came at Olympic Trials in June at 52.22. That sets up a crowded race in the final. Xu Jiayu, the twotime reigning world champion, will be in the mix. Mitch Larkin is coming off a strong performance at Australian Trials. Ryosuke Irie will be carrying the hopes of the host nation, though the 200 back might be his stronger event. And a bumper crop of young, speedy Europeans isn’t far off the pace. It could take a time under 53 seconds to even make the final, given the depth on offer (19 swimmers have been in the 52s in the last two years). The event has been the sole possession of American swimmers since 1996, with Murphy claiming the gold in 2016. Despite the speed from the rest of the world, Murphy has shown nothing to indicate his grip on the crown has loosened. —Matthew De George Gold: Ryan Murphy, USA Silver: Evgeny Rylov, Russia Bronze: Mitch Larkin, Australia

WOMEN’S 100 BREASTSTROKE World Record: 1:04.13 Lilly King, USA—Budapest 7-25-17 2016 Olympic Champion: 1:04.93 Lilly King, USA

The 2016 edition of the 100 breaststroke was a showdown between Lilly King and Yulia Efimova of Russia. Efimova had tested positive for a banned substance and served a 16-month suspension for the violation. King, who has been outspoken about cleaning up the sport, focused that attention on her rival in Rio. King emerged victorious with the gold medal, and also became the figurehead for the clean-sport fight around the world with her nononsense approach to questions about the issue, not shying away from stirring the pot. King will be the favorite going into the Games, while the rest of the field could have some interesting developments, especially with Alaskan teenager Lydia Jacoby, who has the second fastest time in the world this year after stunning Annie Lazor to snag the second spot at U.S. Trials. —Dan D’Addona Gold: Lilly King, USA Silver: Sophie Hansson, Sweden Bronze: Lydia Jacoby, USA 

>> DANAS RAPSYS, LITHUANIA

[PHOTO BY PETER H. BICK ]

[PHOTO BY BECCA WYANT ]

>> KAYLEE McKEOWN, AUSTRALIA

[PHOTO BY MINE KASAPOGLU / ISL ]

>> LILLY KING, UNITED STATES BIWEEKLY

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DAY 4 FINALS Wednesday, July 28 (10:30 a.m. - 1:05 p.m. Japan Standard Time)

WOMEN’S 200 FREESTYLE | MEN’S 200 BUTTERFLY | WOMEN’S 200 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY | WOMEN’S 1500 FREESTYLE | MEN’S 4x200 FREESTYLE RELAY

Australian Trials with a 1:53.09 Commonwealth record and is nearly a second-and-a-half faster than the rest of the world in 2021. This will likely be her second of three battles with Ledecky, and perhaps her best chance at winning gold. Also posing a medal threat is Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey, who has a shot at becoming her country’s first-ever Olympic medalist. —Andy Ross Gold: Ariarne Titmus, Australia Silver: Siobhan Haughey, Hong Kong Bronze: Katie Ledecky, USA

MEN’S 200 BUTTERFLY

>> ARIARNE TITMUS, AUSTRALIA

WOMEN’S 200 FREESTYLE World Record: 1:52.98 Federica Pellegrini, Italy—Rome 7-29-09 2016 Olympic Champion: 1:53.73 Katie Ledecky, USA

The last three Olympic champs in the women’s 200 free will be facing off against one another in Tokyo: Italy’s Federica Pellegrini (2008) plus the USA’s Allison Schmitt (2012) and Katie Ledecky (2016). Pellegrini has won the last two World titles in the women’s 200 free and has proven to be one of the best game managers—always finding a way to perfectly pace this race to come out on top. But Pellegrini hasn’t reached the Olympic podium since winning in Beijing, finishing fifth in London and fourth in Rio. But this year’s favorite looks to be Australia’s Ariarne Titmus, who came close to breaking Pellegrini’s world record at the 16

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[PHOTO BY BECCA WYANT ]

World Record: 1:50.73 Kristof Milak, Hungary—Gwangju 7-24-19 2016 Olympic Champion: 1:53.36 Michael Phelps, USA

Hungary’s Kristof Milak set the world record in the 200 butterfly at the 2019 World Championships. He is a full three seconds faster than anyone in the world this year, just a few tenths off of his world record performance. So the only question, really, is how fast can he go...and how much (or if) the pandemic year has affected his training heading into Tokyo. The bigger mystery of this event seems to be how the rest of the field will shake out, considering the fastest times of the next five swimmers are within a half-a-second of each other. Italy’s Federico Burdisso, Hungary’s Tamas Kenderesi, Bulgaria’s Antani Ivanov, Japan’s Tomoru Honda (who has home-pool advantage) and Taipei’s Eddie Wang all are in the 1:54-range this year, while Germany’s David Thomasberger and USA’s Zach Harting are close behind. Meanwhile, veterans James Guy of Great Britain and Daiya Seto of Japan are just off the pace, and Chad le Clos of South Africa is always looming, making this event one of the most competitive— even if the gold medal seems to be locked up. —Dan D’Addona Gold: Kristof Milak, Hungary Silver: Tomoru Honda, Japan Bronze: Federico Burdisso, Italy

WOMEN’S 200 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY World Record: 2:06.12 Katinka Hosszu, Hungary—Kazan 8-3-15 2016 Olympic Champion: 2:06.58 Katinka Hosszu, Hungary

One of the biggest uncertainties of the meet will be Katinka Hosszu, the reigning Olympic champion and four-time defending world champion in both the 200 and 400 IM. Earlier this year, Hosszu won gold in the 400 IM at the European Championships, but settled for silver in the 200 fly and bronze in the 200 IM. But as recently as 2019, she swam a 2:07.53 at the World Championships, quicker than any other active swimmer. Perhaps by late July, Hosszu will be close enough to top form to claim a medal, but she will have a large pack of challengers in close pursuit. Australia’s Kaylee McKeown has been one of the most impressive

4 swimmers across many events this year, and she leads the world rankings in the medley at 2:08.19. The only other swimmer under 2:09 this year who will be at the Olympics is the USA’s Alex Walsh, who swam a 2:08.87 at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Canada’s Sydney Pickrem likely has another 2:08 in the tank after winning bronze at the 2019 Worlds and swimming a 2:09.24 earlier this year, while Great Britain’s Abbie Wood has been as quick as 2:09.23. Japan’s duo of Yui Ohashi and Miho Teramura should also be in the mix. —David Rieder Gold: Kaylee McKeown, Australia Silver: Katinka Hosszu, Hungary Bronze: Sydney Pickrem, Canada

WOMEN’S 1500 FREESTYLE World Record: 15:20.48 Katie Ledecky, USA—Indianapolis 5-16-18 2016 Olympic Champion: Olympic debut

Gold: Katie Ledecky, USA Silver: Simona Quadarella, Italy Bronze: Maddy Gough, Australia

[PHOTO BY PETER H. BICK ]

Katie Ledecky has six of the top seven times in history. She went an easy-as-you-like 15:40 at the recent Olympic Trials. In a world where only two women have ever cracked 15:45 in the 1500, Ledecky has already visited the benthic depths beneath 15:30. Ledecky is the prohibitive favorite, as she is just about any time the American steps up to the blocks. Although reigning world champion Simona Quadarella has been 15:40, the Italian was just 15:48 in June. Australian Maddy Gough and China’s Wang Jianjiahe have both gone 15:46 in the last year. Spiced by the history of being the first women’s 1500 in Olympic history, the proposition is the same as ever: Bet against Ledecky at your own peril. —Matthew De George >> KRISTOF MILAK, HUNGARY

MEN’S 4x200 FREESTYLE RELAY World Record: 6:58.55 United States (Michael Phelps, Ricky Berens, David Walters, Ryan Lochte)—Rome 7-31-09 2016 Olympic Champion: 7:00.66 United States (Conor Dwyer, Townley Haas, Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps)

Gold: Great Britain Silver: Australia Bronze: United States 

[PHOTO BY SCOTT GRANT ]

The United States has won the past four editions of this event, but it will not enter Tokyo as the favorite for the first time since 2004, when the Stars and Stripes upended Australia. The U.S. was third at the 2019 World Championships and does not feature a hammer, although Kieran Smith has significant upside. The potential of the United States might come down to whether the coaching staff utilizes Caeleb Dressel, and what the sprint star can deliver. Great Britain is a threat for gold, helped greatly by the presence of a pair of sub-1:45 performers in Duncan Scott and Tom Dean. Matt Richards and James Guy are the other likely legs who round out a team with a superb combination of power and depth. Meanwhile, Russia is well-balanced and headlined by Martin Malyutin. Australia, the reigning world champion, will turn to a lineup that will feature Alexander Graham and Kyle Chalmers, with Elijah Winnington and Thomas Neill also at the disposal of the coaches. Italy has the ability to play podium spoiler. —John Lohn

>> SYDNEY PICKREM, CANADA BIWEEKLY

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DAY 5 FINALS Thursday, July 29

(10:30 a.m. - 1:05 p.m. Japan Standard Time)

[PHOTO BY PETER H. BICK ]

MEN’S 800 FREESTYLE | MEN’S 200 BREASTSTROKE | WOMEN’S 200 BUTTERFLY | MEN’S 100 FREESTYLE | WOMEN’S 4x200 FREESTYLE RELAY

>> CAELEB DRESSEL, UNITED STATES

MEN’S 800 FREESTYLE

MEN’S 200 BREASTSTROKE

World Record: 7:32.12 Zhang Lin, China—Rome 7-29-09 2016 Olympic Champion: Olympic debut

World Record: 2:06.12 Anton Chupkov, Russia—Gwangju 7-26-19 2016 Olympic Champion: 2:07.46 Dmitriy Balandin, Kazakhstan

Sun Yang won’t be there. The Americans, who didn’t have a finalist at the last World Championships, lack a top-30 time in the last two years. Gregorio Paltrinieri is overcoming a bout of mononucleosis. So where does that leave the field in the first-ever Olympic men’s 800 free? Wide open, to say the least. Europe seems to be the likely point of origin for the champion. Paltrinieri is the reigning world champ, leading an all-European podium in 2019 with Henrik Christiansen of Norway and David Aubry of France. Paltrinieri’s countryman Gabriele Detti has grown over the last Olympic cycle, as has Ukraine’s Mykhailo Romanchuk (the European champion in late May). Australia’s Jack McLoughlin (fourth at Worlds and ranked second in 2021) is also a contender. The addition of the 800 to the 1500 complicates schedules for distance swimmers, as does the fact that several medal hopes— Paltrinieri, Aubry and Germany’s Florian Wellbrock among them— will compete in the pool and open water. So, a first men’s 800 opens the door to intriguing possibilities. —Matthew De George Gold: Mykhailo Romanchuk, Ukraine Silver: Gregorio Paltrinieri, Italy Bronze: Henrik Christiansen, Norway

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Since winning the world title in 2017, the men’s 200 breaststroke has belonged to Russia’s Anton Chupkov. The two-time reigning world champ has won every title imaginable for the 200 breaststroke, but the Olympic gold eludes him. After dismantling the record books in 2019, when he nearly became the first man to break 2:06 in the event, he is still the favorite to take gold after four lengths of the pool in Japan. But it won’t be easy—five of the six fastest men ever in the event will be in Tokyo, and it will surely be a dogfight. Japan’s Shoma Sato has the top time in the world this year, and even without any hometown fans cheering him on, he should still be a popular pick for the gold. The 20-year-old who ranks third on the all-time list has the weight of a nation on his shoulders: Japan has won this event more than any other country at the Games—six— with the last coming from Kosuke Kitajima in 2008. Sato rattled the world record at Japan’s Trials in April, but doesn’t have an international senior level meet under his belt. Australia’s Zac Stubblety-Cook, who swims a very similar race to Chupkov in that he often blitzes the final 50 faster than anyone else, has the top time in the world this year with a 2:06.2 from June. Australia hasn’t won this event since Ian O’Brien in 1964, but has two gold medal contenders in Stubblety-Cook and 2019 Worlds silver medalist Matthew Wilson. —Andy Ross Gold: Anton Chupkov, Russia Silver: Zac Stubblety-Cook, Australia Bronze: Shoma Sato, Japan

5 World Record: 2:01.81 Liu Zige, China—Jinan 10-21-09 2016 Olympic Champion: 2:04.85 Mireia Belmonte, Spain

It seemed as if the women’s 200 butterfly would be a two-person race, as it was at the 2019 World Championships between USA’s Hali Flickinger and Hungary’s Boglarka Kapas. Flickinger had the top time heading into finals, but neither herself nor Kapas reached that time, though Kapas got her hand on the wall first for the gold medal. Flickinger has come back with a vengeance, putting together some dominating swims this year. But Flickinger (2:05.85) and Kapas (2:06.50) have the secondand third-fastest times in the world this year. China’s Zhang Yufei has the top time at 2:05.44, making it a three-way race for gold—at least on paper. Flickinger is the veteran, having been in an Olympic final in 2016, but the youth movement of Zhang and Kapas have a lot of speed. Flickinger also made the team in the 400 IM and has been at her best since Worlds. USA teammate Regan Smith has the fourth-fastest time this year at 2:06.99 and could be a podium possibility, while China’s You Liyan, Britain’s Laura Stephens, Japan’s Suzuka Hasegawa and Australia’s Brianna Throssell could all be a factor. —Dan D’Addona Gold: Hali Flickinger, USA Silver: Zhang Yufei, China Bronze: Boglarka Kapas, Hungary

MEN’S 100 FREESTYLE World Record: 46.91 Cesar Cielo, Brazil—Rome 7-30-09 2016 Olympic Champion: 47.58 Kyle Chalmers, Australia

Are we looking at a showdown between reigning Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers of Australia and two-time defending world champion Caeleb Dressel of the United States? That duel would feature the front-end speed of Dressel versus the back-half strength of Chalmers. While Chalmers was 47.59 at the Australian Trials, Dressel registered a performance of 47.39 at the U.S. Trials. Look for the 46.91 world record of Cesar Cielo to come under fire. Russia’s Kliment Kolesnikov, although best known for his backstroke prowess, owns the top time in the world this year, an effort of 47.31. Kolesnikov captured the European title in the event earlier this year and could disrupt the Chalmers-Dressel party. Another factor could be Italian Alessandro Miressi, who is relatively

unheralded, but has been 47.45. Great Britain’s Duncan Scott is a lurking presence, while Zach Apple secured the second spot at the American Trials. Attention must also be paid to Russia’s Andrei Minakov and Hungarian Nandor Nemeth, along with Romanian 16-year-old David Popovici. —John Lohn Gold: Caeleb Dressel, USA Silver: Kyle Chalmers, Australia Bronze: Duncan Scott, Great Britain

WOMEN’S 4x200 FREESTYLE RELAY World Record: 7:41.50 Australia (Ariarne Titmus, Madison Wilson, Brianna Throssell, Emma McKeon)—Gwangju 7-25-19 2016 Olympic Champion: 7:43.03 United States (Allison Schmitt, Leah Smith, Maya DiRado, Katie Ledecky)

At the 2019 World Championships, Australia won gold in the 800 free relay by less than 4-tenths over the United States, with both countries going under a decade-old world record in the process. Now, Australia is the heavy favorite, with the top four times from their Trials adding up to almost two seconds faster than that world record. The team figures to consist of Ariarne Titmus, who almost broke the 200 free world record with her 1:53.09, as well as Emma McKeon (1:54.74), Madison Wilson (1:55.68) and Leah Neale (1:56.08). The Americans should be favored for silver with Katie Ledecky leading a likely team of Paige Madden, Allison Schmitt and Katie McLaughlin, but the season-best times for that group adds up to more than five seconds behind Australia’s potential time. The Americans have won the 800 free relay in five of six appearances at the Olympic Games, with Australia capturing first on the other occasion in 2008. Meanwhile, Canada and China should battle for bronze. Canada will need Penny Oleksiak (1:54.36 split in 2019) and Taylor Ruck (1:56.21 split in 2019) as close to their best as possible, while China’s Yang Junxuan swam a 1:54.57 earlier this year. —David Rieder Gold: Australia Silver: United States Bronze: Canada 

[PHOTO BY PETER H. BICK ]

WOMEN’S 200 BUTTERFLY

>> ANTON CHUPKOV, RUSSIA BIWEEKLY

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2 0 2 1 TO K YO O LY M P I C S

DAY 6 FINALS Friday, July 30

(10:30 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. Japan Standard Time)

[PHOTO BY PETER H. BICK ]

WOMEN’S 200 BREASTSTROKE | MEN’S 200 BACKSTROKE | WOMEN’S 100 FREESTYLE | MEN’S 200 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY

>> RYAN MURPHY, UNITED STATES

WOMEN’S 200 BREASTSTROKE

MEN’S 200 BACKSTROKE

World Record: 2:19.11sf Rikke Moller Pederson, Denmark—Barcelona 8-1-13 2016 Olympic Champion: 2:20.30 Rie Kaneto, Japan

World Record: 1:51.92 Aaron Piersol, USA—Rome 7-31-09 2016 Olympic Champion: 1:53.62 Ryan Murphy, USA

There are races that are close on paper. Then there’s the women’s 200 breast, which is downright congested. In the last two years, seven swimmers have posted times within 1.5 seconds of each other, led by Tatjana Schoenmaker’s 2:20.17 in April. Any of the seven could find themselves atop the podium. Unlike the 100 breast, where Lilly King enters as the marked— if not untouchable—favorite, the field is much more open. Yuliya Efimova is the reigning world champ, though she’s now 29. King is a contender, as is American/Indiana teammate Annie Lazor. Molly Renshaw and Abbie Wood are in the picture for Great Britain. Kanako Watanabe is likely to factor in for the host country, and Canada’s duo of Kelsey Wog and Sydney Pickrem were both finalists at the last Worlds. So, how to separate it all? Wait for two busy days of racing in Tokyo. —Matthew De George

Defending Olympic gold medalist Ryan Murphy had a dominating U.S. Olympic Trials, taking the top spot in both backstroke events for the second consecutive Olympic qualifying meet. He heads to Tokyo as the second-fastest in the world this year at 1:54.20. Russia’s Evgeny Rylov has the top time at 1:53.23, making the showdown greatly anticipated. Two more swimmers have been sub-1:55 in 2021, with Luke Greenbank of Great Britain clocking a 1:54.43 and USA’s Bryce Mefford a 1:54.79 to take the second spot on the American team. Meanwhile, Japan’s Ryosuke Irie will look to make a splash in his home country. The U.S. has a long history in the men’s backstroke—six Olympic gold medals in a row in both the 100 and 200...ever since 1996—and Murphy is the latest to hold that torch. But this will be the toughest race of his international career, and he will have to be at his best if he wants to hold off Rylov. —Dan D’Addona

Gold: Tatjana Schoenmaker, South Africa Silver: Molly Renshaw, Great Britain Bronze: Annie Lazor, USA

Gold: Ryan Murphy, USA Silver: Evgeny Rylov, Russia Bronze: Luke Greenbank, Great Britain

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6 WOMEN’S 100 FREESTYLE World Record: 51.71r Sarah Sjostrom, Sweden—Budapest 7-23-17 2016 Olympic Co-Champions: 52.70 Penny Oleksiak, Canada & Simone Manuel, USA

The women’s 100 free will be missing a key player with codefending champion and two-time world champion Simone Manuel missing the U.S. team in the event. World record holder and 2016 bronze medalist Sarah Sjostrom is still working her way back into form after an elbow fracture cost her months of training time. But with the way Emma McKeon is swimming this year, she might be favored for gold anyway. McKeon became the sixth-fastest performer in history this year when she swam a 52.29 at Australia’s Olympic Trials, and countrywoman Cate Campbell (No. 2 all-time) is the secondquickest swimmer in 2021 at 52.59. Penny Oleksiak broke 53 earlier this year for the first time since tying Manuel for gold in 2016, and look for Dutch swimmers Femke Heemskerk and Ranomi Kromowidjojo (the 2012 gold medalist), China’s Yang Junxuan, Britain’s Freya Anderson and the USA’s Abbey Weitzeil to be among those also contending for the podium. —David Rieder

[PHOTO BY SWIMMING AUSTRALIA ]

Gold: Emma McKeon, Australia Silver: Cate Campbell, Australia Bronze: Penny Oleksiak, Canada

MEN’S 200 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY World Record: 1:54.00 Ryan Lochte, USA—Shanghai 7-28-11

The United States has long dominated the IM events at the Olympic Games. In 2016, Japan’s Kosuke Hagino snapped the Americans’ streak in the 400 IM that dated back to 1996, while the 200 IM streak began in 2004 with Michael Phelps winning the last four. Flash forward to 2021, and with no Phelps or Lochte, the 200 IM is wide open. But enter 22-year-old Michael Andrew, who can finally validate his swimming career with an Olympic appearance. Andrew has been flirting with Lochte’s world record all year, but he did not have a fast-enough freestyle to close out his race at the Olympic Trials. It is no secret Andrew will set the pace, and it may just leave everyone else disoriented and out of the gold medal race if he is to demolish everyone on the front half by turning a second under world-record pace. That could potentially leave the field scrambling on the freestyle leg, but nobody has been able to put up four solid 50s in the 200 IM quite like Japan’s Daiya Seto. Seto was the 2019 world champ and looked to be the man to beat in his home country. And he may still hold that mantle, but does he have the strength and speed to match Andrew? He has only been a 1:57.4 this season, while Great Britain’s Duncan Scott and Australia’s Mitch Larkin, who relatively recently picked up this event at the international level, sit behind Andrew in the world rankings at second and third. —Andy Ross Gold: Michael Andrew, USA Silver: Daiya Seto, Japan Bronze: Duncan Scott, Great Britain 

>> CATE CAMPBELL, AUSTRLIA

[PHOTO BY PETER H. BICK ]

2016 Olympic Champion: 1:54.66 Michael Phelps, USA

>> MICHAEL ANDREW, UNITED STATES BIWEEKLY

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2 0 2 1 TO K YO O LY M P I C S

DAY 7 FINALS Saturday, July 31

(10:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Japan Standard Time) MEN’S 100 BUTTERFLY | WOMEN’S 200 BACKSTROKE | WOMEN’S 800 FREESTYLE | MIXED 4x100 MEDLEY RELAY

MEN’S 100 BUTTERFLY World Record: 49.50sf Caeleb Dressel, USA—Gwangju 7-26-19 2016 Olympic Champion: 50.39 Joseph Schooling, Singapore

When Caeleb Dressel climbs atop the blocks for the final of the 100 butterfly in Tokyo, his race is expected to be with the clock, not the field. The American enters the Games with five of the sixfastest performances in history, and an effort in the 49-low range is expected, with a push for sub-49 not out of the question. The two-time defending world champion was as fast as 49.76 at the U.S. Trials. If anyone is capable of giving Dressel a scare, it is Hungarian ace Kristof Milak, who is the overwhelming favorite for Olympic gold in the 200 butterfly. Milak is the European champion in the 100 fly and 200 fly and has been 50-low in the shorter distance, but he must deliver a major improvement to enter the realm of Dressel. Among the contenders for the bronze medal are Russia’s Andrei Minakov, the silver medalist at the 2019 World Championships, and South African veteran Chad le Clos. Australia’s Matt Temple set a Commonwealth record of 50.45 at the Aussie Trials, but replicating that effort might prove difficult in a short time frame. —John Lohn Gold: Caeleb Dressel, USA Silver: Kristof Milak, Hungary Bronze: Andrei Minakov, Russia

WOMEN’S 200 BACKSTROKE World Record: 2:03.35sf Regan Smith, USA—Gwangju 7-26-19 2016 Olympic Champion: 2:05.99 Maya DiRado, USA

Get ready to hear this remarkable reality a lot: The world record holder in the women’s 200 back is in Tokyo, but not swimming the event. That was the shock of the U.S. Olympic Trials when Regan Smith found herself in third place behind Rhyan White and Phoebe Bacon. Despite the fact that Smith’s best time is more than twoand-a-half seconds ahead of what it took to win gold in Rio, she won’t be in the pool to chase it. Only Smith has broken 2:04. Only she and Kaylee McKeown have cracked 2:05.5 in the last two years. That shifts the favorite’s mantel directly to the Australian, who travels to Tokyo with a newly minted 100 back world record. Kylie Masse showed well at the Canadian Trials, with training in that country disturbed more than most by the COVID-19 pandemic. The two Americans will contend, as will Italian Margherita Panziera off a strong spring. And veterans such as Emily Seebohm and Katinka Hosszu should never be discounted. —Matthew De George Gold: Kaylee McKeown, Australia Silver: Kylie Masse, Canada Bronze: Rhyan White, USA

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WOMEN’S 800 FREESTYLE World Record and 2016 Olympic Champion: 8:04.79WR Katie Ledecky, USA—Rio de Janeiro 8-12-16

Katie Ledecky set the world record in the last Olympic Games in the women’s 800 free and easily won her race at the U.S. Olympic Trials. But she hasn’t swum the 800 at a major international meet in several years. At the 2019 World Championships, Ledecky was sick and was forced to pull out of the event, which was shaping up to be a pretty tight race between Ledecky and Italy’s Simona Quadarella on paper—but the moment was lost after the illness. Ledecky, who has the top time in the world this year at 8:14.62, will be the favorite again, but it will be more than Quadarella standing in her way. Australia’s Ariarne Titmus and Kiah Melverton have the second- and third-fastest times in the world this year at 8:15.57 and 8:19.05, with Quadarella (8:20.23) and upstart U.S. 15-year-old Katie Grimes (8:20.36) close behind. —Dan D’Addona Gold: Katie Ledecky, USA Silver: Ariarne Titmus, Australia Bronze: Simona Quadarella, Italy

MIXED 4x100 MEDLEY RELAY World Record: 3:38.41p China (Xu Jiayu, Yan Zibei, Zhang Yufei, Yang Junxuan)—Qingdao 10-1-20 2016 Olympic Champion: Olympic debut

After making its debut at the 2015 World Championships, the mixed 4x100 medley relay is set to make its Olympic debut in Tokyo. What makes this race so exciting are the strategies involved in determining which two legs will be swum by the women and which two by the men. On paper, the favorites look to be the three medalists from the 2019 Worlds: Australia (gold), United States (silver) and Great Britain (bronze), as all three teams have at least one world record holder. But Team USA has three (Ryan Murphy, Lilly King and Caeleb Dressel. Great Britain boasts one (Adam Peaty), while Australia also has one (Kaylee McKeown). China holds the world record in this event as the only global mark set in 2020, but they’ll need a perfect race to be able to compete with the three World Championship medalists from 2019. —Andy Ross Gold: United States Silver: Great Britain Bronze: Australia 

[PHOTO BY BECCA WYANT ]

[PHOTO BY SCOTT GRANT ]

>> SIMONA QUADARELLA, ITALY

>> KYLIE MASSE, CANADA BIWEEKLY

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2 0 2 1 TO K YO O LY M P I C S

DAY 8 FINALS Sunday, August 1

(10:30 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. Japan Standard Time)

[PHOTO BY BECCA WYANT ]

MEN’S 50 FREESTYLE | WOMEN’S 50 FREESTYLE | MEN’S 1500 FREESTYLE | WOMEN’S 4x100 MEDLEY RELAY | MEN’S 4x100 MEDLEY RELAY

>> FLORIAN WELLBROCK, GERMANY

MEN’S 50 FREESTYLE World Record: 20.91 Cesar Cielo, Brazil—Sao Paulo 12-18-09 2016 Olympic Champion: 21.40 Anthony Ervin, USA

The men’s sprinting generations have turned in the United States. The ushering in of a global new guard is slower to arrive. The United States claimed two places on the podium in Rio, but neither Anthony Ervin nor bronze medalist Nathan Adrian survived Olympic Trials this time, going by the wayside in favor of young stars Caeleb Dressel and Michael Andrew. Globally, though, the same turnover hasn’t occurred. Florent Manaoudou, Bruno Fratus and Benjamin Proud—all top-six finishers in Rio—remain in the picture, despite the former two being in their 30s. Even the “young” competitors—29-year-old Vlad Morozov and 27-year-old Kristian Gokolomeev—aren’t exactly young. The most salient question appears to be if Dressel, who went 21.04 at the recent Trials, can erase Cielo’s world record. He’s the favorite for gold, with Proud not far behind. The mystery is if anyone else, young or old, can spoil the party. —Matthew De George Gold: Caeleb Dressel, USA Silver: Benjamin Proud, Great Britain Bronze: Michael Andrew, USA

WOMEN’S 50 FREESTYLE World Record: 23.67sf Sarah Sjostrom, Sweden— Budapest 7-29-17 2016 Olympic Champion: 24.07 Pernille Blume, Denmark

The 50 freestyle can often be an unpredictable race in any

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international meet. With such little room for error and so many athletes bunched up together in the world rankings—not to mention the fatigue factor of the race being held on the very last day of the meet—the 50 freestyle is one of the most difficult to predict. Defending champion Pernille Blume shocked the world when she touched first in Rio, winning Denmark’s first swimming gold medal since 1948. However, Blume has not reached the podium internationally since then, finishing in fourth at the last two World Championships. Reigning world champ Simone Manuel has not quite swum to expectations in 2021, having been diagnosed with overtraining syndrome earlier this year, preventing her from training at the same level as she did in 2016. Also, Sarah Sjostrom, the 2017 world champ and world record holder, sustained an elbow injury earlier this year. That leaves the door open for two veterans: Australia’s Cate Campbell, who is looking for her first individual gold at the Olympics, and Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands, who won the gold medal in 2012. Campbell is second in the world rankings behind teammate Emma McKeon, while Kromowidjojo is directly behind them in third. But Manuel and Sjostrom are two of the best racers of all-time, and it will come down to who has the best finish on the last day in Tokyo. —Andy Ross Gold: Cate Campbell, Australia Silver: Ranomi Kromowidjojo, Netherlands Bronze: Sarah Sjostrom, Sweden

8 World Record: 14:31.02 Sun Yang, China—London 8-4-12 2016 Olympic Champion: 14:34.57 Gregorio Paltrinieri, Italy

The reigning gold medalist, Gregorio Paltrinieri, was diagnosed with mononucleosis a month before the Tokyo Games were scheduled to begin, clouding the field a little bit and definitely putting a road block in his path toward repeating as Olympic champion. Germany’s Florian Wellbrock has the top time in the world this year at 14:36.45, while Ukraine’s Mykhailo Romanchuk is next at 14:39.89, ahead of Paltrinieri (14:40.38). Meanwhile, USA’s Bobby Finke dominated at the U.S. Trials and sits at 14:46.06 without being pushed down the stretch. He will try to follow in the path of Connor Jaeger, who gave the U.S. a silver medal in the event in Rio. —Dan D’Addona Gold: Florian Wellbrock, Germany Silver: Mykhailo Romanchuk, Ukraine Bronze: Gregorio Paltrinieri, Italy

WOMEN’S 4x100 MEDLEY RELAY World Record: 3:50.40 United States (Regan Smith, Lilly King, Kelsi Dahlia, Simone Manuel)—Gwangju 7-28-19 2016 Olympic Champion: 3:53.13 United States (Kathleen Baker, Lilly King, Dana Vollmer, Simone Manuel)

The American women have been dominant in the 400 medley relay since 2016, and they have set world records in the event at the last two World Championships. The common factor on these relays is Lilly King, who has been the dominant 100 breaststroker in the world since 2016. Now 24, King projects to have more than a second advantage over the breaststroker of any other top country in the medley relays. The U.S. relay should also feature Regan Smith, the former world record holder in the 100 back, as well as teenage butterfly star Torri Huske and likely Abbey Weitzeil on the anchor leg. The Australians have Kaylee McKeown, the current 100 back world record holder, with Emma McKeon (butterfly) and Cate Campbell (freestyle) coming home hard. Canada gets a huge boost

from 100 back world champion Kylie Masse and 100 fly world champion Maggie MacNeil. China, Great Britain and potentially Sweden could also contend. —David Rieder Gold: United States Silver: Australia Bronze: Canada

MEN’S 4x100 MEDLEY RELAY World Record: 3:27.28 United States (Aaron Peirsol, Eric Shanteau, Michael Phelps, David Walters)—Rome 8-2-09 2016 Olympic Champion: 3:27.95 United States (Ryan Murphy, Cody Miller, Michael Phelps, Nathan Adrian)

The United States has never lost the medley relay in Olympic competition, going a perfect 14-for-14 since the event’s debut in 1960. The only time Team USA didn’t capture gold was in 1980, when the United States boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. Although this summer might be a little tighter than past Games, the U.S. is in good position to prevail. The American squad figures to feature Ryan Murphy (backstroke), Michael Andrew (breaststroke), Caeleb Dressel (butterfly) and Zach Apple (freestyle), a unit without a weakness. A key will be Andrew on the breaststroke leg, as he looks to neutralize Great Britain’s advantage on that leg with Adam Peaty. For the Brits to challenge the United States, it must receive a lifetime-best swim from Luke Greenbank on the leadoff backstroke leg. Greenbank will be tasked with setting the stage for Peaty, James Guy and Duncan Scott. Russia, which has several lineup options, seems to be the best bet for the bronze medal, with Australia and Japan challenging. —John Lohn Gold: United States Silver: Great Britain Bronze: Russia 

[PHOTO BY MINE KASAPOGLU / ISL ]

MEN’S 1500 FREESTYLE

>> SARAH SJOSTROM, SWEDEN BIWEEKLY

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THEMAGIC5 www.themagic5.com...................................................(980) 247.4838 THEMAGIC5 alleviates every complaint that swimmers have about ill-fitting goggles—headaches, goggle marks and leaky lenses—by allowing every swimmer, recreational to professional, to have access to a pair of custom-made, high-performance goggles. The process is simple: Purchase a pair of goggles and complete a facial scan using any smartphone’s selfie camera in the THEMAGIC5 mobile app. THEMAGIC5’s revolutionary Optimal Fitting Technology (OFT) is the cross-section of comfort and performance, and is backed by some of the best athletes in the world—including investors and sporting legends Jan Frodeno and Matt Grevers.

Vasa www.vasatrainer.com...............................................(800) 488.VASA Since 1990, Vasa Trainers, SwimErgs and Swim Cord sets have been used successfully by swimmers, swim coaches, triathletes, surfers, physical therapists and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. All Vasa products make sportspecific training on land simpler and more effective. Want to get stronger, better, faster? Get Vasa and get moving! DIVING BOARDS Spectrum Aquatics www.spectrumaquatics.com ...................................(406) 532.6352 S.R. Smith www.srsmith.com.........................................................(800) 824.4387

TYR Sport www.tyr.com.....................................................................(800) 252.7878

TYR Sport www.tyr.com.....................................................................(800) 252.7878 KICKBOARDS Kiefer Aquatics www.kiefer.com...............................................................(309) 451.5858 CONTINUED >> CONTINUED ON 28 >> BIWEEKLY

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LANE LINES & REELS

PACE CLOCKS

Kiefer Aquatics www.kiefer.com..............................................................(309) 451.5858

International Sports Timing (IST) www.istime.com................................................................800) 835.2611

Spectrum Aquatics www.spectrumaquatics.com....................................(406) 532.6352 . LIFEGUARD EQUIPMENT

Kiefer Aquatics www.kiefer.com..............................................................(309) 451.5858

Kiefer Aquatics www.kiefer.com..............................................................(309) 451.5858 Kiefer Aquatics is a leading distributor serving lifeguards, swim teams, aquatic facilities and learn-to-swim programs in the U.S. Kiefer’s selection of swim, lifeguard and facility products also includes exclusive products we have developed that provide additional customer selection, value and quality. Our service and distribution portfolio also includes local swim shops operating as All American Swim and the e-commerce sites: Kiefer.com, TheLifeguardStore.com and AllAmericanSwim.com. Kiefer was founded in 1947 by Adolph Kiefer—U.S. Olympic gold medalist, WWII Navy instructor, aquatics industry pioneer and member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Kiefer’s legacy of service, selection, value and performance continues to propel us today. Spectrum Aquatics www.spectrumaquatics.com....................................(406) 532.6352 SwimOutlet.com www.SwimOutlet.com................................................(800) 691.4065

Swiss Timing - Omega www.swisstimingusa.com.........................................(678) 463.5678 PADDLES & PULL BUOYS FINIS www.finisswim.com.....................................................(888) 333.4647 TYR Sport www.tyr.com.....................................................................(800) 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 S.R. Smith www.srsmith.com.........................................................(800) 824.4387 Since 1932, S.R. Smith has manufactured high-quality CONTINUED >>

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products for residential swimming pools and commercial aquatic facilities. Products include ladders and 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 Corporation www.suitmate.com........................................................(847) 742.3532 SwimOutlet.com www.SwimOutlet.com................................................(800) 691.4065 POOL EQUIPMENT—HEATING/COOLING AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc. www.autopilot.com........................................................(727) 823.5642 AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc. has been manufacturing swimming pool heat pumps and salt chlorine generators in Florida since 1982, 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, Inc. www.autopilot.com........................................................(727) 823.5642 PREP SCHOOLS Baylor School .............................................................Chattanooga, TN Co-ed Boarding & Day, Grades 6-12 (423) 267.8506 x279...............................dflack@baylorschool.org www.baylorswimming.org and www.baylorschool.org The Bolles School........................................................Jacksonville, FL Co-ed Boarding and Day, Grades Pre-K-12 (904) 256.5216...................................................verhoefp@bolles.org www.bolles.org Gulliver Preparatory School.............................................Miami, FL Co-ed Day, Grades Pre-K-12 (305) 666.7937x1552...........................cgeorge@gulliverprep.org www.gulliverprep.org McDonogh School..................................................Owings Mills, MD Co-ed Day & 5-day Boarding, Grades Pre-K-12 (443) 544.7021.........................................sbirdsall@mcdonogh.org www.mcdonogh.org CONTINUED >>

800-791-8056 info@spectrumproducts.com www.spectrumproducts.com

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Mercersburg Academy.........................................Mercersburg, PA Co-ed Boarding, Grades 9-12/Postgraduate (717) 328.6173.................................admission@mercersburg.edu www.mercersburg.edu Peddie School.................................................................Hightstown, NJ Co-ed Boarding & Day, Grades 9-12/Postgraduate (609) 944.7501.............................................admission@peddie.org www.peddie.org Phillips Academy..............................................................Andover, MA Co-ed Boarding & Day, Grades 9-Postgraduate (978) 749.4000......................................................dfox@andover.edu www.andover.edu RESISTANCE TRAINING NZ Manufacturing www.nzcordz.com .........................................................(800) 886.6621 NZ Manufacturing,Inc.,a leader in high-quality resistance swim training, general sports training and physical rehabilitation tools, celebrates its 36th year providing innovative exercise products to coaches,athletes,physical therapists,chiropractors and patients. NZ Manufacturing was founded in 1985 with the development of Strech-Cordz®, a line of high-quality swim training products. Originally designed by a small group of competitive swimmers, Strech-Cordz® Dryland and In-Water tools help improve stroke, endurance and strength through resistance. Today, Strech-Cordz® Gear is recognized as the top swim training product line worldwide, used by swimmers ranging from novice to international Olympians.

SCOREBOARDS International Sports Timing (IST) www.istime.com..............................................................(800) 835.2611 Swiss Timing - Omega www.swisstimingusa.com.........................................(678) 463.5678 SOCIAL DISTANCING TRAINING TOOLS FINIS www.finisswim.com.....................................................(888) 333.4647 NZ Manufacturing www.nzcordz.com........................................................(800) 886.6621 SwimOutlet.com www.SwimOutlet.com................................................(800) 691.4065 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. It is a state-of-the-art facility for swimming and diving, artistic swimming, water polo and other competitive aquatic sports. The Aquaplex features an Olympic-sized 50-meter pool, a warm-up program pool,1,500 spectator seats,an outdoor splash park and more! The center will serve the community with CONTINUED >>

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SUITMATE ®: Keeping swimmers happy since '83

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swim education and programming,and everyone will enjoy the thrill of waterslides and pool fun at Splash Down Park. STARTING BLOCKS Kiefer Aquatics www.kiefer.com...........................................(309) 451.5858 Spectrum Aquatics www.spectrumaquatics.com.................(406) 532.6352 Spectrum Aquatics has been meeting and beating aquatics standards for nearly 50 years. They manufacture a broad array of quality aquatic products used in the construction and operation of commercial swimming pools and spas. Their flagship products include starting platforms, the backstroke start device, pool lifts and accessibility equipment, ladders, standard and custom rails, steps, diving platforms, lifeguard chairs, pool covers, pool climbing walls, poolside slides and a broad array of aquatic accessories and parts. S.R. Smith www.srsmith.com......................................(800) 824.4387 Swiss Timing - Omega www.swisstimingusa.com......................(678) 463.5678 STRENGTH EQUIPMENT Vasa www.vasatrainer.com............................(800) 488.VASA STRETCH CORDS NZ Manufacturing www.nzcordz.com.....................................(800) 886.6621 Vasa www.vasatrainer.com............................(800) 488.VASA SWIM BENCHES Vasa www.vasatrainer.com............................(800) 488.VASA SWIMSUIT WATER EXTRACTORS

The ultimate swim bench for increasing swim-specific power & stamina • Increases power, speed & stamina • Great for injury rehab & prevention • Improves high elbow catch stroke technique

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SUITMATE® by Extractor Corporation www.suitmate.com.....................................(847) 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 CONTINUED >>

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by Extractor Corporation’s excellent product and service integrity.

requirement. At TYR, we’re always in front.

SWIMWEAR AND APPAREL

TIMING SYSTEMS

FINIS www.finisswim.com.....................................................(888) 333.4647

International Sports Timing (IST) www.istime.com............................................................(800) 835.2611 IST is here to give you the dream pool room you deserve. They are a family-owned company that has been in business since 1992, made up of swimmers, coaches, swim parents and swimming fans, as well as electrical and software engineers. Their development teams work directly with coaches, directors and everyone else in the swimming community to make the best hardware and software in the industry. Their goal is to ensure the best experience for the athletes, the viewers, coaches and everyone else involved behind the scenes. They offer customizable options at great prices, thoroughly tested software updates and innovative products so they can adapt to your exact needs. Thanks to their easy-to-use products and unbeatable warranties, all you have to worry about is how well your team performs.

Kiefer Aquatics www.kiefer.com..............................................................(309) 451.5858 SwimOutlet.com www.SwimOutlet.com................................................(800) 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 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 Sport www.tyr.com.................................................................... (800) 252.7878 Named for TYR, the Norse god of warriors, our company is committed to cultivating a culture of greatness, both in and out of the water. Through vision and American ingenuity, we have become a brand synonymous with the athlete. From the planning stages to the production floor, everything we do revolves around synthesizing creativity, experience and competition. For us, engineering the most advanced performance products is more than just a goal—it’s a

Swiss Timing - Omega www.swisstimingusa.com.........................................(678) 463.5678 Swiss Timing and its sister company, Omega, have been the pioneers in proposing innovative solutions for competitive swimming, working closely with FINA and the world’s television broadcasters. Swiss Timing products include timing consoles, touchpads, starting blocks, start systems, scoreboards, video backup, TV graphics and a wide variety of additional products targeted at the competitive aquatics sporting events of swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming. Swiss Timing’s services and technology meet CONTINUED CONTINUED ON 38 >>

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INSPIRED.

HAMPTON VIRGINIA AQUAPLEX & SPLASH DOWN PARK Hampton Virginia Aqua pl ex is set to make a big splash next summer. The Hampton Aquaplex was designed for Mid-Atlantic and national competitive swimming, diving, artistic, water polo, and other aquatic sport events - or for bigtime fun in the outdoor splash park. Features like the 50-meter pool, multiple bulkheads, Colorado Time System, 25-yard program pool, seating for 1,500 spectators and 760 competitors, outdoor splash park, and more, make the Aquaplex shine in the Mid-Atlantic region. For more information, please contact Hampton Convention 8c Visitor Bureau at 800 -487-8778 or 757-722-1222, or visit SportsHampton.com

2021 AQUATIC DIRECTORY / Continued

the needs of the full range of swimming races contested in 25- and 50-meter pools and in the open water.

NZ Manufacturing www.nzcordz.com.........................................................(800) 886.6621

TOYS & GAMES

SwimOutlet.com www.SwimOutlet.com................................................(800) 691.4065

Spectrum Aquatics www.spectrumaquatics.com ...................................(406) 532.6352 TRAIN AT HOME FINIS www.finisswim.com..................................................... (888) 333.4647

T-SHIRTS Hasty Awards www.hastyawards.com...............................................(800) 448.7714 WATER POLO EQUIPMENT Spectrum Aquatics www.spectrumaquatics.com.......................(406) 532.6352 WATER SAFETY 360swim www.saferswimmer.eu...............................+358407567345 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. WORKOUT SOFTWARE International Sports Timing (IST) www.istime.com..............................................(800) 835.261

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Over Lack of Support, Becca Meyers Withdraws from Paralympics BY MATTHEW DE GEORGE

iting a lack of support for athletes in Tokyo during the Paralympics, Becca Meyers has withdrawn from what would have been her third Paralympics. Meyers informed the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee of her decision on Sunday. She spoke to The Washington Post Monday about the decision. Meyers also penned an essay for USA Today on Tuesday. “I would love to go to Tokyo,” Meyers, 26, told The Post. “Swimming has given me my identity as a person. I’ve always been Becca the Swimmer Girl. I haven’t taken this lightly. This has been very difficult for me. [But] I need to say something to effect change, because this can’t go on any longer.” Meyers is deaf and blind as a result of Usher syndrome. She requires a personal care assistant (PCA) to complete her daily activities in and out of the pool. Since a bad experience with her assistance at the Rio Olympics, her mother Maria has served as her PCA at international events. But restrictions surrounding COVID-19 at the Tokyo Olympics have led the organizing committee to limit the presence of non-athletes at the games. When the USOPC informed Meyers that her mother, whose status as a PCA at previous meets had been approved by that body, couldn’t go with her to Tokyo, Meyers elected to pull out of the competition. “She’s given her entire life for this. It’s unacceptable. It’s heartbreaking,” Maria Meyers said. “She is terrified to go [alone]. And I mean terrified — like, rolled up in a ball, shaking.” “I haven’t been sleeping. I’m so stressed,” Becca Meyers said. “My training started to suffer because of this situation, and I just haven’t been able to be the best I can be. I know I can be the best I can be with the resources I need. It’s worked

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for the last four years.” The Meyers family appealed to people in the U.S. government and within the IOC and IPC, but their petitions have elicited no change. Meyers was a medal contender in up to four events in Tokyo. She started at the Paralympics in 2012 at age 17 and is one of the most recognized Paralympic swimmers. Meyers won ESPY awards in 2015 and 2017 and has set numerous American and World records. She won three gold medals at the Rio Paralympics in 2016 in the S13 and SM13 categories as well as a silver. She returned from London with a bronze and a silver. Meyers trained at North Baltimore Aquatic Club, then club of Michael Phelps, and Katie Ledecky’s Nation’s Capital Swim Club, two of the top clubs in the nation. Despite the chance to add to that silverware, Meyers is prioritizing her needs, particularly avoiding a situation in Tokyo where she isn’t being looked after. The fact that the USOPC hasn’t put her, and other Paralympic swimmers’, needs at the forefront is why the she’s taking her stand. “No one has ever asked me what I need,” Meyers said. “No one has ever asked me that question. When we had a meeting in May to discuss this, I presented my case and I said, ‘Okay, how do we make this work?’ They talked right over me. They dismissed me. They said, ‘This is what we have; you’re going to have to deal with it.’” Speedo, which sponsors Meyers, also put out a statement: “Becca has been forced to make a decision that no Paralympian should ever have to make and Speedo fully supports her decision to withdraw from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. As a valued member of Team Speedo, we continue to stand alongside Becca and support her journey and all that makes her an inspiring role model for the next generation of swimmers.”◄

[ PHOTO COURTESY DAVID CURTISS / INSTAGRAM & SPEEDO USA ]

merican sprinter David Curtiss has signed a sponsorship agreement with Speedo, one of the first collegiate swimmers to avail himself of new NCAA rules allowing athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness (NIL). Curtiss announced the deal via his Instagram on Friday. As not just a rising star in the sport by a prominent Black swimmer, Curtiss expressed a desire to do more outside of the pool in the announcement: “There are tons of stereotypes regarding who can and can’t swim. I strive to prove these wrong. I #MakeWaves by helping myself achieve my goals while helping others achieve theirs by assisting them any way I can. Swimming is for anyone, regardless of color, race, sexuality or ethnicity.”

David Curtiss, Taking Advantage of New NCAA NIL Rules, Partners with Speedo BY MATTHEW DE GEORGE

The NCAA has yielded to decades of pressure on the NIL issue. As of July 1, in the face of several states passing laws and the proposal of federal legislation, the NCAA allowed athletes to begin making money off their NIL rights in certain circumstances. That has allowed athletes to be paid for appearances or leverage large social media followings. Curtiss will begin his college career at NC State in the fall. A finalist at U.S. Olympic Trials, the native of Yardley, Pa., and graduate of the Pennington School in New Jersey set the fastest time in high school history in the 50 freestyle at 19.11 seconds. He joins NC State’s renowned stable of sprinters. ◄

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[ PHOTO BY PETER H. BICK ]

>> Torri Huske

The 18-and-Under Swimmers Who Could Steal the Show at the Tokyo Olympics BY DAVID RIEDER

t every Olympics, young swimmers emerge from out of nowhere and put on amazing performances to win Olympic medals. It is impossible to predict who is going to lower their best times over and over in one year and make the jump to the Olympic level, but it happens every four years. Who could have imagined Penny Oleksiak tying for gold in the 100 freestyle before the 2016 Olympics or Ruta Meilutyte upsetting Rebecca Soni in the 100 breaststroke four years before that? Not to mention the stunning performance of 15-year-old Katie Ledecky at those London Olympics, where she shocked the world by winning gold in the 800 free, kicking off her now-legendary international career in style. SWIM MART

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For the Tokyo Olympics, the influx of new faces may be even more pronounced since the Olympics were delayed one year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The last time the best swimmers in the world were all in one place was almost two years ago, at the World Championships in Gwangju. So much has changed in swimming that there are at least 11 swimmers ages 18 and younger now ranked in the top 10 in the world in at least one event who did not even participate at the 2019 World Championships. Some of these swimmers will win individual medals over the course of the Tokyo Olympics, and one of them is currently among the favorites for Olympic gold. Torri Huske, USA: The breakout star of the U.S. Olympic Trials, Huske was masterful in the 100 butterfly as she went out well under world-record pace and looked smooth and powerful on the back half. The 18-year-old enters the Olympics as the fastest swimmer in the world for 2021 with her American-record time of 55.66, but Huske will have significant competition as she aims to win Olympic gold in the event in Tokyo. She will likely be a key piece to the U.S. women’s 400 medley relay team, and while she did not make the final of the 100 free at Olympic Trials, she is the topranked U.S. 100 freestyler this year, so she

Lydia Jacoby, USA: The first Alaska native to ever qualify for a U.S. Olympic swim team, Jacoby had never broken 1:08 in the 100 breaststroke a year ago. She dropped to a 1:07.57 in November and then a 1:06.40 at the Mission Viejo TYR Pro Swim Series in April to throw her name in the hat for an Olympic spot. After Olympic Trials, though, she is the second-fastest swimmer in the world at 1:05.28 and the second seed in the event for the Tokyo Olympics. Jacoby is already the eighth-fastest performer ever in the 100 breast.

Hwang Sun-Woo, Korea: In May, Hwang broke into the exclusive 1:44 club in the men’s 200 freestyle at the Korean Swimming Trials, his 1:44.96 establishing a new world junior record. Five men have broken 1:45 this year, including the 18-year-old Hwang, but his time would have been good for silver at the 2016 Olympics and the last two World Championships. He also swam an impressive 48.04 in the

SWIMMING On The Wall

.com

David Popovici, Romania: Popovici only gained major attention in the past two weeks as he went from never under 48 in the 100 free to breaking the world junior record and claiming the top time in the world with his 47.30. He also moved to sixth in the world in the 200 free with his 1:45.26, more than a second under his previous best time. That was all done at a meet with no significant challengers, and already, Popovici’s 100 free might be fast enough to claim an Olympic medal (although not gold with Caeleb Dressel and co. in the event).

She heads to Tokyo ranked fifth in the world, and with the way she is dropping time—reminiscent of 15-year-old Ledecky in 2012—you can’t help but wonder what is in store for the Games.

www

could be on the 400 free relay as well.

Evgenia Chikunova, Russia: Veteran Yuliya Efimova did not qualify for Russia’s Olympic team in the 200 breaststroke, but Chikunova is perfectly capable of filling that void. The 16-year-old ranks fourth in the world in the 200 breast at 2:21.69, faster than any swimmer besides Efimova swam at the 2019 Worlds. In a wide-open field in that event, Chikunova is one of six swimmers to break 2:22 this year, giving her an excellent shot at an Olympic medal. Chikunova also beat Efimova in the 100 breast at Russia’s Olympic Trials, and she could make the Olympic final in that event after swimming a 1:06.06 to rank 11th in the world. Claire Curzan, USA: During an amazing spring competition season, Curzan established herself as an Olympic contender in the 100 fly, the sprint freestyle races and even the 100 back, and although she only qualified for one final at Olympic Trials, she finished second to Huske in the 100 fly while holding off gritty veteran Kelsi Dahlia. Now 17, Curzan also has blistering early speed, and her best time of 56.20 from earlier this year ranks her fifth in the world for 2021 and ninth all-time. Katie Grimes, USA: Grimes, 15, was on nobody’s radar prior to Olympic Trials, but then she dropped 28 seconds in her 1500 free to finish third behind Katie Ledecky and Sandpipers of Nevada teammate Erica Sullivan. Her 800-meter split in her 1500 was a best time by eight seconds! And then, after Grimes snuck into the 800 free final as the eighth seed, she used another amazing finish to claim second place behind Ledecky and get onto the Olympic team as its youngest member.

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100 free, so he will have a chance to qualify for the final in that event at the Tokyo Olympics. Josif Miladinov, Bulgaria: As Kristof Milak blitzed a 50.18 100 fly to win the European title in May, Miladinov beat out a strong field to finish second in 50.93. It’s a little off the world junior record (owned by Milak at 50.62), but Miladinov could get there at the Tokyo Olympics. At fifth in the world for 2021 and 21st all-time, Miladinov could just be at the beginning of his run in the 100 fly, and he has a chance to become the first male Olympic medalist in swimming ever for Bulgaria, either in Tokyo or later in his career. Ilya Borodin, Russia: The top eight swimmers in the world this year in the men’s 400 IM are separated by just 1.3 seconds, and this 18-year-old Russian is right in the thick of it. He was the youngest male gold medalist at the European Championships, moving ahead of the field on the backstroke leg and showing strong skills in each of the stroke events. His best time is 4:10.02, ranking him sixth globally, and he is definitely a threat to the medal favorites at the Tokyo Olympics. Summer McIntosh, Canada: In 2016, a nine-year-old McIntosh was in attendance watching Canada’s Olympic Trials, and she got a photo with 16-year-old Olympian Penny Oleksiak. Now, McIntosh is an Olympian at just 14, and she and Oleksiak will try to lead Canada to a second straight Olympic medal in the 800 free relay. But McIntosh is also an individual medal contender in the 200 free, where she ranks eighth in the world at 1:56.19, and 14-year-old swimmers can drop massive time chunks regularly. She is also ranked 11th in the world in the 400 free (4:05.13) and 24th in both the 800 free (8:29.48) and 1500 free (16:15.19). McIntosh will be one to watch for many years. Hubert Kos, Hungary: Kos has not gotten as much attention as anyone else on this list, but he ranks eighth in the world in the 200 IM after topping the semifinal field in the event at the European Championships in 1:56.99, breaking the world junior record. Kos settled for fifth in the final at that meet, but he is also just 18 with a lot of potential for improvement. In Tokyo, Kos will represent Hungary in the 200 IM alongside 35-year-old Laszlo Cseh, swimming in his fifth Olympics after previously winning silver in the 200 IM in 2008 and bronze in 2012. ◄

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Doctors say swimmers can’t be “allergic” to chlorine, but irritation is real, and BioOx® can mitigate it The American College of Immunology, Asthma and Allergy maintains that it is not possible to have a chlorine allergy, but swimmers can experience an irritation reaction to chlorine fumes in indoor aquatics facilities. Chlorine exposure can indirectly contribute to existing allergies and underlying asthma by sensitizing the respiratory tract. Studies have suggested that frequent swimming in chlorinated pools may increase the risk of developing asthma and respiratory allergies, both in adolescents and in adults. This risk is increased for those with long-term exposure, including swim athletes, lifeguards and leisure swimmers, with more than 1,000 hours of exposure. Even though swim athletes are considered at the peak of human fitness, many have struggled with chlorine-triggered asthma, including Olympic swimmers. (Source: https://acaai.org/allergies). What’s the most effective way to reduce the risk of respiratory track sensitivity for swimmers at indoor aquatics facilities? Create a clean air zone by eliminating toxic micro-particulates from the air that lead to respiratory distress with BioOx®. BioOx® is a 100% natural microbial enzymatic solution that neutralizes chlorine fumes and airborne irritants in indoor swimming environments via a bio-oxidation process, creating a healthy, constant clean air zone. As the world’s first and only biological air scrubber, BioOx® completely eradicates the smallest micro-particulates that comprise airborne allergens, bacteria, viruses, odors, fumes, contaminants and toxins, making indoor air safe for all swimmers and minimizing the risk of chlorine sensitivity reactions for asthma and allergy sufferers. The BioOx® enzyme attracts toxic micro-particulates such as those produced by chlorine and its byproducts, as well as viruses, dust, gases and bacteria that constantly circulate in indoor spaces. A bioreactor unit containing the proprietary BioOx® enzymatic microbial media attracts these airborne toxins, causing an immediate bio-oxygenation process that fully DESTROYS odors and airborne contaminants. BioOx® fully decontaminates indoor air and enables athletes, lifeguards and leisure swimmers alike to avoid respiratory distress and ocular and dermatologic irritation, empowering them to deliver their best performance every single day and thrive in a healthy clean-air environment. For a demo of the BioOx® technology, contact the BioOx® team at (301) 246-0151 or send an email through the website at http://www.bioox.us/contact_us.html

PARTING SHOT

KAYLEE McKEOWN of Australia [ PHOTO BY DELLY CARR, SWIMMING AUSTRALIA ]

SW Biweekly July 21, 2021 Issue

Articles inside

OVER LACK OF SUPPORT BECCA MEYERS WITHDRAWS FROM PARALYMPICS

DAVID CURTISS, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF NEW NCAA NIL RULES, PARTNERS WITH SPEEDO

DAY 8 FINALS

DAY 6 FINALS

DAY 2 FINALS

DAY 7 FINALS

DAY 3 FINALS

DAY 5 FINALS

DAY 1 FINALS

THE WAIT WILL SOON BE OVER

DAY 4 FINALS