Historic U.S. Swim Trials Conclude

06.07.2008

The 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials came to a close on Sunday evening with another record-breaking performance from the ageless Dara Torres. The eight day event helped elevate Trials from a swim meet to a true sporting event, with record-setting attendance numbers and nightly live television coverage.

In the final of the women’s 50m free, Torres lowered her own American Record even further, touching the wall first in 24.25 to earn her second gold medal finish of these Trials. At 41 years old, Torres is poised to represent Team USA in the 50m and 100m freestyle events, as well as the relays.

From the quickest event of the sport to the longest, the men’s 1500m freestyle, Team Speedo’s Peter Vanderkaay finished first in 14:45.54 ahead of Larsen Jensen. Vanderkaay and Jensen, both distance specialists, were clad in the LZR Racer®. The win rounds out Vanderkaay’s Olympic program, having qualified for the 200m, 400m and now 1500m freestyle events.

Overall, Team Speedo’s performance in Omaha will go down in the history books. A total of nine World Records were set at these Trials and all by athletes wearing the Speedo LZR Racer®. Michael Phelps and Katie Hoff move on to Beijing to chase history, both having qualified for five individual events. With three potential relay swims for Phelps and one for Hoff, they have the potential to medal in eight and six events respectively.

Here at the Olympic Trials in Omaha, a total of 21 men and 20 women have been named to the Beijing Team. A remarkable 18 men and all 20 women competed in the Speedo LZR Racer®. Breaking down the results a bit further, nine of these 21 men and 10 of these 20 women all are members of Team Speedo. Overall, every single first place finish at these Trials in Omaha was by a swimmer competing in the Speedo LZR Racer®.

Congratulations to all athletes on their incredible performances at these historic Trials!

Prior to the start of finals, Speedo USA and Omega hosted more than 50 journalists in the Media Challenge. The event offered media the chance to not only “compete” in the Trials pool but also test out the Speedo LZR Racer® for themselves, which was worn by nearly all Media Challenge competitors. It was the perfect end to a remarkable week.

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