SportsFullCircle

All over the U.S, athletes are competing in an event known as the Olympic Trials. One certain Olympic Trial takes place in Omaha, Nebraska – swimming.

Omaha is a town in the heart of the Midwest, and 1,300 swimmers are gathered there this week, all competing for a place in the Beijing Olympic Games. And don’t be misled by the name – these trials have nearly as many, if not more, surprises than the Olympics themselves.

The trials have been host to many rising young swimmers, as well as many returning veterans. For example, Kathleen Hersey, an 18 year old, who qualified for the 200 fly and the 400 IM in Nebraska. Among many of the veterans is 41 year old Dara Torres, who has returned to earn her fifth berth in the Olympic Games. Lastly, returning from proclaimed retirement from swimming is Eric Vendt, who has been placed as sixth in the world in 400 IM.

Throughout the year, world-renowned swimmers having been tuning up for these trials, yet their practice and hard work has been challenged by the ultimate test. On the first day, Michael Phelps broke the record for 400 IM. Shortly thereafter, Katie Hoff broke the record for 400 IM as well.

The second day was not as exciting. Brendan Hansen, current world record holder for 100 breaststroke, was let down when he finished with 59.93, nearly one second off of his record. On the third day, Natalie Coughlin took the American record in the women’s 200m individual medley. Dara Torres, 41, had her American record taken by Lara Jackson.

What to expect: American men are the ones whom other countries look to beat. Yet the women aren’t so lucky. Although they are quite fast, foreigners are just as fast – especially Australians. So far, the American team has the most medals and is the best team in the world. Will they be able to keep up that streak this year in Beijing?

Stay tuned for continued coverage of the trials and Olympics.