SW Biweekly February 21, 2021 Issue

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SWIMMING WORLD BIWEEKLY | FEBRUARY 2021 | ISSUE 04 USA NEWS

WORLD NEWS

008 MARGO GEER CALLS TIME ON SWIMMING CAREER AHEAD OF TOKYO GAMES

by Matthew De George Margo Geer, a longtime stalwart of U.S. national teams who was vying to make her first Olympic team in Tokyo, announced her retirement via Instagram as a letter “to the sport I love.”

020 SJOSTROM RECOVERY WILL TAKE AT LEAST THREE MONTHS FOLLOWING SURGERY

by Liz Byrnes Sarah Sjostrom has undergone successful surgery for a broken right elbow that required inserting screws and a metal plate. Sweden’s national team doctor Rene Tour warned that a full recovery may take at least three months, putting her Olympic 100 fly defense in doubt.

010 DANA SKELTON, JOHN TANNER NAMED AMONG USOPC COACHES OF THE YEAR

by Matthew De George The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee recognized Dana Skelton as its Developmental Coach of the Year for her work at First Colony Swim Team in Texas. The USOPC also named John Tanner, who coaches Stanford women’s water polo, College Coach of the Year.

012 ANTHONY ERVIN NAMED TO USOPC ATHLETES’ ADVISORY COUNCIL Seven Olympians and one Paralympian, including three-time Olympic champion swimmer Anthony Ervin, were selected as new officers for the USOPC Athletes’ Advisory Council. Ervin is one of three at-large AAC representatives.

014 KLETE KELLER FACES NEW CHARGES OVER CAPITOL RIOT FROM GRAND JURY INDICTMENT

by Matthew De George Klete Keller, a three-time Olympian and five-time Olympic medalist, faces a spate of new charges for his alleged role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the United States Capitol after a federal grand jury returned a new indictment. In addition to the original three charges—disorderly conduct, violent entry and obstructing law enforcement—the new indictment returned seven counts, including civil disorder, obstructing an official proceeding, entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct in a restricted building.

016 MATT BIONDI: A SHOOTING STAR IN SEOUL

by John Lohn American Matt Biondi had it all. The physique.

The pure talent. The inner drive. Add those traits together, and it is no surprise that Matt Biondi—over the span of three Olympiads— cultivated one of the finest careers the sport has ever seen.

018 HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: FEMALE SWIMMER EDITION

by Brendan Farrar In the world of swimming, there is no debating the excellence and accomplishments of several prominent black swimmers who have opened doors for future generations of swimmers. As the USA and Canada celebrate Black History Month in February, Swimming World features some of the notable black female swimmers who have changed the scope of the sport, including Enith Brigitha, Natalie Hinds, Simone Manuel, Maritza Correia McClendon and Lia Neal.

022 HASHIMOTO TAKES OVER AS TOKYO 2020 CHIEF

by Liz Byrnes Seiko Hashimoto has been appointed as head of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, replacing Yoshiro Mori, who resigned recently amid an uproar over sexist remarks. The seven-time Olympian had been serving as Olympic minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, while also holding a portfolio dealing with gender equality and women’s empowerment.

024 “ROC” WILL BE NAME FOR RUSSIAN ATHLETES IN NEXT TWO OLYMPIC GAMES

by Dan D’Addona The International Olympic Committee announced that since Russia’s name has been banned for the next two Olympic Games (2021 Tokyo Olympics and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics), the country’s athletes will be known as the “ROC,” which stands for Russian Olympic Committee.

COLLEGE NEWS

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

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026 IT’S A TIE! FLORIDA GULF COAST & LIBERTY SHARE CCSA WOMEN’S SWIM TEAM TITLE

by Andy Ross In a rare and bizarre ending, Florida Gulf Coast University and Liberty University tied for the team title at the 2021 CCSA Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships in Lynchburg, Va., with both teams scoring 1,748.5 points. This was Liberty’s third straight conference title and marks FGCU’s first since 2018, giving the Eagles 10 overall.

WATER POLO NEWS 028 USAWP’S RAMSEY REVERSES COURSE, LOBBIES TO OPEN POOLS IN CALIFORNIA FOR POLO

by Michael Randazzo In January, USA Water Polo CEO Christopher Ramsey claimed his organization didn’t need to pressure California politicians to reopen pools for polo in the Golden State. Apparently, the COVID-19 situation in California has not yet shifted enough to satisfy polo’s national governing body. In a letter sent in mid-February to the governor, Ramsey asked the leader of America’s most populous state to reconsider an executive order that has shuttered public pools for polo since March 19, 2020.

032 PARTING SHOT

Senior Editor - Bob Ingram BobI@SwimmingWorld.com Managing Editor - Dan D’Addona DanD@SwimmingWorld.com Design Director - Joseph Johnson JoeJ@SwimmingWorld.com Historian - Bruce Wigo Staff Writers - Michael J. Stott, David Rieder, Shoshanna Rutemiller, Andy Ross, Michael Randazzo, Taylor Brien Fitness Trainer - J.R. Rosania Chief Photographer - Peter H. Bick SwimmingWorldMagazine.com WebMaster: WebMaster@SwimmingWorld.com

ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND MERCHANDISING Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com Marketing Assistant - Meg Keller-Marvin Meg@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

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On the Cover: MATT BIONDI Photo Courtesy: SWIMMING WORLD ARCHIVE

CAELEB DRESSEL

OLYMPIC & WORLD CHAMPION

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[ PHOTO COURTESY PETER H. BICK ]

USA NEWS

MARGO GEER CALLS TIME ON SWIMMING CAREER AHEAD OF TOKYO GAMES

BY MATTHEW DE GEORGE

M

argo Geer, a longtime stalwart of U.S. National Teams who was vying to make her first Olympic team in Tokyo, has declared her retirement.

Geer announced her retirement via Instagram as a letter, “to the sport I love.”

For 23 years you have been an enormous part of my life.

You marked the beginning of lasting relationships, you awakened my competitive spirit, and in many ways, you made me who I am today.

You taught me how to value something bigger than myself. Whether it was at the Springfield YMCA, or the University of Arizona, or on the USA National Team, you showed me how impactful truly believing in team over self can be.

You were my ticket across the world. From North America, to Australia, to Europe, to Asia, to South America, and all the way back home to Milford Center, Ohio, you opened my eyes to a community unlike anything I could have ever imagined.

You ignited something deep inside of me – a competitive fire. One so strong that no disappointment could be too painful, and no success could be too gratifying to extinguish.

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To the sport I love more than any other – thank you. I can’t wait to see you in a different light.

But my deepest thanks are to my family. A lifetime is too short to express my gratitude. There is not a single part of this journey that you weren’t a part of. You watched me splash around at Scotts pool, and later compete against the best on the world stage. You were there for it all. No distance was too far – from drives across the country, to flights around the world, you were always up for the adventure. And I know you’re excited for the next one.

Thank you to the University of Alabama for the opportunity to lead the Crimson Tide.

Geer, 28, is the head coach in waiting at the University of Alabama. She garnered that title in late December, when it was announced that Coley Stickels was resigning, with the job waiting for her once her competitive career ended, presumably after a quest for Tokyo. Geer has accelerated that timeline.

Geer has been part of U.S. national teams for a decade, the only omission on her sterling resume an Olympic berth. (The comments on her post, by a who’s who of American swim

stars, are a testament to the high esteem in which she’s held.)

Geer is a four-time World Championships medalist, all in relays. She is coming off one of the most decorated meets of her career, the 2019 Pan American Games, in which she won gold in the 100 free and silver in the 50 in addition to three relay golds. She was ranked fourth among American swimmers in that event in 2019, with a top time of 54.04 seconds.

Geer finished 15th in the 100 free and 16th in the 50 free at the 2016 Olympic Trials, which she later described a thoroughly unhappy experience, in part due to a shoulder injury she was battling through. She was 12th in the 100 free and seventh in the 50 free at the 2012 Trials, the latter her only Trials final swim. She also competed in the 2008 Trials at age 16.

A 27-time All-American and three-time NCAA Champion at the University of Arizona, Geer competed for the D.C. Trident in the second season of the International Swimming League in 2020. She graduated from Arizona in 2014 and began her coaching career as a volunteer assistant at Ohio State in 2016. She later took the same position at Alabama before this latest promotion.◄

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[ PHOTO COURTESY DON FERIA ]

> JOHN TANNER

DANA SKELTON, JOHN TANNER NAMED AMONG USOPC COACHES OF THE YEAR

BY MATTHEW DE GEORGE

S

wim coach Dana Skelton and water polo coach John Tanner were two of eight coaches recognized as United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) coaches of the year Tuesday.

virtual sessions, emphasizing stroke analysis and guidance outside the pool. Her pupils include Olympic gold medalist Simone Manuel.

From the USOPC release on Skelton:

Skelton was named the Developmental Coach of the Year for her work at First Colony Swim Team in Texas. Tanner, who coaches Stanford women’s water polo, is the College Coach of the Year.

“Behind athlete success and well-being are the dedicated and passionate coaches that guide Team USA athletes in sport and in life,” USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland said in the awards release. “In 2020 we watched so many coaches adapt and create innovative ways to support their athletes.

It’s an honor to recognize these individuals and showcase their achievements in this especially challenging year.”

Skelton’s work at FCST in Sugar Land, Texas, has focused on the club’s Strong Girls program, developing girls ages nine and older to be strong athletes and leaders. She’s adapted her coaching during the COVID-19 pandemic via 10

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Her commitment to mental and emotional strength has been unmatched as she encourages her athletes to complete journal entries that spark engaging questions to help foster positive and healthy communication.

Tanner has spent 23 seasons as the coach of Stanford’s water polo program, developing it from the ground up into a seven-time NCAA champion. He’s mentored 12 Olympians in Palo Alto and was elected to the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame in 2019.

During the pandemic, Tanner has instituted “athlete-led TED talks” that include experts in the field to inspire his athletes, seeking to “cultivate a healthy environment and establish a platform for individuals to share their interests with the team.” Out of the pool, he’s worked with his

athletes on career development workshops about resumebuilding and has helped a pair of athletes in launching the Swim4Diversity nonprofit.

“JT is an amazing coach,” said Ann Friedlander, Ph.D, an Adjunct Professor of Human Biology at Stanford. “During my time engaging with the Stanford Women’s Water Polo Team as a Faculty Fellow, I have been continually impressed with his holistic view of coaching and his ability to bring out the best in his athletes both in the pool and in their lives. Through rigorous practice, team events, interactions with Stanford faculty, TED Talks and bonding experiences, JT helps his players maximize their potential as athletes, teammates, good citizens, and future leaders. JT should also get extra praise for keeping a sense of team spirit, high moral and focused training (both in person and remotely) during these challenging times of COVID-19. His success in the pool is only one part of what makes him an exceptional coach and I have enjoyed watching him in action.”

[ PHOTO COURTESY FCST ]

“After a year spent video conferencing at my dining room table, away from the Stanford campus and Avery Stadium Pool deck, I was stunned to receive word that the USOPC had chosen me as their College Coach of the Year,” Tanner said in a Stanford release. “Paradoxically though I could not be more honored in that we are holistic and integrative in our approach, always focused on long term outcomes. Water polo is the world’s toughest sport, the perfect vehicle for developing lifelong leaders for this past year’s extraordinarily difficult environment and for future challenges we will face. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by our coaching staff, athletes current and former, Olympians past and aspiring, who make every day here a rocket ship ride. No one got to chase their ultimate 2020 competitive aspirations, but we learned and grew so much more in the wake of that disappointment and are grateful to have a renewed, distinct opportunity in 2021.”

> DANA SKELTON

Science Award. Award winners are nominated by national governing bodies and selected by a selection panel of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation.. ◄

Also recognized as USOPC Coaches of the Year are fencing’s Greg Massialas (Olympic Coach of the Year), para-equestrian’s Michel Assouline (Paralympic Coach of the Year), speedskating’s Cherise Wilkins (Volunteer Coach of the Year), Alpine sports’ Gillian Bower (Service Provider of the Year) and Chris Packert (Coach Educator of the Year), and ski/snowboard coach Jeff Lackie, who won the Doc Counsilman BIWEEKLY

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[ PHOTO COURTESY PETER H. BICK ]

ANTHONY ERVIN NAMED TO USOPC ATHLETES’ ADVISORY COUNCIL

T

he United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the USOPC Athletes’ Advisory Council announced its new officer positions that were confirmed during the AAC’s first meeting of the year on Feb. 6, including Anthony Ervin.

Olympian Bree Schaaf (bobsled, skeleton) has been selected as the council’s chair, while two-time Paralympic medalist Chuck Aoki (wheelchair rugby) and two-time Paralympian Greta Neimanas (Para-cycling) were named the council’s vice chairs. Three-time Olympic champion Anthony Ervin (swimming), Olympian Mark Ladwig (figure skating) and Olympian Cody Mattern (fencing) complete the leadership team as at-large AAC representatives.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank all of the athletes that have entrusted their support to this new leadership team,” said AAC Chair Bree Schaaf. “This newly appointed group has a great depth of experience in supporting athletes’ rights, and brings the passion and integrity crucial to athlete representation. I would also like to thank Han Xiao, our outgoing chair, for his tireless efforts in enhancing the role of the council. We have been left with a solid foundation that we will continue to grow for the benefit of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes. We look forward to continued athlete engagement and working with all 12

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stakeholders for the benefit of American sport.”

The new leadership group was elected during the AAC’s October meeting during the 2020 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Assembly, and the officer positions were approved by a vote of the full AAC membership this month. The outgoing leadership team, including Han Xiao (chair), Sam Kavanagh (at-large), Nick LaCava (at-large) and Moushaumi Robinson (at-large), dedicated years to enhance the experience and support of America’s elite athletes across the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

“We are grateful to Bree and Cody for continuing to serve the Athletes’ Advisory Council for another term, and excited to welcome four new members who bring distinct perspectives and important experience to the group,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “We thank the outgoing leadership for their work and commitment, and look forward to continuing our close partnership with the AAC to ensure strong communication and collaboration with Team USA athletes as we advance the Olympic and Paralympic movements.”

Bree Schaaf, Athletes’ Advisory Council Chair Schaaf was re-elected to the Athletes’ Advisory Council

leadership group after she began serving as the AAC second vice chair in 2017. She recently finished a six-year term as an elected athlete representative to the U.S. Bobsled & Skeleton Federation board of directors. Schaaf was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Bobsled Team from 2007 to 2014 and competed on the U.S. National Skeleton Team from 2003 to 2007. She started working as a color commentator in 2009 and joined the NBC Olympics team as their skeleton analyst and sliding sports correspondent at the 2014 and 2018 Olympic Winter Games. A dedicated athletes’ rights advocate, Schaaf works professionally as the program manager for Global Athlete, a progressive athleteled startup movement aiming to inspire athletes and drive change across the world of sport.

Chuck Aoki, Athletes’ Advisory Council Vice Chair Aoki was elected to an AAC leadership role after serving as an AAC representative since 2017. Aoki is a two-time Paralympic medalist in wheelchair rugby and helped lead Team USA to the silver medal at the Paralympic Games Rio 2016. Off the field, Aoki is a Ph.D student at the University of Denver, focusing on comparative politics, international relations and civil-military relations. He was named the United States Wheelchair Rugby Association Athlete of the Year in 2011 and 2019, and is currently training for the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

representative since 2013. Ladwig competitively trained to be a pairs figure skater and represented the United States at the Olympic Games Vancouver 2010. He has been active in U.S. Figure Skating’s governance since 2007, including two years as the organization’s Athletes’ Advisory Council chair, four years on the board of directors and three years on the nominating committee.

Cody Mattern, Athletes’ Advisory Council Representative Mattern began serving a second term on AAC leadership in 2021 after holding a leadership position since 2016 and starting as a representative in 2008. Mattern is a world champion fencer and was part of the first men’s team in history to win gold at a world championship. He represented Team USA at the Olympic Games Athens 2004.

Mattern is a Fencing Master at Northwest Fencing Center in Beaverton, Oregon. He served four years as an athlete representative and four years as a vice president on USA Fencing’s board of directors.

Anthony Ervin is the lone swimmer on the council.

The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with the USOPC ◄

Greta Neimanas, Athletes’ Advisory Council Vice Chair Neimanas has served as an AAC representative since 2013 and has been selected for leadership. She is a two-time Paralympian (2008, 2012) and two-time world champion (2013, 2015) while competing with the U.S. Para-cycling team before retiring due to injuries. Neimanas is a cycling coach for Mind Right Endurance and her focus is on military sport programs with the U.S. Navy’s Wounded Warrior Cycling Team. She additionally serves as an athlete representative on the Team USA Council on Racial and Social Justice.

Anthony “Tony” Ervin, Athletes’ Advisory Council Representative Ervin is a three-time Olympic swimmer and helped Team USA to three Olympic golds and one silver, as well as four world championship medals. Ervin assumes his leadership role after serving as an AAC representative since 2016.

He serves on the Athlete Voice and Advocacy steering committee on the Team USA Council on Racial and Social Justice, is a founding member of the Black Leaders in Aquatics Coalition, and is a member of USA Swimming’s national team athlete and international relations committees.

Mark Ladwig, Athletes’ Advisory Council Representative Ladwig joins the leadership team after serving as an AAC BIWEEKLY

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[ PHOTO COURTESY PETER H. BICK ]

KLETE KELLER FACES NEW CHARGES OVER CAPITOL RIOT FROM GRAND JURY INDICTMENT

BY MATTHEW DE GEORGE

O

a court virtually in Colorado last month and released on a personal recognizance bond.

Keller was arrested in January on three charges by the FBI: disorderly conduct, violent entry and obstructing law enforcement. If convicted, the charges carried a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison. Keller appeared before

The case was referred to a grand jury to investigate if further charges were deemed appropriate. That’s been a common occurrence in prosecution of individuals participating in the insurrection, which sought to stop the certification of the election of Joe Biden as president and which led to the second impeachment of outgoing president Donald Trump on charges of incitement.

[ PHOTO COURTESY: SCREENSHOT FROM TOWNHALL MEDIA/JULIO ROSAS ]

lympic swimmer Klete Keller faces a spate of new charges for his alleged role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the United States Capitol after a federal grand jury returned a new indictment.

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The new indictment returned seven counts. Among them, per the Washington Post, are “civil disorder, obstructing an official proceeding, entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct in a restricted building.” The charges carry a sentence of up to 30 years, which could increase if Keller’s actions are judged to have contributed to any injuries in the riot. (Five deaths have been linked to the insurrection.)

Keller, a three-time Olympian, is a five-time Olympic medalist. He won gold medals in the 800 free relays at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and silver in the race at the 2000 Games. Keller was also the bronze medalist in the 400 free at the Sydney and Athens Games.◄ BIWEEKLY

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SWIM CAMPS E X P E R I E N C E T H E E XC E L L E N C E

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Olympic Camp June 23–July 3

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Dryland sessions will focus on swimming specific strength and conditioning.

Campers will compete at the Bolles Classic Swim Meet (entry Fees/USA Swimming Registration included)

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Speed Camp July 5– 11

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Swimmers will explore the technical and physiological aspects of swimming faster Individual technical instruction and video sessions will be included for each camper and practices will feature measurable and specific sets to focus on speeds for events ranging from 50 to 800 meters Dryland sessions will focus on plyometric and power movements

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Be assured COVID-19 procedures are in place to mitigate risks and keep campers as safe and healthy as possible.

Combination options are available for all camps listed. Camps listed are overnight camps. Camps are for athletes 13 years and older. Must be 13 on or before final day of camp.

For information contact: Jeff Pishko, Senior Assistant Coach (904) 256-5215 | PishkoJ@Bolles.org

www.BollesSwimming.org

American Matt Biondi had it all. The physique.

The pure talent. The inner drive. Add those traits together, and it is no surprise that Matt Biondi—over the span of three Olympiads— cultivated one of the finest careers the sport has ever seen.

[PHOTO BY INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME]

A SHOOTING STAR IN SEOUL

BY JOHN LOHN

I

f a Mount Rushmore of American male swimming legends were constructed, the first three names would be slamdunk selections: Michael Phelps.

Mark Spitz. Johnny Weissmuller.

Although the final spot is slightly more complicated, it is typically handed to Matt Biondi, with the Cal-Berkeley star getting the nod over Don Schollander, another Hall of Famer.

As Swimming World continues to examine some of the epic moments in Olympic history as we approach the 2021 Tokyo Games, it was easy to choose what Biondi managed at the 1988 Games in Seoul for inclusion. After all, it’s rare for an athlete to walk away from an Olympic Games with seven medals—and that is exactly what Biondi pulled off.

A SPECTACULAR RISE

Certain stories go down in the sport’s lore as entertaining tales, and Rowdy Gaines can share a doozy when it comes to Biondi. At the 1984 Olympic Trials, the meet that catapulted him to three gold medals at the Los Angeles Games, Gaines didn’t just earn his first Olympic invitation. He also received an education that can be laughed at decades later.

When Gaines scanned the results of the 100 freestyle at Trials, he stopped at the name in the fourth position. It was unfamiliar, and prompted Gaines to utter two words: “Matt Who?” Simply, Gaines had no clue about Biondi’s potential and was caught off guard by the emergence of a man he would shortly team with in Olympic-relay action.

“When I said, ‘Matt Who,’ little did I know he would become one of the greatest swimmers in history,” Gaines said. “I always say I came along during a perfect time in history, post-Spitz and preBiondi!”

Biondi might have been an unknown commodity in 1984, but that under-the-radar freedom would not last for long. Legendary 16

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coach Mark Schubert knew greatness when he saw it, and he immediately pegged Biondi for stardom. That status was attained the next year when Biondi collected seven medals at the 1985 Pan Pacific Championships (five gold, highlighted by triumphs in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle).

A year later at the 1986 edition of the World Championships, Biondi won another seven medals, including gold in the 100 free. When he produced six more medals at the 1987 Pan Pacific Champs, there was no curtailing the lofty expectations placed upon him at the 1988 Olympics.

“He was born with all the right tools,” said Biondi’s coach, Nort Thornton. “He has an incredible feel for the water. It’s hard to describe. It’s the same feel a pianist has for the keys and an artist’s brush has for the canvas. He is able to sense the water pressure on his hands. He sets his hands at the right pitch, like a propeller on a boat. He is able to pitch his blades at the right angle. A lot of people don’t have that awareness.”

As much as Biondi wanted to go unnoticed in preparation for his work in Seoul, there was no stopping the hype his talent had created. Sixteen years after Spitz won seven gold medals at the 1972 Games in Munich, Biondi was scheduled to race seven events in Korea—four individual and three relays. Of course, the question arose: “Could all seven be gold?”

In the years following Spitz’s achievement, the sport had changed significantly. There was now more depth around the world, and the United States, while still a heavy favorite, would face greater challenges in the relays. Still, the media did not care.

Journalists saw the chance to measure Biondi against Spitz, even if Biondi wanted nothing to do with the comparison. He knew he was in a no-win situation.

“The burden of public expectation is tremendous,” Biondi said.

“It’s like a ladder. When you start out, you’re at the bottom and work up. There’s satisfaction every time you climb one more rung.

You see your accomplishments. The people keep getting smaller and smaller at the bottom. But when you reach the top, there’s nowhere to go, only down. You look down, and you have to fight people off. You lose a race, and people sound as if you let them down. How could you do this to them?”

THE CHASE IS OVER

The alignment of Biondi’s seven-event schedule at his second Olympiad was front-heavy. Not only was the 200 freestyle, his

[PHOTO BY SWIMMING WORLD]

most challenging event, the opener to his program, but the 100 butterfly was his second event, which included a showdown with West Germany’s Michael Gross. When Biondi failed to win either event, some members of the press posed the question: “What is wrong?” Basically, Biondi proved prophetic when he suggested he might be held to an impossible standard.

For Biondi, the 200 freestyle was the ultimate stretch of his prowess. The distance maximized Biondi’s range, and when he earned the bronze medal behind Australia’s Duncan Armstrong and Sweden’s Anders Holmertz, there was a sense of pride in the accomplishment.

Biondi knew a medal in the event was no foregone conclusion, and to stand on the podium was a superb result. Yet, NBC Sports anchor Bob Costas noted > For his career, Biondi piled up 11 Olympic medals over three Olympiads (1984-88-92) and complemented that excellence with the admiration of his teammates and rivals. There is no doubt, that Biondi “settled for bronze.” It was a though, that the 1988 Games stand as his iconic moment, when he won seven medals—five gold, one statement that didn’t sit well. silver and one bronze.

More, Biondi did everything in his power to win the race. Aware that his speed was his biggest asset, Biondi freestyle relay over the next two nights, and backed up those attacked the early laps and built a lead. It was a gutsy strategy that performances with victories in the 50 free and 400 medley relay. surely enabled him to medal, but he couldn’t fend off Armstrong When he left Seoul, Biondi had five gold medals, a silver and a or Holmertz, who were better known for their endurance and bronze. Years later, he also had an appreciation for the difficulty closing speed. of his program.

“It was (a feeling) of more relief than anything else because “To think of Seoul, I was able to distinguish myself not just in we had trained four or five years for that moment, and the race America, but as a great Olympian. That was my high-water mark,” takes less than two minutes,” Armstrong said, referring to the work Biondi said. “That was a peak year. It’s hard to think about it. Like he did under the watch of Coach Laurie Lawrence. “You go two other people, I’m a guy who will burn a bagel in the toaster, but I minutes on one day every four years. That’s the clock. You do an got to take that trail. It’s kind of amazing.” enormous amount of training and then you get there, and we Biondi’s sweep of the sprint-freestyle events was a mixture had the perfect race. We had the great strategy and some good of expectation and satisfaction. While Biondi delivered as the competition in the water. We had a world record. All my dreams favorite to win the 100 free, his ascent to the top of the podium in and hopes in swimming came true in one touch of the wall. It the 50 required him to traverse a more difficult path. was just wonderful. It was the perfect moment for us. It was the Squaring off with countryman Tom Jager, Biondi went into pinnacle of my swimming career.”

Seoul as an underdog in that event. Jager won the World title In the 100 butterfly, Biondi’s search for his first gold of the in the 50 free ahead of Biondi in 1986, and followed a year later Games ended in excruciating fashion. While the American was by beating him again at Pan Pacs. But on the biggest stage, able to beat Gross, his co-favorite, Biondi was doomed by a it was Biondi who found a way to prevail. How much did the poor finish, and he lost the race to Suriname’s Anthony Nesty victory mean? There is a well-known photo in the sport of Biondi by 1-hundredth of a second. The frustration at the outcome was thrusting his arm into the air in celebration, and it is an image that evident on Biondi’s face, and he didn’t hold back when writing Biondi has long adored. about the race in a diary he kept for Sports Illustrated.

“I fouled up,” he said. “I’d do anything to do it over again, but ONE MORE LAP I can’t. Maybe if I had grown my fingernails a little bit longer or With Seoul in the rearview mirror, Biondi initially thought his kicked a little harder, I would have won. The wall came up at an career was over. Yet, as is the case with many elite athletes, the odd time, at mid-stroke. I was caught halfway through a stroke sport pulled him back into the water. Another solo World title was and had to decide whether to take another stroke or kick in. I added to his résumé at the 1991 World Championships, and he decided to kick to the wall.” left his final Olympics in 1992 in Barcelona with two more gold medals in relay action and a silver medal in the 50 freestyle.

FINISHING STRONG For his career, Biondi piled up 11 Olympic medals and The bronze-silver start by Biondi not only ended the complemented that excellence with the admiration of his comparisons to Spitz, but alleviated the pressure that followed teammates and rivals. There is no doubt, though, that the 1988 him to Seoul and lit a fire for his final five events. Not long after he Games stand as his iconic moment. endured his narrow loss to Nesty in the 100 fly, Biondi climbed the “I always dream in the future,” he once said. “I think about the blocks for the United States in the 800 freestyle relay and carried Olympics a lot, mostly when I’m walking between classes or home his country to a come-from-behind victory over East Germany from swim practice. I run through a race in my mind, as if it’s really in world-record time. Covering his anchor leg in 1:46.44, Biondi happening. In that respect, I’m a dreamer. I’m like a little kid who delivered the fastest split in history. thinks about being an astronaut and going to the moon.”

From that point forward, the Californian couldn’t be stopped.

Biondi followed with gold medals in the 100 freestyle and 400 He was a shooting star in Seoul.◄ BIWEEKLY

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[ PHOTO COURTESY BECCA WYANT ]

> SIMONE MANUEL

HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: FEMALE SWIMMER EDITION

BY BRENDAN FARRAR

E

very February brings a month full of reflection, gratitude and a chance to honor some of the nation’s most inspiring black leaders and their contributions. In the world of swimming, there is no debating the excellence and accomplishments of several, prominent black swimmers who have opened doors for future generations of swimmers yet to come. With the constant push to create an environment that is all-inclusive and diverse, learning about some of the most prominent swimmers of the past and present is crucial in understanding the significance everyone brings to the pool. It’s also important to embrace our differences while focusing on the betterment of the sport and society in general.

Black women are important to highlight during this month of reflection and honor. In the sport of swimming, we have only ever seen but a handful of black females on the big stage in terms of national and global events. It was not until just four years ago that the first black female won a swimming event at the Olympic Games. Black women in society have been extremely marginalized and their time to be recognized and celebrated extends beyond this month.

Here are some notable black, female swimmers who have changed the scope of the sport: ENITH BRIGITHA Beginning with a true trailblazer, Enith Brigitha’s career

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was only the beginning of black female excellence in swimming. As a member of the Dutch National Team in the 1970s, Brigitha faced very fierce competition as the first African woman to compete at an Olympic Games. Brigitha competed at the 1972 Munich Games, as well as the 1976 Games in Montreal. She was a four-time finalist at the ’72 Games and earned two bronze medals at the ’76 Games, becoming the first African woman to win Olympic medals in swimming. Most notably, she swam in a time when the women of East Germany dominated almost every race due to systematic doping. Had this not been the circumstances she was faced with, Enith had the potential of earning several gold medals in her races. Alongside her Olympic accomplishments, she raced to five world records, as well as earned a silver and two bronze medals between the 1973 and 1975 World Championships. She also earned a silver medal at the 1977 European Championships. She was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) in 2015 and will always be credited with setting the pathway for future black female swimmers to be successful.

NATALIE HINDS Natalie Hinds is a prime example of how swimmers can be talented on and off the pool deck. Hinds has a great list of accomplishments, as she raced for the Florida Gators in her collegiate career, becoming the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2013. She was a 20-time All-American and a member of the

[ PHOTO COURTESY ISHOF ]

MARITZA CORREIA MCCLENDON After posting a successful age group and high school career, Maritza McClendon began to pave the way for black female swimmers. A University of Georgia alum, Maritza is a threetime world champion, two-time Pan-American champion, and was the first African American to compete for the U.S. Olympic Swim Team.

McClendon is also the first African American woman to hold an American and world record.

Maritza now works with the organization Swim 1922, an organization that partners with USA Swimming and Sigma Gamma Rho, with the goal of teaching African Americans and members of other minority groups how to swim. McClendon has left a huge mark on the sport of swimming and continues to share her experiences and stories of hope with others across the country. > ENITH BRIGITHA

trio of African American women that swept the top three spots at the 2015 NCAA Championships in the 100 freestyle, alongside Simone Manuel and Lia Neal. Recently, she became a member of the inaugural Cali Condors ISL team.

Hinds launched her own small business called Loominary Design, where she handcrafts designer tapestries. You can visit her site by searching www.loominarydesign.com.

SIMONE MANUEL Simone Manuel has opened many doors in the sport of swimming. She made her Olympic debut in 2016, walking away with four medals, snatching a silver in the 4×100 freestyle relay and 50 freestyle, as well as golds in the 4×100 medley relay and 100 freestyle. In her astounding 100 freestyle, she became the first black woman to win a swimming event at the Olympic Games. She has competed in four different World Championships, winning two bronzes, three silvers, and a whopping ten gold medals.

Manuel completed her collegiate career at Stanford University, where she trained under the direction of Greg Meehan. During her time as a Cardinal, she helped lead Stanford to two Pac-12 Championships as well as two NCAA championships. She was a 13-time Pac-12 champion as well as a 14-time NCAA champion. Finishing her career, she held six American records and seven NCAA records, most notably becoming the first woman under 46 seconds in the 100-yard freestyle. Besides her work in the pool, Manuel is an inspiration for all swimmers as she has shown resiliency and determination in her fight for equality within the sport and society. Simone’s mark on swimming will forever be embraced by future athletes, coaches, and swimming fanatics alike.

LIA NEAL Another notable, Lia Neal is a force to be reckoned with. Neal was a member of both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games where she managed to bring home a bronze medal in 2012 and silver medal in 2016 as a member of the 4×100 freestyle relay. Alongside Manuel, Neal was also a member of the 2017 Pac-12 championships team, as well as a member of the 2017 NCAA championship team. She is an eight-time Pac-12 Champion and a ninetime NCAA Champion, as Neal served a crucial role in each relay during some point of her collegiate career. Neal has recently partnered with USA National Team Member Jacob Pebley in leading Swimmers for Change. Per the organization’s website, their mission statement concludes by stating, “Their long-term goal is to ignite lasting change in our country through educating, empowering and setting the example for the next generation of swimmers.”

You can learn more about Swimmers for Change by visiting the website at www.swimmersforchange.org. You can also follow them on Instagram using the handle @ swimmersforchange.

These women have opened the doors for change and continue to fight for equality in sport and society.

Representation in the sport matters to thousands of swimmers and athletes across the country. We owe it to these athletes for championing the way for future black athletes and leaders within the sport. We must remind ourselves that one month celebrating black history is not enough. For their entire lives, these women have been at the forefront of breaking barriers and standing up for what they believe in. While the future of swimming holds promise, there is still work to be done. ◄ BIWEEKLY

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MIKE LEWIS/ ISL ] [ PHOTO COURTESY

WORLD NEWS

SJOSTROM RECOVERY WILL TAKE AT LEAST THREE MONTHS FOLLOWING SURGERY

BY LIZ BYRNES

S

arah Sjostrom has undergone successful surgery for a broken elbow although national team doctor Rene Tour warned that a full recovery may take at least three months putting her Olympic 100 fly defense in doubt.

The Swede sustained the injury to her right elbow when she slipped on ice on her way to Reimersholme, south of Stockholm, on Saturday and she was quickly transported to hospital where the fracture was diagnosed.

On Monday she was operated on at Sankt Göran Hospital during which screws and a metal plate were inserted.

Tour spoke to reporters at a virtual press conference, saying: “What happened today is that Sarah had surgery on her elbow and according to the reports, everything has gone very well.

“When performing an operation like this, you can choose to be awake or to put the patient to sleep.

“In this case, she has chosen to sleep under general anesthesia. X-rays afterwards are good.”

The eight-time world champion was in good spirits following the operation and will stay in hospital overnight.

Tour added: “As soon as she leaves the hospital, she enters phase two. Then she should get started as usual with her arm.

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“She is not in plaster in any way and has full mobility in her arm. It will certainly hurt a lot for the first few days. She is allowed to move and must move her arm.

[ PHOTO COURTESY RIKAKO IKEE / INSTAGRAM ]

“She will return to the hospital in three weeks and remove the stitches. Then you check so everything looks good.”

While Tour believes Sjostrom will be able to return to the water to do some kicking after three weeks, he warned that she may not be able to resume full training for three months or more, saying: “The rehabilitation itself begins in principle when Sarah no longer thinks she is in pain.

> RIKAKO IKEE

“The actual maximum load on the arm, it starts in three months.”

[ PHOTO COURTESY BECCA WYANT ]

While the 27-year-old has already been selected for Tokyo, the Games open in 165 days, which begs the question of whether she can be in the sort of condition she will need to be to repeat her three-medal haul of Rio 2016.

Of whether she can be in such shape, Tour said: “I and everyone around Sarah in the team must have that goal.

>EMMA McKEON, MAGGIE MacNEIL, SARAH SJOSTROM

“I also said yesterday that if there is anyone who can fix it, with the mental strength she has, it’s Sarah.

“It is important to regain maximum muscle strength. We are hopeful, all around Sarah.”

Of whether Sjostrom will be ready for the Olympics, he said: “The question is of course extremely difficult to answer at the moment.

“It is not an optimal timing at the moment.

“The elbow affects the arm, one of the most important parts of her work, but the elbow joint is in place and stably fixed.

“Now it is important that the rehabilitation takes place successfully. We are very hopeful and it is of course the goal that she will return to the level she deserves.”

He added: “The problem with Sarah is to hold her back so she does not

rush to rehabilitation. It will be a challenge to keep her in check.”

SUPPORT FOR SJOSTROM FROM FELLOW SISTERS OF THE WATER Rikako Ikee, the six-time 2018 Asian Games champion, reciprocated the message sent by Sjostrom, Maggie MacNeil and Emma McKeon as she underwent treatment for leukemia in 2019.

The trio – who made up the 100 fly podium with MacNeil atop at the worlds in Gwangju – posed for pictures with palms outstretched and the words “Never Give Up Rikako Ikee”.

Ikee, returned the gesture on social media with a message that read: "Never give up! Sarah!!

She gave me the power.

It’s my turn to give it back to her." ◄ BIWEEKLY

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HASHIMOTO TAKES OVER AS TOKYO 2020 CHIEF

BY LIZ BYRNES

S

eiko Hashimoto has been appointed as head of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, replacing Yoshiro Mori who resigned last week amid an uproar over sexist remarks.

“Earlier today, I submitted a request to Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide to resign as Minister of State at the Prime Minister’s office. I would like to thank the members of the Tokyo Organizing Committee for their support during this time.

Hashimoto – who represented Japan at three Summer Games and four Winter Olympics – had been serving as the Olympic minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga while also holding a portfolio dealing with gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“It was a big decision for me to resign as Minister, but I stand here with the desire to make the Tokyo 2020 Games a success.

Her appointment was announced on Thursday and the 56-year-old stressed that safety is the priority with the Olympics fast approaching amid a pandemic.

Hashimoto appeared at seven Olympics between 1984 and 1996, competing in speed skating at four Winter Games and track cycling at three Summer Games. She won bronze in the women’s 1,500-meter speed skating event at the 1992 Games in Albertville, France.

Born in Hokkaido just five days before the opening of the 1964 Summer Games in Tokyo, her name Seiko is written with the same first character, “seika,” used to mean the Olympic flame in Japanese.

Hashimoto told the executive board meeting: “I am very honoured to be elected as President of the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is a big responsibility to be the President of the Tokyo Organizing Committee. It is sobering.

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“I think the Tokyo 2020 Games, which are five months away, must be a safe and secure event with COVID-19 countermeasures being the most important factor. As the Minister of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, I have been doing my best to support various organisations including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo Organizing Committee, the IOC and the IPC. “As part of the Tokyo Organizing Committee, I will further accelerate efforts to build a collaborative framework with the national government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to convince everyone, both in Japan and around the world, that Tokyo 2020 is “the safe and secure Games.

“In addition, my appointment as President is important for gender equality. At the recent joint round-table conference between the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors of the Organizing Committee, it was decided to increase the proportion of women within the Board of Directors and to create a team to promote gender equality.

“I think we have to work on this quickly. It is important to come up with working groups and produce results within a month, and I appreciate all your efforts with this matter.

“Diversity and Inclusion is the vision of the Tokyo 2020 Games, but I would like all members of the Organizing Committee to confirm this first. I would like to create a legacy that recognises everyone, regardless of gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, etc., and build a society where they can coexist.

and other organisations in their desired aims within their spheres of responsibility.”

“The Tokyo 2020 Games have been postponed for the first time in Olympic history. Postponement is something no-one has ever experienced. We will create a working team within the Organizing Committee to propose a template for how to run an Olympic and Paralympic Games in this challenging environment, including diversity, to the IOC, IPC and the government, and how to utilise this experience for the future.

“I would like to congratulate Ms Hashimoto on her appointment as the new President of the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee.

“I believe the meaning and mission of the Tokyo 2020 Games will not exist unless the Organizing Committee has the power to have the vision for this. To that end, I would like to make every effort to achieve the success of the Tokyo Organizing Committee, as the President of the Organizing Committee, utilising the most of my experience.”

International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons said:

“She is familiar to us due to her former role as Olympic and Paralympic Games Minister and made a great impression on me each time we have met or communicated previously. The IPC & Paralympic Movement look forward to working with her and wish her the best of luck in her new role.

“Ms. Hashimoto will lead a fantastic team, the strongest and best prepared Organizing Committee and host city the IPC has ever had the pleasure of working with.

Her appointment was welcomed by Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, who said:

“In making a swift decision, I would also like to thank the Candidate Review Committee and the Executive Board for following a transparent and thorough recruitment process.

“My heartfelt congratulations go to my fellow Olympian Hashimoto Seiko on her appointment as President of the Organizing Committee Tokyo 2020.

“With just six months to go until the start of the Paralympics, and even less time for the Olympics, it was essential that no time was left to waste in replacing Mr Mori.”

“With her great Olympic experience, having won a medal, participated in seven editions of the Olympic Games and the Olympic Winter Games, and having led Japan’s delegation to the Olympic Games multiple times, she is the perfect choice for this position.

Tennis player Naomi Osaka – who was born in Osaka, Japan and who reached the final of the Australian Open by defeating Serena Williams – said:

“She will ensure that the focus in the final months of preparation remains on the athletes’ experience while planning all the necessary COVID-19 countermeasures.

“I feel like it’s really good because you’re pushing forward, barriers are being broken down, especially for females.

“We’ve had to fight for so many things just to be equal. Even a lot of things we still aren’t equal.” ◄

“Seiko Hashimoto can draw on her rich political experience as a Minister and many other political functions. This will help to deliver safe and successful Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 in partnership between the Organizing Committee, the Government of Japan, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the IOC. “With the appointment of a woman as President, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee is also sending a very important signal with regard to gender equality, which is one of the topics we addressed in Olympic Agenda 2020, the reform programme for the IOC and the Olympic Movement.

“We stand ready to support the OCOG BIWEEKLY

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"ROC" WILL BE NAME FOR RUSSIAN ATHLETES IN NEXT TWO OLYMPIC GAMES

BY DAN D'ADDONA

T

he International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Friday that since Russia’s name is banned for the next two Olympic games, the country’s athletes will be known as the “ROC.” The acronym stands for Russian Olympic Committee, and was agreed on by the IOC and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Friday.

Russia’s team name, flag and national anthem banned from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics as well as the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which gave out two years of sanctions on Russian sports for tampering with testing in Moscow while the laboratory was under state control.

According to the Associated Press, the Russian team flag in Tokyo and Beijing will be the ROC symbol — an Olympic flame in the white, blue and red stripes of the national flag above the five Olympic rings.

A piece of music to replace the Russian national anthem at medal ceremonies has not yet been agreed on.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport accused Russia of engaging in “a cover up of the cover up” while also justifying its decision to reduce the country’s ban from major sporting events from four years to two.

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The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) had appealed the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decision to impose a four-year suspension in December 2019 following the state-sponsored doping scandal involving the manipulation of data.

While CAS upheld the ban they halved it to two years in their ruling last month meaning they will still miss the Tokyo Olympics and Beijing Winter Games before being reinstated on 16 December 2022.

The panel said it cut the ban partly because WADA had only intended it to include one summer and one winter Games but four years would also have encompassed Paris 2024.

The coronavirus pandemic forced the IOC to push the Tokyo Olympics back a year to 2021 and CAS said the reduction would also help avoid further disruptions to preparations “particularly in the light of disruption occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

CAS also lowered the burden for Russian athletes to compete as neutrals in Tokyo and Beijing and will now be known as ROC athletes.started. It has given me the chance to travel to meets and professional hubs and explain the concept of the Alliance and its structure.” ◄

[ PHOTO COURTESY FGCU ATHLETICS ]

COLLEGE NEWS

> PETRA HALMAI

IT’S A TIE! FLORIDA GULF COAST & LIBERTY SHARE CCSA WOMEN’S SWIM TEAM TITLE

BY ANDY ROSS

I

n a rare and bizarre ending, which is on brand for this school year, Florida Gulf Coast and Liberty tied for the team title at the 2021 CCSA Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships in Lynchburg, Virginia. The two schools tied for the team title with 1748.5 points with Incarnate Word in third at 1281. This is Liberty’s third straight conference title and marks Florida Gulf Coast’s first since 2018, making it 10 overall.

The Most Outstanding Swimmer of the Championship was also shared as FGCU’s Petra Halmai and Incarnate Word’s Ximena Conde Merlos both earned the honor.

Liberty’s Maddie Freece was named Most Outstanding Diver of the Championship while the Most Outstanding Freshman Performer was awarded to Georgia

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Southern’s Amy Hornyak.

Florida Gulf Coast’s Petra Halmai broke the conference record in the 100 breaststroke with a 59.98 in the prelims and a 1:00.11 in finals, which is off her 59.89 best time from earlier this season where she put herself 18th nationally in Division I this season. Barring what happens at the rest of the conference meets, Halmai may have a chance to qualify for the NCAA meet, something she did last season in the 200 breast.

Halmai swam a 2:08.17 in winning the 200 breast on Wednesday night which was slower than her 2:07 from last season but put her 14th in Division I with 28 days until the start of the NCAA Championships in Greensboro. Halmai also scored a win in the 200 IM at 1:59.02 in winning a share of the swimmer of the meet award.

Last year’s other NCAA qualifier from the conference, Payton Keiner of Liberty, won the 200 back in 1:54.73 which put her 18th nationally this season. Keiner also won the 100 back at 53.46 as she should qualify for NCAAs in the 200 back.

Florida Gulf Coast used the strength of its relays to win a share of the conference title with wins in the 200 medley (1:39.43), 400 medley (3:37.70), 200 free (1:32.46) and 400 free (3:20.87) relays. The one relay they didn’t win went to Liberty, who touched at 7:24.30.

The Eagles were also boosted by junior Tori Czarnecka who won the 50 (22.64) and 100 free (49.51), and nearly won the 100 fly, placing second at 53.51 to Incarnate Word’s Cassie Phillips (53.50).

Liberty took advantage in diving with Maddie Freece winning both boards.

Sophomore Eva Suggs led a 1-2-3 finish in the 200 free with a 1:49.01 for the win as she also was a part of a 1-2-3 finish in the 200 back behind Keiner and Emma Hazel (1:57.69). Lindsay Cohee took the win in the 200 fly with a 1:58.87 as the only swimmer under 2:00 and under the B cut.

Incarnate Word’s Ximena Conde Merlos

> PAYTON KEINER

won all three of her individual events with victories in the 500 (4:53.43), 400 IM (4:20.58) and 1650 (16:48.41), the latter in a thrilling finish with Gulf Coast’s Michaela Sizemore (16:48.70). ◄

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NZCordz.com 800.886.6621 BIWEEKLY

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USAWP’S RAMSEY REVERSES COURSE, LOBBIES TO OPEN POOLS IN CALIFORNIA FOR POLO

BY MICHAEL RANDAZZO

L

ast month in an interview with Swimming World, USA Water Polo CEO Christopher Ramsey claimed his organization didn’t need to pressure California politicians to reopen pools for polo in the Golden State.

“I don’t see it as our position to lobby the state of California,” Ramsey said on January 8, referring to coronavirus protocols that have almost completely shut down the sport in the state the past 10 months. “Our responsibility is to help our clubs be ready to get back when things shift. Now, with a vaccine it will shift.”

Apparently, the COVID-19 situation in California has not yet shifted enough to satisfy polo’s national governing body. In a letter sent last week to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Ramsey reversed course, asking the leader of America’s most populous state to reconsider an executive order that has shuttered public pools for polo since March 19, 2020.

Complicating the USAWP CEO’s appeal; since last June, swimming has been permitted in public, while polo is not. Changing gears despite the pandemic’s toll of 3.5 million Californians infected and almost 48,000 deaths, Ramsey underscored current events—collegiate polo has been played in the Golden State the last three weekends—while acquiescing to the demands of USAWP membership.

“65% of USA Water Polo’s membership live and play in California, as well as most of the sport’s Olympians,” he stated. “California has already acknowledged that water polo is safe by allowing NCAA Pac-12 Conference training and competition.

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[PHOTO COURTESY: SARAH CROCKER]

WATER POLO NEWS

> POOL IN SAN JOAQUIN, CALIFORNIA IS FINE FOR SWIMMING, BUT NOT FOR POLO... YET.

Participants include UCLA, USC, California, and Stanford, all of which are playing without evidence of their actions leading to higher infection rates.”

For some, Ramsey’s political maneuvering is a long-time coming. Last month, Steven Munatones and Sean Plotkin posted a petition seeking support for a call to reopen pools for polo. Calling on the Governor to rely on S.O.A.P.— Safely Open All Pools—approximately 1,000 signers have agreed. Newsom has yet to respond, likely because of criticism regarding his handling of the virus and housing issues in the state, a situation that has emboldened opponents to launch a recall petition.

as a determined community, and immediately, or the ban on water polo will linger into 2022,” he added in an email.

“We are presenting evidence. USA Water Polo is presenting evidence. And the sport is mobilizing at the grassroots.”

Five-time Olympian Tony Azevedo, listed as a senior advisor to Let Them Play Water Polo, was blunt about how the long layoff has negatively affected polo and young athletes.

“California’s ban on water polo has dangerous consequences on many levels, including the mental and

Munatones and Plotkin cite that swimming competition has been allowed in California for months, while polo at the age group and high school level is considered unsafe—a direct result of effective lobbying by USA Swimming.

“The perception of water polo being bad and dangerous and swimming being good and safe is, largely, due to top-level leadership and lobbying efforts of USA Swimming,” Munatones said in an email. “This is just one of many differences between USA Swimming and USA Water Polo.”

Plotkin points out that many parts of the country are allowing full scrimmages and tournaments, led by Utah, which over the past six months has held a number of competitive age group tournament. Texas and Florida have also held competitive play while a number of states are allowing practices as well as scrimmages.

Ramsey’s changed approach resonates with other polo supporters.

According to Geoff Price, a parent organizer for Let Them Play Water Polo, the letter sent out by the USAWP CEO “plants a rallying flag.”

“We have to advocate for our sport

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[PHOTO COURTESY: JEFF CABLE]

> TONY AZEVEDO

physical well-being of our athletes and the destruction of the state’s entire aquatic ecosystem,” he said.

“After a year of COVID, there is now overwhelming evidence that indicates the low risk of infection in water polo. It’s time to follow the evidence.”

Gavin West, a high school junior, co-authored a petition to First Partner Jennifer Newsom, a former soccer athlete at The Branson School and Stanford.

as USAWP, which last year cancelled the majority of its public events, including national Junior Olympics for the first time in the event’s four-decade history.

At the organization’s General Assembly last month, Ryan Cunnane, USAWP’s Director of Events, announced that it is expected that JOs will return this summer. Holding the world’s largest polo tournament will be a huge boost for the organization, which last year saw membership drop 24%—from an all-time high of 50,000 in 2019 to 38,000 as of this January. ◄

All these individuals are linked by what most informed observers believe: polo competition is safe to be played outdoors in properly chlorinated pools. With hundreds of outdoor pools across the state and the country’s largest concentration of polo athlete, California is an ideal environment for a large-scale reopening of polo.

This change will represent a huge boost to athletes as well 30

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> GAVIN NEWSOM

[PHOTO COURTESY: GAGE SKIDMORE ]

“We are appealing to First Partner Newsom because she is a former elite youth athlete,” West wrote. “This perspective has been lost on the Governor’s health advisors, who have mischaracterized risk-reward of banning athletics when evidence shows that COVID-19 is very rarely transmitted in game. Her input on the mental and physical toll of inactivity could be crucial.”

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PARTING SHOT

The 2021 Indiana Girls High School State Swimming and Diving Championship took place on Saturday, Feb. 13 at the IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis, Ind. Carmel used their impressive depth to earn their 35th-consecutive high school championship team title, winning all three relays and three individual state titles. The Greyhounds’ final score of 479 is the most in state meet history, besting their own record of 445 from 2015.

[PHOTO COURTESY: PETER H. BICK]

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