Swim Fans!

I've been a fan of swimming since the days of Mark Spitz (see 1976 Olympics). I think it's an exciting sport & provides an excellent form of exercise. Plus it's a lifetime sport!  

Kate started swimming in 1st grade, and she LOVES it. Everyone at our house follows the swim culture. We watch it on the computer, on TV and read about it in Kate's Splash magazine.  Kate's a member of USA swimming, same as Michael Phelps.  I doubt Kate will be an Olympic swimmer, but she has fun with it and it has provided her with a lot of self confidence.  She is strong physically and mentally.  She loves the competition, and is getting faster every week.  She trains with Three Rivers Swim Club (TRSC) at Rome High.  Her coach is Brooks Coville & he teaches super technique while keeping it low key and fun for the kids.  He is also the father of Alex Coville, who will be at the Olympic Trials in 2012 - hoping to make the USA team in the sprints.

TRSC swimmers with Alex Coville (4th from left)

The first weekend in December was AT &T Winter Nationals at Georgia Tech.  Many high profile swimmers were there, and some that needed to make qualifying times for the Olympic Trials.  Alex and some of his Stanford teammates were there.  Kate, Carrie & Randy went to watch the finals on the 3rd night.  There were quite a few from Kate's swim club that attended.  

The next weekend was the annual Jingle Bell meet in Dalton Georgia.  This is a fun meet & Kate looks forward to it because the high-powered Atlanta swimmers don't typically attend.  This means she can get some hardware!  She came home with 3 medals and 2 ribbons. She also lowered her times in all 5 events, always good for a swimmer. 

Kate ready to step up on the blocks

 The following video is the 50 backstroke.  Kate is in the lane 2nd from the bottom.  She finished 2nd in the heat and overall in her age group!!

On December 16 & 17 Mutual of Omaha brought the Duel in the Pool to Atlanta.  So, back to Georgia Tech we go for more swimming.  This time I went with Kate & Carrie. It was Team USA vs. Team Europe.  We attended the Saturday afternoon session.  We had great seats, and saw some excellent swimming.  There was at least one world record, and several American records set at the meet.  Michael Phelps was not attendance, but many other famous & fabulous swimmers kept us cheering.

Missy Franklin is the newest star of swimming.  She turned 16 this summer. & is so fast.

Team USA 

Start of the 100 backstroke. Ryan Lochte in lane 4

London Calling!

USA! USA! USA!

Doors going into the pool had these great transparent posters. Soni is  Olympic breaststroker.

At the end of the meet we were able to get autographs from Missy Franklin and Brendan Hansen.  Hansen is 30 years old, and coming back to swimming after doing triathlons.  Look for him in the breaststroke in London.  You can be sure that we will be watching & cheering for Team USA.