Saturday, March 13, 2010

More on Pan Pacs....

Pan Pacs are held every 4 years so the last one was in 2006. In 2006, Ryan Lochte won 2 silver medals in individual events: 100m back and 200m IM. He won a gold medal in the 4 x 200m free relay, which set a world record. Also in the relay were Michael Phelps, Peter Vanderkay and Klete Keller.

Ryan swam in the prelims only in 3 races:

100m free (51.17), finishing 18th overall and 8th among the Americans;
200m back (1:59.30), finishing 4th overall and 3rd among the Americans (Peirsol 1st and Phelps 2nd);
400m free (3:52.33), finishing 7th overall and 5th among Americans.

In both the 200 back and 400 free, Ryan's times were good enough to qualify for the A final, but he was precluded from swimming because of the rule that only the top 2 Americans can swim in the finals.

Brazil, New Zealand, Korea and China also swam in the 2006 Pan Pacs. Brazil is a huge country but I don't think any part of it touches the Pacific Ocean. Still, as a swimming fan, I'm glad Brazil was included and hope they participate in the 2010 Pan Pacs as well.

The 200 IM race between Ryan and Michael Phelps at the 2006 Pan Pacs was historic. Watch it for yourself.

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