The news was announced this week that Nick Thoman will be training with Michael Phelps and Bob Bowman in Baltimore. http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/20034.asp?q=Hayley%20McGregory,%20Nick%20Thoman%20Make%20Move%20to%20North%20Baltimore%20Aquatic%20Club
Nick swam the third fastest time ever in the 100m back last summer: 52.91, which is only .37 off the world record held by Aaron Peirsol and is .10 faster than Michael Phelps' best time of 53.01. Ryan's best time in this event is 53.37. At the Olympic trials, when they raced head-to-head, Ryan came in 3rd and Nick came in 6th. However, Nick improved his time to 52.91 at the U.S. Open meet in August 2008.
Training together will be a huge boost for both Michael Phelps and Nick Thoman, and I'm wondering if Nick was specifically recruited for this role. They conceivably will be able to push each other to new low times in the backstroke events.
This news is bound to make Ryan train even harder. He is certainly capable of beating both Michael and Nick in the 100 and 200 back. Ryan trains with some really good backstrokers at UF, such as Rex Tullius and Omar Pinzon. I hope this will serve as fuel for Ryan's training.
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