Going into day four we’ve seen most of the swimming super stars in action, with the exception of one. Tomorrow in the heats of the men’s 100 freestyle it will be our first look at Brazil’s Cesar Cielo. Unlike most of the top competitors in the 100 freestyle, Cielo wasn’t part of the 4×100 free relay. The Brazilian team failed to make the final and he was not a part of the prelim team. Some say that’s a huge error by the coaches, but it could be argued that it’s worked out for the best if medals are the end goal. Cesar sat back and watched everyone show their hand while he avoided the draining emotional and physical experience that comes with being part of a marquee race at the Olympics.
James Magnussen is a prime example of the toll that experience can take, and now that he’s vulnerable Cielo seems to have improved his odds by not swimming at all. There is, however, a different 20-year-old standing between Cielo and gold in the 100 freestyle. No one is swimming more confidently than Yannick Agnel, but assuming he makes it into the final he’ll have swum 7 times including what should be another epic relay in the 800 free tomorrow. In his prelim heat tomorrow, Cielo will be right next to Nathan Adrian who has to be confident after a terrific leadoff leg in the 400 free relay, but I think he’ll have to be faster than 47.89 if he is aiming for the top spot on the podium.
So here’s what we know going into the heats of the 100 free: We know Magnussen is vulnerable, we know Agnel is on fire, we know there’s a few other guys in contention, and we wish that Michael Phelps was part of it. But the 2012 Olympic canvas is clean for the World Record holder. How will Cesar’s 2012 story turn out?
I would have to say that there is more than 1 superstar waiting for his gold…Don’t forget Ervin! Especially with no Adrian in the 50, and the way that Cielo and Maggnesun have looked thus far! Go Tony!
Good catch. My bad for missing that. Tony is going to be fresh for that 50. If he’s in the same frame of mind he was at trials, we may see something special from Mr. Ervin. Could mean trouble for everyone else in the field.
Cielo is aiming for 21.1 21.2.. Can Ervin (or anyone else) reach that?
Drug cheat Cesar Cielo is no longer on the juice so expect him to be out in the semi finals.
Another one who is likely no longer on the juice is Mr Magnussen. I am sure WADA has been keeping a close eye on him. How else can u explain comming from an average 48 high 19yr old to a 47 low 20yr old. It seems his times are back to normal progression.
The next two WADA need their close eyes on are Pellerens pupils. Ain’t it one hell of a coincidence that 10 months after ok performances they are now dropping huge chunks of time. I actually think Camille muffat and to some extent Agnel is sand… Read more »
On all his major competitions Cielo was a pretty slow starter.. he never went well on the first round..
I think magnussen is in, Roberts surely will be out..
I don’t think Phelps deserve you as a fan.
No one would want a fan like him..
Berens also as maybe Dwyer must be very solid on the 2 other relays to keep the french back . I beleive Lochte and Phelps will be on fire for the relay ; especially Phelps . Go Usa
What about Frances order? Do you lead him off and try and get a big lead, or anchor him in the hope he can do something special again. As the Australians learnt, leading off with your GUN puts pressure on and if they don’t fire the team can crumble. IF Phelps or Lochte (whoever leads off) gets fired up and revenge on Agnel in the lead off and matches him, France are stuffed. Although I am expecting big splits from Leveaux and especially Lefert
I’m very interested to see what Hanser Garcia can do, but I definitely think that even if he can final he’s not going to be a big factor towards the actual medal standings.
I think Cielo has something in store for us. Looking at how Pereira’s improved in the 400IM and how Cielo’s squad seems to be making progress recently I am confident that he’ll be under 48. How low under 48 I really do not know. His 50 is going to be something special though, and I think the only one with potential to match him is actually Ervin, one of the greatest sprint talents I have ever seen.
No idea whether Roberts was just a fluke or… Read more »
hkswimmer,
i remember about a talk with some people who knows Cielo, he is not happy with the difference between his textile times and his two WR´s.He hates the expression SUIT SWIMMER.I believe we will found out soon.Oh, i love Ervin stroke in 50 free.Above water, he is as fast as Cielo, but the start still is a big difference.
About 4×200: Phelps MUST be in anchor!Let Lochte open…
I agree. I’m a Lochte fan, but I think its clear that Phelps should anchor.
Who will open for France? Agnel? or he will Anchor? If He anchors it MUST be Phelps..
800 free relay should be another epic battl with us and France. Phelps needs to go 1:45 or faster in leadoff to give the us a chance.
here we go again with Hanser Garcia. i think he has to be the most overhyped unknown 100 free swimmer of all time lol.
I take my best That Cielo and Adrian will try to push a little hard on tomorrow morning, same for agnel and try to lock out Roberts and put extra pressure on Magnussen…
Philip Johnson,
he is overhyped because he is the worst best swimmer in the World.It was a joke(i will be shocked if he medals), but its uncalled for, to have a top swimmer with soo bad fundamentals in his swimming technique.He has bad start,bad underwater, bad turns…and still is capable to do 48.34.
Bill Simmons (sportswriter on Grantland.com) always categorized overhyped unknown NBA players “So Underrated He’s Slightly Overrated”
I think that fits here
Hanser Garcia had a bad start, bad turns etc last October. He has had time to improve them, I mean, it’s not that tough. But if he’s improved them, watch out. He can swim very fast.
This will be interesting. 48.34 with a bad start and a bad turn ain’t bad…..
I agree with you Phillip.
I don’t understand all these overhype about Hanser Garcia.
Sure he has raw speed, but 100 free is more than raw speed.
Hey!Dont forget Hanser Garcia!
Cielo is giving me the creeps.He was smiling all last week during trainings in Olympic London pool, like he was in a family reunion or like that.I was expecting him more tense.
But i have to agree, right now, Agnel looks the man to beat.After his relay split, i will not be surprised if Agnel blasts a time around 47.2.