This week on the SwimSwam Breakdown, we discuss the Atlanta Classic, the first half of the Mare Nostrum Tour, and the Sydney Open. See full list of topics below:
- 0:00 SwimSwam Breakdown Introduction
- 0:52 Atlanta Classic – Who surprised you the most (with their swimming)?
- 8:05 Although we’ve seen some standout swims, ideas for why Mare Nostrum feels a bit lackluster?
- 12:18 Who’s swims were more meaningful when looking to Fukuoka – Cam McEvoy, Kaylee McKeown, or Kyle Chalmers?
SINK or SWIM
- 16:54 Will Blake Pieroni make an international team this summer? (World Champs or Pan Ams)
- 21:49 Is the Michael Phelps SNL Episode the 33rd Greatest Episode of TV in the 21st Century?
- 24:50 Which Will be the better meet: Atlanta Classic or Mission Viejo Pro Swim?
Ok I’ve finally listened and here are my thoughts:
1. Coleman don’t worry, I think “half man half kangaroo” is a compliment. A “half man half platypus” probably makes more sense but platypuses can’t actually swim that fast hah.
2. Agee with Retta re men’s 50 free down under. 21.85 being the fastest time in 6 years isn’t a great sign, but hopefully we go up from here. Honestly wish we could just take one of our 50/100/200 free women and make them a man swimming equivalent times. Turn Madi Wilson or Shayna Jack into a man and our women will still be fine but our men’s medal chances would increase by a lot.
3. Sjostrom, Haughey and Steenbergen all… Read more »
Meet standout of Atlanta Classic = the stuck graphics on the live stream ! Otherwise, agree with Braden’s general read.
Haven’t watched any Mare Nostrum, only looked at results but not sure its anything unusual. The fields are ‘what they are’ with the usual leavening of quality names but thin depth. The times are essentially what you are seeing anywhere else; the odd eye-popper, other times of international consequence but generally solid in-season.
Have to agree with Braden’s “contrarian” take re Sydney Open. Harris’ 50 (and overall form this year) is of greater consequence than McEvoy’s 21.8. The 2 women’s sprint events at AUS Trials are going to be cut-throat but that’s been the storyline for some years now.… Read more »
Coleman’s thought that Mcevoy’s swim means he’ll probably get a final at World Champs is interesting given 23 people have been within 0.1 or faster than him this year alone
There is a legitimate scenario where Kaylee opts out of the 100back again this summer in favor of 200IM, which takes pressure off a Smith/Mckeown sprint showdown. In theory, she has the psychological advantage in the 100back- and it’s worth keeping it that way for the Paris showdown and not risk losing it if Regan somehow could beat her in the 100back this summer.
Kaylee’s 100back has not looked as good as her 200s so far. I wonder if it’s because she’s not emphasizing sprints as much and working on building her endurance base and fleshing out her 200IM potential. If so, it may make sense of Kaylee to swim the 200IM, 200back, 400IM this summer.
On one hand, it’s difficult to look as good as something if that something is a WR swim. On the other hand, she is leading world rankings, and has been 57. multiple times this season.
Seems like a lock for gold or silver not sure why she wouldn’t swim it.
Haven’t listened to the podcast yet but I can answer the Sydney question:
McEvoy appears to be focussing on the 50 free and may not swim the 100. So his time is promising but unlikely to get him anywhere near a medal so ultimately not that important.
Kyle’s time is his second fastest in-season swim ever which bodes well for his individual 100 free but also a good sign for all the male relays.
Kaylee’s times are the most meaningful. They show that she’s a legitimate gold contender in four individual events (plus a silver contender in 400IM but she won’t swim it) and her 100 is looking great for the medley relays.
Braden pointed out that Harris should be considered a standout, that 50 PB is a very strong showing and shows she is feeling the best in a long time.
Yes also a good point! I haven’t listened yet so was just discussing the 3 names listed in the article
Jacoby’s 100 breast swim in Barcelona was exceptional. Despite the fact that she may have had some jet lag, she was fast and her race was perfect.
Thanks for another breakdown! Always look forward to these!