The Big Swimmers of 2000

A review of the top men performers in the last year.

Join the Discussion "Who was the best in 2000? I must go with de Bruijn - 3 gold's, 4 world records - Zoom!" Swimming Guide   Related Resources • 2000 Olympic Results • Meet Results • World Rankings & Records • Famous Swimmers  From Other Guides • Top Cyclists • Top Runners • Sports Superstars • Great African American Athletes  Elsewhere on the Web • World Rankings - LC • World Rankings - SC • Top 100 LC Rankings • Top 100 SC Rankings About.com Poll The Best Swimmer of 2000 (Total # of LC/SC world records held - # medals in Sydney) Inge de Bruijn (4/0 - 4) Lenny Krayzelburg (3/1 - 3) Pieter van den Hoogenband (2/0 - 4) Ian Thorpe (1/1 - 4) Susie O'Neill (1/1 - 4) Jenny Thompson (0/2 - 4) Dara Torres (0/0 - 5) Michael Klim (0/0 - 4) Current Results

The year 2000 brought a few new stars in 50 meter pools. It also shined up some old ones and saw a few begin to lose their flash. The year's biggest event, the Sydney Olympics, was a showplace for the world's best, but was not the only meet of 2000 where the swimmers showed who was best.

Swimsuits to decrease drag, changes to technique to make swimmers more efficient, and new training routines to make athletes stronger, faster, and quicker. In the end, it is the athletes. They are the ones that have to do it in the pool. Who are the best long course swimmers of the year?

Men

Freestyle - Pieter van den Hoogenband and Ian Thorpe brought out the best in each other at the Olympics, while the rest of the world chased them down in the middle distance events - but usually could not catch up. Alexander Popov's new world record in the 50 in June was evidence that he was still a force, but couldn't overcome Anthony Ervin or Gary hall Jr. for Gold  in Sydney. In the 1500, Grant Hackett took the distance reigns from the great Kieren Perkins.  

Backstroke - Lenny Krayzelburg stands alone in this year's backstroke races. No new world records at the Olympics, but victories when they counted in Sydney. But watch out, Matt Welsh and Aaron Peirsol are coming.

Breaststroke - Roman Sloudnov set a June world record in the 100, but could not race down the stellar swimming of Domenico Fioravanti in the 100 or 200 at the Olympics. Neither could Ed Moses or Terence Parkin.

Butterfly - A new 200 world record in June for Tom Malchow was a sign that he was coming to Sydney with a mission - and it was accomplished with Gold. World record holder Michael Klim was not as fortunate, as Lars Frolander and Geoff Huegill had better swims in in the 100.

Individual Medley - World and Olympic record holder and Gold medallist  Tom Dolan is the undisputed king of the 400, but couldn't stay with Massi Rosolino in the 200.

Relays - All World Records! The Australian group (Michael Klim in a world record 100 free time, Chris Fydler, Ashley Callus, Ian Thorpe) upset the USA contingent (Anthony Ervin, Neil Walker, Jason Lezak, Gary hall Jr,) in the 400 Free to take the top honor this year. The Aussies (Ian Thorpe, Michael Klim, Todd Pearson, William Kirby) were unbeatable in  the 800 Free Relay. The USA (Lenny Krayzelburg, Ed Moses, Ian Crocker, Gary Hall Jr.) took the year's performance in the 400 Medley.

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What will we see in 2001 - the biggest event is World Champs in Fukuoka - watch the About Swimming News section as the new year progresses for updates on all the action in Japan and around the world.

Swim On

Mat
Remember - train smart. 
Before beginning any fitness work, you must be in good health and that may include getting your physician's approval.

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