US Swim Stars Take On European Team at 2009 Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool

The top swimmers from three European nations will gather to take on Team USA in the 2009 Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool, December 18-19 in Manchester, England. The bi-annual Duel in the Pool is a made-for-TV event, designed to showcase the sport's most exciting swimmers in non-Olympic years. This year's Duel takes on a new format with Team USA facing a team comprised of the top swimmers from Great Britain, Germany and Italy. The event will be held at the Manchester Aquatic Centre and a two-hour broadcast of the event will air on NBC on December 27 from 2 - 4 p.m. ET.

"The Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool is an event that we are extremely proud of," said Chuck Wielgus, executive director for USA Swimming. "With the help of our partners at Mutual of Omaha and NBC, this event allows us to bring the excitement of international swimming - which was such a runaway hit during the Olympics - back into the homes of millions of American viewers."

The U.S. team will be comprised of the fastest swimmers selected from four meets in 2009 - the ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships, Word University Games, U.S. Open and FINA World Championships. The U.S. all-star team will include up to 18 men and 18 women. The European Select Team will be comprised of up to 18 men and 18 women from Great Britain, Germany and Italy, with each country sending a team of six men and six women. The team rosters will be announced on October 28. British Swimming will co-host the meet, along with USA Swimming.

"Mutual of Omaha is proud to bring the world's best swimmers together in a head-to-head competition as Team USA takes on Team Europe," said Mutual of Omaha Senior Vice President John Hildenbiddle. "With its thrilling competition and great coverage on NBC, the Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool builds on the excitement and enthusiasm swimming generated worldwide during the 2008 Olympics."

The meet format will be short course meters. World-record swims will earn up to $15,000 (U.S. dollars) bonus and $1,000 will be awarded to swimmers for each win at the meet.

"The concept of a USA versus European Select team was first explored during the World Championships in 2005," said David Sparkes, British Swimming Chief Executive. "We expect to host a very strong U.S. team packed full of mega stars. And, alongside our own Becky Adlington and Jo Jackson, we will welcome some of Europe's greatest swimmers to bring to Manchester the best swimming it's ever seen in a head-to-head challenge."

This is the fourth Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool in the history of USA Swimming. Past Duels were held in 2003, 2005 and 2007 and pit all-star teams from the U.S. and Australia against each other. The U.S. is 3-0 in the history of the Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool.