The star-studded lineup in Charlotte will be competing in preparation for the ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships in July which will serve as the qualifying meet for the 2009 FINA World Championships. Phelps is entered in the 100m fly, 50m, 100m and 200m free, and the 100m back. Jones will compete in the 50m and 100m free.
The Charlotte UltraSwim is the fifth stop in the 2008-2009 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series, which will award the highest-scoring swimmer of the series with a $20,000 prize. Swimmers are awarded five points for a gold medal, three points for a silver medal and one point for a bronze medal. National Teamer and current Grand Prix Series leader Mary DeScenza will look to extend her 47-point lead in Charlotte.
Also expected to compete in Charlotte are Olympic swimmers Ryan Lochte, Katie Hoff, Aaron Peirsol, Christine Magnuson, Peter Vanderkaay, Eric Shanteau, Mark Gangloff, Julia Smit, Ricky Berens, Kara Lynn Joyce, Elizabeth Beisel, Caroline Burckle, and Amanda Weir.
The competition will follow the traditional meet schedule of morning prelims and evening finals.
The USA Swimming Grand Prix Series serves as an opportunity for athletes to race against top-notch competition as they continue their preparation for the 2009 ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis and the 2009 FINA World Championships in Rome. The last stop of the Grand Prix series is in Santa Clara, Calif., June 11-14.
