Optimistic but slightly nervous, they plunged into the water, and when they were done, they set world and American records, won five golds and a silver medal and placed their names among the elite of American swimming. Are they up to the challenge this time? You can bet your Speedo on it.
“In 2005, I got a lot of support from the veterans on the team, so I hope to be able to give the same support to the newcomers,” said Ziegler, who won titles in the 800- and 1500-meter freestyle in Montreal. “I hope if they are feeling nervous or out of place – like I did – they would know they can come talk to me, and I could help them have as great a first experience at Worlds as I did.”
While Hardy, Hoff and Ziegler provided some highlights and surprises in 2005, here are a few things to watch at this year’s World Championships, March 25-April 1 in Melbourne, Australia.
About USA Swimming: As the National Governing Body for competitive swimming in the United States, USA Swimming formulates the rules, implements policies and procedures, conducts national championships, disseminates safety and sports medicine information and selects athletes to represent the United States in international competition. USA Swimming has more than 300,000 members nationwide and sanctions more than 7,000 events each year. For more information, visit USA Swimming on-line.
