I received a free copy of “The Night Swimmer” by Matt Bondurant this Christmas, promising in return to write a book review about it. Didn’t realize how hectic life would be here in January – but well, managed to read it eventually, quite not-stop even, because it turned out to be good!
And now I’ll try to do this other thing :-)
Pantene has named Olympic medalist swimmer Natalie Coughlin as the brand’s new ambassador, chosen not only for her vast accomplishments in sports, but also for her dedication to a healthy lifestyle and her ability to inspire women to embrace their own strenth and feminity. She will appear in all elements of the brand’s marketing campaign, including TV and print advertising, in-store displays, digital and social media and a PR campaign beginning in June 2012. Via Marketwatch.
Here is a behind the scenes video of the Pantene and Natalie Coughlin campaign
Nice feature here on KVAL.com, about Carlos Hunnicutt from Springfield, Oregon, who despite of being only a 16-year-old sophomore has won the 100 butterfly state championships, now aiming for the U.S. Olympics trials and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“He’s willing to get up early and work hard,” said Springfield swim coach Josh Jordan. “He’s one of the best swimmers I’ve ever seen in the past 20 years.”
Kastrup Svømmehal in Kastrup, Denmark, ready for the 2010 Nordic Junior Championships (25m), December 11-12, 2010. Flags in the far end are from left: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Faroe Islands, The Danish Swimming Federation, Iceland, Norway, Sweden. Mie Ø. Nielsen was a big player here, and we (the Faroese) also won a gold medal with Birita Debes’ 1:01.46 in the 100 backstroke :-)
The annual About Swimming Readers’ Choice Awards is on, including categories ‘swimsuits’, ‘goggles’, ‘handpaddles’, ‘training fins’, ‘on-line or brick and mortar swim shops’, ‘swimming twitter feed’ and (most important) ‘swimming blog’. You can nominate your swimming favorites from January 18th through February 15th, vote from February 22nd though March 21st, and then see the winners announced on March 30th. I nominated Speed Endurance Swimming Blog, let the catfight begin!
China’s Sun Yang today clocked a 3:42.89 in almost-meet-canceling pouring rain at the Miami Super Challenge in Miami, Queensland, Australia, followed by compatriots Li Yunqi in 3.45.69, (16-year-old) Hao Yun in 3:45.69 and Dai Jun in 4th in 3:50.79, with 1st Aussie Wally Eggelton in 5th in 3:57.60. Sure wish I had a video from that race. See results here and read Speed Endurance Blog
We know the story, she’s given up on a lot of money in order to be able to stay NCAA eligible. According to USA Today some $130,000 in prize winnings plus three endorsement offers, while her mother has taken a year-long sabbatical to be her scheduler and media handler. But team is important to Missy Franklin:
“Team is so important to me,” she says. “I love being part of a team. It, for me, is one of the best feelings in the world.”
Read more here on USA Today
A bit old video here, but interesting. Dad sounds like a swell guy, making her swim farther out into the sea than she dared.
National Team member and Olympic hopeful Tyler Clary shares his thoughts on challenges and dealing with pressure leading up the 2012 Olympics Trial on Omaha, Nebraska. Ouch, he dislocated his shoulder at the Duel in the Pool in December, something that ‘happens from time to time’ as he has ‘super-loose’ shoulders. Still, ouch.
