We’ve heard about it before, and now it is officially launced. USA Swimming’s Deck Pass, a new online and mobile application that lets swimmers track their best times, set goals and earn digital patches, share milestones with friends and family on Facebook, engage with USA Swimming, and that works as a tool for coaches too. Read more here on SwimmingWorld Magazine.
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Adlington makes a splash with 4-year-old Tae Smith
We heard about 4-year-old Tae Smith in July, who after only five months managed to take not only the planned 600 meters distance badge, but carried on until she was persuaded to stop at 2000 meters. Here is a British Gas Big Dip video with her and Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington. Via the17thman
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Interviewing Dr Homayun Gharavi – Part 2
So, after a quick change of camera (and Home-made solution to secure the additional camera to the incompatible tripod by using packaging from the recently bought batteries), we go on about Home’s visit to the Faroe Islands, digging deeper into the project of Pál Joensen and Jón Bjarnason in Suðuroy. I ask what Dr. Gharavi thinks of Pál still training in his 25-meter home pool in Vágur, and what he thinks about the plan to build a 50-meter pool on this remote island, rather than on the (relatively) more densely populated North mainland. See also Part 1.
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The new GoPro HD HERO2 promo video says BUY ME !
I’m not affiliated with GoPro, and don’t even own one (yet). But by golly … if I wanted one before, it is really really bad now :-)
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Biker saves struggling calf from canal
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Jukic avoids fine (or ban) over missed doping test
The Austrian anti-doping agency will not fine European short-course 200-meter butterfly champion Dinko Jukic for missing an unannounced doping test in May. Anti-doping officials visited Jukic during a training session at the Wiener Stadionbad on May 24, but left without taking blood samples after the swimmer complained about hygiene conditions, and disagreeing about the timing of the test. The anti-doping agency has warned Jukic over breaching international anti-doping regulations, but ruled that he cannot be held responsible for not cooperating. Read universalsports.com
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Interviewing Dr Homayun Gharavi – Part 1
This last week we had Dr Homayun Gharavi MD PhD PhD visiting Pál Joensen and Jón Bjarnason in their home pool in Vágur, Suðuroy, Faroe Islands, where he did intensive work with Pál and also conducted quite a few dryland sessions for him, his club and some visitors. This is a big shot double-PhD medical professional whom Pál and Jón met in 2010, who for instance helped Anastasia Zueva come back from an almost swimming career stopping paralysis risking back injury in the summer 2010, to a world championship gold and silver in Shanghai 2011. And a really nice guy too, who allowed this very first feeble attempt of mine to do an interview in English. See also Part 2.
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Evolta Robot takes on the Ironman, completes the swim (!)
Right now, on the big island of Hawaii, a tiny robot is taking on the classic Ironman challenge, that started with a 2.4-mile swim on Sunday, before a 112 miles bike ride now and then a 26.2-mile run these next many days. Well, actually, they are a trio of robots specialized in each event, and right now the cycling version is recharging batteries. But kudos No. 1 for completing the swim. Read Hawaii 24/7, Popular Mechanics and follow it on panasonic.jp.
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Missy Franklin might turn down $50-70,000 to stay NCAA eligible
Ouch, read SwimmingWorld Magazine:
“Even if Franklin fades to second or third, she will be looking at bypassing anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000 in winnings to maintain NCAA eligibility. She has already compiled $21,500 in two meets, including a $10,000 world record bonus, that she will have to forgo to remain recruitable.”
(Missy Franklin at the 2011 Indy Grand Prix)
Update: Read also this more extensive column on SwimmingWorld Magazine.