Wednesday, June 13, 2012

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Swimming Preview

41 days to go until the first day of the London Olympics.

The swimming is the headliner of the first week of these summer games. As usual, the action in the pool has always been full of drama and excitement!


The Aquatics Centre (pictured) will be the venue for swimming at the London Olympics. If anything from Beijing 2008 and previous could be an indication of what to expect in some of the events.

On the men's side, Michael Phelps is chasing history. Two medals away from breaking the record of 18 Olympic medals set by gymnast Larysa Latynina. Phelps won fourteen gold medals, including eight at London. Phelps has had the most wins inthe 100m and 200m butterfly, as well as tying Tamas Darnyi with two wins in the 200m individual medley. He has also tied Darnyi and Tom Dolan for most wins in the 400m IM with two each.

Also on the men's side, keep an eye out for Kosuke Kitajima. Kitajima has tied fellow Japanese breaststroker Yoshiyuki Tsuruta for most wins in the 200m breaststroke.

The USA is the defending winner of the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle. The USA has had the most wins in both events.

On the women's side, a little bit of history in the 200m backstroke, where Kirsty Coventry is trying to win her third straight gold medal. Only Kristina Egerszegi has won the 200m backstroke three times, all three straight-at Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996. Coventry is the defending winner and also won the 200m backstroke at Athens 2004.

The USA has led the win count in the 4x100m freestyle, despite the Dutch women's win at Beijing 2008.

All of this, along with possible comebacks and everything else carried on from Beijing, Athens and the worlds will probably be answered during the first week of the Olympics!

Next up: A look at the athletics events

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