2008 Woodie Awards
2 Miami swimmers come out of Olympic time trials with optimism
Katie Giovinale
Issue date: 8/14/08 Section: Front Page
The 2008 U.S.A. Swimming Olympic Time Trials held at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska in early July featured two Miami University students.
Sophomore Karen Frazier competed in the 100 meter breaststroke and finished with a time of 1:13.08 and a ranking of 84th.
"I approached the race the same as any other race to keep from getting too nervous. My coach always says that I've done all the training and my body knows what to do," Frazier said.
Frazier explained that the top 16 swimmers in each event from the time trials swim in the semi finals, the top eight from the semi finals swim in the finals, and the top two from the finals go on to the Olympics.
Though she didn't swim as fast as she did three weeks earlier when qualifying for the time trials, Frazier said it was still an overall amazing experience. The Qwest Center featured two temporary pools that were built just for the time trials. There were also massage tables, spas, and a video game room for the swimmers.
"I had swam against some of these people before at Nationals but it was incredible to think that we were all trying for a spot in the Olympics," Frazier said.
Frazier, a chemical engineering and pre-med double major, plans to retire from competitive swimming in two years when she graduates.
"I want to have a normal life after college, but I still plan on exercising several times a week," Frazier said.
Recent Miami graduate Ryan McHugh competed in the 100 meter freestyle and finished with a time of 51.71 and a ranking of 101.
"The intensity and atmosphere of the event was just awesome. At one point there were 13,000 people watching," McHugh said.
McHugh, who graduated with a degree in finance, has received several job offers but is still looking. Ideally, he would like to live in Chicago and find a job in banking.
As for competing for a spot in the 2012 Olympics, "I haven't thought that far. Part of me would like to do it depending on where I am," McHugh said.
Both swimmers agreed that this year's Olympic swim team would be very competitive, with Australia as their chief competition.
"I think the U.S. will dominate. We have a few weaknesses and Australia will be able to take the gold in those events. People should watch for younger swimmers- they are the future of Olympic swimming. Elizabeth Beisel is only 15 and she qualified for the Olympics," Frazier said.
"This year's Olympic team is the strongest it's ever been. They have broken numerous records just getting to the Olympics. Michael Phelps is dominating, and Ryan Lochte is another powerful swimmer. Natalie Coughlin is the one to watch in the backstroke," McHugh said.
Sophomore Karen Frazier competed in the 100 meter breaststroke and finished with a time of 1:13.08 and a ranking of 84th.
"I approached the race the same as any other race to keep from getting too nervous. My coach always says that I've done all the training and my body knows what to do," Frazier said.
Frazier explained that the top 16 swimmers in each event from the time trials swim in the semi finals, the top eight from the semi finals swim in the finals, and the top two from the finals go on to the Olympics.
Though she didn't swim as fast as she did three weeks earlier when qualifying for the time trials, Frazier said it was still an overall amazing experience. The Qwest Center featured two temporary pools that were built just for the time trials. There were also massage tables, spas, and a video game room for the swimmers.
"I had swam against some of these people before at Nationals but it was incredible to think that we were all trying for a spot in the Olympics," Frazier said.
Frazier, a chemical engineering and pre-med double major, plans to retire from competitive swimming in two years when she graduates.
"I want to have a normal life after college, but I still plan on exercising several times a week," Frazier said.
Recent Miami graduate Ryan McHugh competed in the 100 meter freestyle and finished with a time of 51.71 and a ranking of 101.
"The intensity and atmosphere of the event was just awesome. At one point there were 13,000 people watching," McHugh said.
McHugh, who graduated with a degree in finance, has received several job offers but is still looking. Ideally, he would like to live in Chicago and find a job in banking.
As for competing for a spot in the 2012 Olympics, "I haven't thought that far. Part of me would like to do it depending on where I am," McHugh said.
Both swimmers agreed that this year's Olympic swim team would be very competitive, with Australia as their chief competition.
"I think the U.S. will dominate. We have a few weaknesses and Australia will be able to take the gold in those events. People should watch for younger swimmers- they are the future of Olympic swimming. Elizabeth Beisel is only 15 and she qualified for the Olympics," Frazier said.
"This year's Olympic team is the strongest it's ever been. They have broken numerous records just getting to the Olympics. Michael Phelps is dominating, and Ryan Lochte is another powerful swimmer. Natalie Coughlin is the one to watch in the backstroke," McHugh said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
MUHAWK
posted 8/15/08 @ 11:30 AM EST
Very cool
Redhawk
posted 8/23/08 @ 11:29 AM EST
Michael Phelps likes frosted flakes.
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