Olympic Trials Update

Swimming is Australia's marquee sport.  There is something magical about the vibe at their Championships. This years Olympic Trials were even more hyped with the return of legends Ian Thorpe, Libby Lenton-Trickett, Geoff Huegill, Jess Schipper, Liesel Jones, Stephanie Rice, and Michael Klim average age nearly 30 years old.  Live media everywhere, paprazzi chasing cars in parking lots and taking photos from on top of other buildings.

 

It is not an easy environment normally, when it's a circus it's even more of a challenge.  Mun Hon Lee has a full week of racing and started off solid in his 400IM coming in 20th.  Mun was out a little fast but showed he has more to offer in the fly and backs to come.

 

Eugene only had 1 race, the 400IM. Improving by nearly a second in the morning, Eugene squeaked into the final in 8th place.  The final was to be very strong.  Both of the top guys achieved the "A" Olympic Standard which has never happened before in Australia. The winner, Thomas Fraser-Holmes, went a near Comonwealth record time that would have medalled at recent World Championships.  (Photo here.)

 

Undaunted by his first Trials final complete with live TV coverage(or maybe a little daunted), Eugene improved by another second to come in 6th.  Of note was the world class finishing speed of 30 then 28 for his last 100.  Less than 8 hours later Eugene was on a plane back to St. Monica's High School and Friday practice at TSM.

 

Well done Eugene and good luck Mun!