First Prelim session complete

We started off the 2008 USA Olympic Team Trials on a good note. Leah was very happy with her 400 IM (results). She placed 22 going 4:48.59, just off her lifetime best of 4:47. After the race she told me she was glad to get the first swim out of the way, and is now more relaxed to go through the remainder of her even t schedule. Tomorrow (Monday) she will swim the prelims of the 400 free. Joe had a great workout today as he continues to prepare for his 1500 on Saturday. Tricia will also swim her 100 backstroke prelims on Monday.

Arriving in Omaha today were Coach Alyson, the Apa family, and Bob, Sue and Emily Weaner. We also hadthe arrival of Steph and Kim Kinsey, and are waiting to hear if Karlee Hoke and her mom Michelle have arrived. The WSY cheering section is ready for some fast swimming.

Today we saw some very fast swimming. The 400 IM tonight with Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte will be super. It is interesting to see these great athletes, and when they prepare for their races they are so "zoned in" on what they have to do. Even though there are many world class athletes at this meet, they still take time to mentally prepare for their races. Their warm-up routines are the same before each event. Everything seems well rehearsed. However there are "challenges". I saw one swimmer who was on a previous Olympic team, who just before she swam a prelim race today, her cap ripped. She was prepared. In her pocket was an extra cap. As I mentioned, she was prepared. Always have an extra cap, goggles, and some of these athletes even carry extra suits in case of a suit rip, tear etc.

Don't forget to watch the N BC Web cast of the prelim session. It is always exciting watching some of the fastest swimming in the world, and it is great we have many from our WSY family in attendance to watch!!

As Ashlyn tex'd me today 2-4-6-8 WSY