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Published Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Olympic wait over for Auburn swimmers

I can honestly say that tomorrow night has been circled on my calender since May of 2007. It was then that Denmark swimmer Jacob Andkjaer was over at my house and informed me that the swimming events at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games would be televised live in prime time here in the U.S.

We figured out on that day that the seventh day of swimming competition in Beijing would be a night we couldn't wait for.

Jacob will actually swim in 100 butterly preliminary heats today as the former Auburn Tiger hopes to secure a spot in Friday's 100 fly finals. But although he's competing on this prominent stage, my main interest is in another race.

Jacob's chances at medaling are remote and those who have watched him compete would be satisfied for a spot in the finals. We wanted the same for former Auburn breastroker Eric Shanteau, who was recently diagnosed with testicular cance. But Shanteau just missed reaching the 200 final. He was 10th and only the top eight go to the finals.

Shanteau and Andkjaer are just two of a large group of Auburn swimmers that my wife Tara has religiously supported over the last four years. Her relationship with the Auburn swimming program begin in the mid 90s when coaches saw her working on her breastroke and butterfly in the university pool and suggested she join the team.

Fifteen years later she remains faithful to the program and often in the stands. It's been a good ride as the Auburn men won the national team title from 2003-2007. They also triumphed in 1997 and 1999 and have won 14 of the last 15 SEC Championships.

The Auburn women won national titles from 2002-2004 and again in 2006 and 2007. Georgia edged Auburn by two points to take the 2005 title.

But it was the 2005 women's team that I enjoyed following the most. They didn't win the national title but that team had an incredible 1-2 punch that featured Kirsty Coventry and Margaret Hoelzer.

My wife never misses a Friday night swimming meet. My schedule has only allowed me to see about five, the majority back in 2005.

I noticed in 2005 that Coventry and Hoelzer didn't have a great deal to say to each other. Neither went out of her way to congratulate the other on winning efforts. And there were plenty. Each won seven individual NCAA career titles and Coventry was named most outstanding swimmer of the 2005 NCAA meet.

They compete in multiple events but both seem to put extra emphasis on the 200 back. They are on hand in Beijing and both have already earned hardware as we approach Friday's 200m back.

Coventry, who won the gold in the 200m back in Athens four years ago, has claimed silver in Beijing in the 100 back, 200 IM, and 400 IM. The "golden treasure" of Zimbabwae now has six career Olympic medals.

Hoelzer, who is from Huntsville, holds the 200 back record, posting 2:06.09 at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Coventry was the previous holder (2:06.39). Hoelzer captured the bronze a few days ago in the 100 back.

The two couldn't be more different. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugahe has labeled Coventry as a "national treasure." The blonde beauty with the precise technique and tempo is heralded in her home country.

Hoelzer seems to get lost in the shuffle here in the states. She's wrongfully overlooked because of other significant competitors. But her strength and will to win can't be denied. Hoelzer, who is strong underneath the surface, has a welcoming smile and most refer to her as "Marge."

Although I've had more interaction with Coventry, I have never known Marge to say one negative work about Coventry or anyone else.

It will be fun to see them compete again on such a big stage. It's the defending Olympic champion against the world record holder. Coventry should win, especially if she holds the advantage at either the 100 or 150m mark.

Tara remains firmly behind Hoelzer. I seem to be more on the fence but this week has been about supporting the Americans and enjoying the dominance of Michael Phelps.

The Sunday night 4x100 freestlye win by the U.S. in Beijing reminded me of a late July afternoon in Los Angeles back in 1984. On that evening, in the 4x200 event, American anchor swimmer Bruce Hayes passed the unbelievable German Michael Gross at the finish line.

It was one of those moments where you couldn't help but clap and yell at the television set. I know many of you must have felt the same way this past Sunday as American Jason Lezak brought home the gold in the heart-pounding relay.

I'm all about Coventry and I have relished watching her compete. But tonight is about pulling for our country. Go get em' Marge!