I’ve been home for almost 12 hours now, but haven’t done anything productive. Don’t judge me! I didn’t sleep at all last night. I mean, what’s the point when you have a 5AM flight, right?

Anyway, now that Jason has ruined our fun, I have to move on to other memorable moments from the final day of the 2008 US Olympic Team Trials. I would also like to state that being able to type this on my own computer, as opposed to my Sidekick phone, is a relief. Maybe it won’t take me 52095720 years to write this!

Sleeping in yesterday was glorious. Since I operate on “vampire time”, it was like being at home! We were out pretty late (at Farrell’s, of couse) but when we came back to our hotel, we stayed up a loooooong time! I’ll come back to some Farrell’s talk later because there are some things that we must vent about.

So the pool action. It was brief, no? But very exciting! Dara Torres’ agent, Evan, emailed me before the session and predicted a win and the American Record. He nailed that one! And how about Miss Jessica Hardy?! She amazes me! How many people are able to be world class breaststrokers and sprint freestylers? Recently, I can only think of one; Jessica! We got to meet her father earlier in the week, which was great because after you trade emails with people enough, you want to actually meet them face-to-face.

And I know I’ve already talked about this, but PVK tore shit up in that 1500 Free! I was like “Dayum! Where did that come from?!” I am so proud of him. Like seriously! He went from the label of “relay swimmer” back in 2004, to a bonafide stud in multiple individual events! He could come home from Beijing with 4 medals! And while I was ecstatic for Pete, I couldn’t help but be sad for Erik. I don’t know what happened with him. His prelim time would have put him on the team for this event! We watched that race with his parents and the Vanderkaay and we all saw how Bob was trying to get him to slow down, but he didn’t. Did he maybe expend too much energy? I don’t know. All I know is that I kept waiting for him to make his move, like he usually does, but he never did. Thank goodness he grabbed that last spot for the 800 Free Relay!
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Ok, so I totally can’t believe that this thing is over tomorrow! I remember last Sunday when I was like “this is going to be a long week”. Not the case at all! When spending time with friends and covering fast swimming, time always flies by!

So what went on today?

YAY for Margaret Hoelzer breaking the 200 Back World record. She’s had quite the 15 month period, hasn’t she? She went from being the standout US 200 female backstroker, to the American record holder (at Worlds last year), to World Record holder tonight. Awesome! Great for her! She’s really come along!

I absolutely could not predict the 50 Free. Like many others, I changed my predictions every few hours. So, when it came time for that final, I just decided that I’d let it play out and not try to predict anything. It was easier since Paul wasn’t with us to demand our guesses on who made the team. And I’m not going to lie, we missed his company during finals. We’ve gotten used to watching most of them with him. Today, he was on deck and NBC was filming him during Katie’s 800 Free final.

Speaking of The Hoff, she totally tried to get us kicked out of the Qwest Center this afternoon. And we’re going to remember that! She’s also a horrible girlfriend. But don’t worry about her. I gave her some expert relationship advice and she should be ok in the future. She may get her “free pass” at the Swim Aids revoked if she continues this nonsense! We’re watching you, Hoff! We’re also still laughing at how the security guy didn’t even know who she was. I’m thinking “um, that’s Katie Hoff dude. Remember her name. You’re going to hear it A LOT” But he’ll realize the error of his ways soon enough.

We watched the final 2 men’s 1500 Free prelim heats with Mama Vanderkaay. We thought it was time to hang out with her again, so after we came back to the pool, after our nap, she went at sat with her, Papa VK and the Vendts. I know I sound like a broken record, but talking with her is a pleasure for us. we jump at the opp to socialize with her!

And I’m sorry. After the 50 Free, I was so not about to sit for 2+ hours watching 1500 Free heats of people I don’t cover on Swim Stars. I came back just in time for PVK’s race like a good girl. And how great was Erik Vendt’s time? Wow! Coach Bob kept trying to tell him to slow down and after the race Erik said he didn’t really want to go that fast, he just felt good. Can’t hate on that, can you?

And about Lia Neal breaking the 13-14 NAG record in the 50 Free prelims? Pretty cool. It’s nice to see minorities excelling in the pool. Maybe Cullen won’t have to hold that banner along for much longer!

Dara Torres amazes me. And so does Jessica Hardy. I mean, how often do you see a breaststroker that’s extremely successful in the sprint freestyles? Not very often, but Jess is doin tha damn thing. What doesn’t make me happy is all the talk about Dara with regards to doping. People are so cynical. I don’t even want to talk about it. So I won’t.

What about after finals?

Well, we went to “Swimmer Central” again. And, by Swimmer Central, I mean Farrell’s. Everyone and their mama was there again. Well, not exactly. We feel like there were more people there last night and we definitely didn’t hear any “GTFO” orders. We also didn’t see the “drunk girl” that entertained us with her lack of balance and common sense. We’re hoping to go out on a good note tomorrow. I invited some of my young’un friends to join me at Farrell’s and they came through. I’m not going to call them out because I don’t want them to be accused of anything by judgemental and overbearing people. But, they know who they are, and I thank them for coming out tonight!

Sir Phelps even made a late appearance before last call. He showed up alone. It was weird for him.

We’re beyond ecstatic that we get to sleep in tomorrow. Sleeping in is one of my favorite activities. If sleeping were an Olympic event, I would be the World Record Holder. Don’t even think you can challenge me, because you can’t. I would pwn you.

Later all!

So I realized that I didn’t do one of these yesterday and now, unfortunately, the days are starting to blur together. So here goes on another edition of “Tales From The Deck”

After tonight’s session we felt extreme sadness. I’m talking like being on the verge of tears. Why, you ask? Because T-Dub!! finished 3rd in the men’s 200 Fly, thus not making the Olympic Team. I don’t know if there was anyone else in the meet we wanted on the team more than him, so when Gil Stovall swam the race of his life (props to him, that was badass!) we knew Davis‘ chances at punching a ticket for Beijing were reduced to zero. But he left it all in the pool. That was his best time. For our own selfish reasons, we want him to continue one more year — like a couple of his teammates — but we understand if he’s ready to move on. Seeing how upset his mom (whom we adore) was after the race, was almost too much to bear.

And the sadness didn’t end with T-Dub!! It also extended to Miss Kaitlin, a regular Swim Aid reader. She’s been fighting a string of health maladies and injuries in recent months, the after effects causing her to lose critical strength and stamina. But, she’s been dealing with it like a champ and with the smile we’ve all come to love. She’s going to be in the AquaZone Friday, so everyone go, say “hi”, and wish her well! And please know that she’s ok. She wants people to know she’s not on suicide watch or anything.

Other National Team veterans who look to be on the outside looking in include Tara Kirk, Rachel Komisarz, and Neil Walker. Both Tara and Neil were regular Team USA captains. So this is going to be an adjustment. Tara has another race in the 200 Breast, but with such a deep women’s field, you just never know! We wish her good luck in that race!

Today’s session really broke our hearts though. There were a lot of happy moments, but I think the sad outweighed the good from our point of view. We were elated at Allison Schmitt and Caroline Burckle making the team. I’ve called Allison to the team before, and as recently as last night. She’s such a great kid and we love how her personality calms others before races. She was classic in her press conference tonight. Classic. It didn’t even sink in that she was on the relay until that presser when a reporter asked her about it.

I’m going to put the rest of this post behind a cut because it is looooooong as hell. I’m not kidding! So get to clickin’ to read on.

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So, USA Swimming did right by us, earlier this summer, when they published a feature on Alex Vanderkaay. We liked the recognition for him because he had more than earned it.

But what we really wanted was a 20 Question Tuesday. In the back of our minds we thought AVK might be able to give T-DUB a run for his money in terms of 20QT entertainment. If you haven’t ready it, you are missing out. It truly is the Holy Grail of 20 Question Tuesday interviews.

Pssst, USA Swimming, you frequently repeat the swimmers you interview for 20QT. Time for a new one with Mr. Tarwater!

Anyway, today we were pleasantly surprised to see that today’s 20 Question Tuesday interviewee was none other than Alex! (link) And we were wrong in hoping that he’d unleash his sense of humor during the interview. He’s keeping it under wraps and y’all are missing out. We’re sorry. Around here, we know how funny AVK can really be. It’s just a fact. Perhaps next time. Yea, next time!

SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN
The University of Michigan gave its entire athletic website a facelift! Check it out! It was long overdue and looks wonderful!

It’s been a couple of weeks. Time to get back to what we do best around here, right?

So with “The Game” set to jump off tomorrow in Ann Arbor, it reminded me that we haven’t written a Michigan-specific post in a couple of weeks. We know, we know. That’s unacceptable. We’ll be better! We promise!

OOPS, MY BAD!
I’m not sure where I was or what I was doing when the Michigan boys travelled to Bloomington, IN for meets against IU and Texas. I remember being jealous that I wasn’t going to be able to see those meets; especially because the Longhorns almost never venture this far north during the NCAA season. Anyway, long story short, Texas swept both IU and UM, but UM defeated IU. It didn’t hurt the boys though. They actually rose one spot in the CSCAA poll to #4. Represent! I know the boys are likely bummed this week seeing as how they’ll be away at Northwestern when “The Game” jumps off. But that’s what cell phones are for. I’m sure they’ll be routinely updated as to what’s going on. I know it’s not the same as being there, but what can ya do? I expect 3 (yes, 3) Michigan wins this weekend. 2 from the swim team and 1 from the football team.

“THE GAME”
If you grew up in Ohio or Michigan, then you know what a big deal the Ohio State/Michigan rivalry is. Many will argue, but they don’t know. It is THE biggest rivalry in college sports. I grew up (and still live) in Columbus, so I’ve had all things OSU crammed down my throat for as long as I can remember. I didn’t go to school there, or anything. I’m not a fan. But don’t tell anyone around here that. I don’t want to get jumped. But what people fail to realize is that Columbus is not your average “college town”. It is actually the 15th largest city in the country. And there is a lot more going on here than just Ohio State. So I’d be willing to wager there are a whole lot more people like me than you’ve been led to believe.

Last year, when he asked me if I had any extra tickets for him to the big game in C-Bus, PVK told me that I “better be cheering for Michigan”. I was, but a lot of good that did them. Maybe I should be rooting against them this year? Hmmmm. All I know is that I want Mike Hart to get a win against OSU before he graduates. I also want a UM win so I can see the next hilarious thing he says to the media. Swimming needs a “Mike Hart”. For serious.

THE HUSKY INVITE?
Seriously? Why is the Michigan swimming team going to the Husky Invite in 2 weeks? There are some major invitationals and championship meets going down that weekend, such as the Texas Invitational (that Michigan used to go to) and the Short Course Nationals in ATL. So why is Bob dragging the boys out to Seattle for the Husky Invite? Did someone lose a bet? Is the team being punished for something? Who else is competing at the Husky Invite? Anyone? Bueller?

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER
We’re afraid he’ll turn “hater” like his oldest brother, but we’re willing to take a chance. On behalf of all of the Swim Aids, we’d like to congratulate a Vanderkaay named Dane on being totally predictable and committing to the University of Michigan. We know you had to keep a little suspense going since everyone has had you as a UM lock for years. (Kind of like we know you’re reading this right now ) But let’s be real. I don’t think anyone would be able to stomach seeing a member of the Vanderkaay clan rockin’ anything other the Maize & Blue (during the NCAA season) and a CW (in the summer). It is simply not done. So Michigan completes the VDK Sweep. Hopefully we’ll see another sweep, in a few years, when Dane is voted a team captain; just like all 3 of his older brothers.

SWIM OFFS
++ I am well aware that this a long post. But it was necessary. You love it.++

++ Wasn’t commenter Messler supposed to hit up the Northwestern/Wisky/UM meets this weekend? If you see this and go, we’d love the 411!++

++ I thought everyone should know that Miss Hunninghake saw our shout-out post, emailed me personally, and sends her thanks for being so sweet. See why we love her?++

I think now would be a good time to say “I told ya so”.

I told everyone to keep their eyes on the Michigan team this season. I believe I even went so far as to say that they were going to “tear shit up”. That wasn’t me being overconfident in their abilities. I’d like to think I know what I’m talking about when professional signings aren’t involved… Anyway, the boys did their thang in the pool and proved me right.

Michigan travelled all the way down to Lochteville Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators. Nice early season matchup between 2 great programs. The meet took place over 2 days and 3 sessions. Taking a look around the net, many were quick to predict a Gator victory. They don’t know what I know, though. I knew Blue would come out on top. Final tally: Michigan 326, Florida 272. [FULL RESULTS]

We saw the usual suspects stepping up and scoring points for UM. You know. Vanderkaay, Patton, Spann, Savulich, Brady, & co. But major props go out to Tyler Clary. Way to make a splash in your freshman season! (Pun intended)

Looks like the beginning of a very special season!

Moving from an angry Vanderkaay story to a celebratory one!

Just got word that the other VK brother we show love to (no, not that one. He’s still a hater) has won his first international medal over in Bangkok. Competing at the 2007 World University Games, AVK had already raced the 200 Fly and 800 Free. But his podium appearance came courtesy of the 400 IM, where he turned in a 4:17.34 performance to score the silver medal.

So we take a moment to salute a Vanderkaay named Alex for representing the USA the only way he knows how; like a P.I.M.P.