Hoffing and Poffing: Katie Hoff Sets Olympic Record in Women’s 400M Individual Medley

Katie Hoff collapsed four years ago in the Olympics, but she has not lost this race since.  She is a US hero and has won 2 world championships!!

Time for the gun!

Hoff was was lagging after the first lap, and it looked bad for Hoff in the butterfly but this is a long race.  The turn was not good and Hoff looked to be falling further behind.  Hoff was in close with Joanne Jackson from Great Britain in the lead at the half way mark. The backstroke is not helping Katie as they enter the end of the 3rd lap. Hoff is the first female Olympic swimmer to compete in five official events.

The problem for Hoff is that she has to compete in multiple heats during each day and the question was how well she would hold up.  It is also incredibly difficult to train for all those different races.

Hoff looked smooth and easy in her stroke.  She looked like she could win as they entered the final two legs.  Katie had a beautiful turn and kicked it in, taking a sudden and decisive lead.

But no one was giving it up, the pack caught up.  Another strong turn and Hoff maintained her lead going into the finish.  Hoff lowered her head and went to the wall for a new Olympic record that had stood for 20 years!  That says it all.  This woman continually makes us all proud.  A Gold will bring tears to our eyes! Hoff won a Bronze for this race and the world recordholder. 15 year old Elizabeth Beisel finished fourth.

Larsen Jensen could not overcome Park Tae Hwan from Korea and Zhang Lin from China and took the Bronze.

Internationally, the competition is as strong as ever, and the Asian nations are showing what power houses they can be!!

Is Hansen Pacing Himself?

Brendan Hansen had the lead at the end of the 1st lap in the 100M Breast Stroke, but it was so close.  Hansen qualified for the finals in the 2nd semi-final, but he could only muster 3rd place behind Alexander Dale Oen of Norway, who set an Olympic Record!