Siman targetkan empat emas KU Asia Tenggara

Siman Sudartawa

Palembang  RENANG INDONESIA - Atlet renang andalan Indonesia I Gede Siman Sudartawa menargetkan empat medali emas pada Kejuaraan Kelompok Umur tingkat Asia Tenggara (SEA Age Group Swimming Championships) di Stadion Akuatik Jakabaring, Palembang, 1-3 Juni 2012.

"Target saya empat emas dari 50 meter, 100 meter, 200 meter gaya punggung, dan 50 meter gaya kupu-kupu," ujar Siman di Palembang, Kamis.

Penampilannya pada kejuaraan ini bukan untuk kali pertama mengingat telah memperkuat Tim Nasional Indonesia sejak usia 13 tahun.

"Sejak pertama kali turun pada usia 13 tahun selalu berikan medali, dan tahun ini merupakan kesempatan terakhir saya berlaga pada kejuaraan kelompok umur. Semoga saja mewujudkan target empat emas," ujar atlet asal Bali ini.

Siman menjadi pusat perhatian pencinta olahraga di Indonesia setelah membukukan empat medali emas pada SEA Games 2011 pada usia belum genap 17 tahun, sehingga Pengurus Besar Persatuan Renang Seluruh Indonesia bertumpu padanya untuk mewujudkan target peringkat tiga pada kejuaraan itu.

Meski menjadi harapan, Siman tidak mau terbebani.

Ia pun melakukan latihan seperti biasa sesuai dengan program jangka panjang Prima Indonesia.

"Sebenarnya saingan hampir tidak ada karena Zaeng Wen Quah, perenang dari Singapura tidak turun. Memang ajang ini bukan menjadi target perenang seperti saya karena membidik Kejuaraan Asia Tenggara (SEAFF) pada akhir Juni di Singapura," kata atlet kelahiran Bali, 8 September 1994 ini.

Target utama Siman pada tahun ini, berlaga pada ajang Olimpiade London pada Juli mendatang mengingat telah mendapatkan tiket berdasarkan catatan waktu.

"Batas waktu sudah masuk tapi belum bisa dipastikan karena terjadi pengurangan kuota dibandingkan Olimpiade di Beijing untuk atlet renang dari 1500 menjadi 900 atlet saja," ujarnya. (ANTARA News) 

SEA Age Group 2012: Enam Perenang Jateng Perkuat Timnas

SOLO, RENANG INDONESIA - Enam atlet Jateng tampil membela Tim Renang Indonesia di ajang SEA Age Group, di Palembang, Jumat-Minggu (1-3/6). Mereka bergabung dengan total 25 perenang lainnya untuk membela panji-panji Tim Merah-Putih dalam kejuaraan renang kelompok umur tingkat Asia Tenggara itu.

Menurut anggota Bidang Pembinaan dan Prestasi (Binpres) Pengprov Persatuan Renang Seluruh Indonesia (PRSI) Jateng Devy Rachyuanto, keenam perenang Jateng terdiri dari Kavita (Semarang) yang turun di nomor dada 50, 100 dan 200 meter, Keisha (Banjarnegara) di nomor 50 meter bebas dan 50 meter kupu.

Kemudian ada Budiman Prakoso (Temanggung) di nomor bebas 50 meter dan dada 50 meter, Sagita Putri (Banjarnegara) di nomor bebas dan kupu. Lalu Margaretha Kreta (Purbalingga) di nomor dada serta Felicia Angelica (Solo) di nomor 50 meter dan 100 meter gaga bebas perorangan.

"Mereka dipilih berdasarkan hasil Invitasi Renang Kelompok Umur (KU) di Surabaya, pertengahan Mei lalu," ungkap Devy, Kamis (31/5).

Prestasi wakil Jateng di ajang tersebut memang cukup membanggakan. Seperti yang diraih perenang Felicia Angelica. Gadis belia yang baru berusia 12 tahun itu memborong dua emas di kelas 50 meter dan 100 meter gaya bebas perorangan.

Khusus bagi Felicia, Devi menargetkan anak didiknya mampu mencatatkan rekor lebih baik di SEA Age Group. Dia optimistis Felicia bisa menurunkan waktu tercepatnya minimal satu detik dibandingkan hasil yang diukir di Invitasi Renang KU lalu.

"Saat di Surabaya, Felicia mencatat waktu tercepat 29 detik di kelas 50 meter gaya bebas. Sedangkan untuk kelas 100 meter gaya bebas dia mencatat waktu 104 detik, kalau bisa turun menjadi 101 detik dia kemungkinan bisa meraih medali emas," paparnya.

Disinggung soal target, Devy mengaku tak begitu memahami karena tim ini tidak dipegangnya secara langsung. Hanya dia memperkirakan sebagai tuan rumah, sudah selayaknya Timnas memasang target juara umum. "Mungkin saingan terberat datang dari perenang-perenang asal Thailand," tandas dia (suaramerdeka.com)

Pesona Stephanie Rice

Oceania Championships: Australians Continue to Dominate on Day Two

NOUMEA, New Caledonia, RENANG INDONESIA-May 30. AUSTRALIA captured gold medals in eight of ten events on the second day of pool competition at the Oceania Championships as Ami Matsuo and Kenneth To each won their second gold medals of the meet.

In the women's 400 IM, Australian Amy Levings took control of the race and finished in a time of 4:51.37, in front of teammate Leah Cutting's 4:56.93. Yasmine Ware of the United States finished a distant third in 5:23.77. New Zealand's Carsten Corazza picked up the men's title in 4:26.02 while Australia's Kenneth To earned his second medal of the meet with a 4:30.35. New Zealand's Matthew Glassford turned in a third place time of 4:36.55.

After finishing second in the 100 back last night, Grace Loh of Australia turned in a gold medal performance in the 50 back with a 29.65. Teammate Jordan White, who won the 200 fly last night, took silver in 30.39. France's Emma Terebo placed third in 30.80. Ben Edmonds of Australia picked up the men's 50 back win in 26.54, ahead of New Zealand's Curt Crosland (26.72) and Papua New Guinea's Ryan Pini (26.95). 

Ami Matsuo of Australia earned her second win of the meet after touching in 56.17 in the women's 100 free. Amy Levings and Emma Terebo brought home their second medals of the night, taking silver and bronze in 57.62 and 58.50, respectively. Kenneth To swam away with his second medal of the night as well, winning the men's 100 free in 50.08. Ryan Pini (51.28) and Australian Daniel Lester (51.53) earned silver and bronze in the event.

Australia's Lorna Tonks was the only woman in the field to break 1:10 in the women's 100 breast, and she did so with a 1:08.24. Teammate Jessica Hansen took second in 1:10.32, while Guam's Pilar Shimizu placed third in 1:16.19. Frenchman Thomas Dahlia won the men's 100 breast by a slim margin, 1:03.27 to 1:03.29 over Aussie Nicholas Schafer. Australia's Nikolas Pregelj took third in 1:04.02.

In the women's 4x200 free relay, Australia's quartet of Amy Levings, Mikkayla Sheridan, Jordan White and Ami Matsuo destroyed the field with a winning time of 8:22.88. France (8:54.85) and the US (9:19.14) rounded out the podium. On the men's side, Australia's Declan Potts, Kyle Richardson, Kenneth To and Rhys Mainstone won convincingly in 7:34.76, ahead of New Zealand (7:45.37) and France (8:00.47).

(Swimmingworld)

Stephanie Rice Perkuat Australia

Stephanie Rice

SYDNEY, RENANG INDONESIA — Peraih tiga medali emas olimpiade, Stephanie Rice, akan memperkuat Australia dalam GP Internasional di Santa Clara, AS, pekan depan.

Kejuaraan ini merupakan persiapan menjelang berlangsungnya Olimpade London, Juli mendatang.  Australia akan diperkuat juga oleh juara dunia gaya dada, Leisel Jones, serta peraih medali olimpiade, seperti Hayden Stoeckel, Libby Trickett, dan Jessica Schipper.

Dalam kejuaraan yang berlangsung mulai 31 Mei ini, Australia akan menurunkan 25 perenang yang merupakan tim bayangan ke Olimpiade London.

"Australia selalu ikut serta dalam pertemuan (turnamen) ini. Dengan makin dekatnya olimpiade, ajang ini bisa menjadi persiapan yang baik," kata pelatih Australia, Leigh Nugent.

Perenang utama Australia seperti Leisel Jones berkesempatan menantang perenang utama AS, seperti Jessica Hardy dan Rebecca Soni. Sementara perenang putra, Nick D'Arcy, berpeluang menjajal Michael Phelps di nomor 200 meter gaya kupu-kupu.

Dari Santa Clara, para perenang Australia akan beruji coba di Vancouver, Kanada, dan Speedo Nova Meet di Irvine, California (kompas.com)

Hungary: the best Europeans ever, Prime Minister Viktor Orban greeted the swimmers at poolside

Host Hungary finished first in the medal table with nine gold, ten silver, and seven bronze medals and celebrated two back-to-back twin triumphs on the final day of the 31st European Swimming Championships in Debrecen. 

First Katinka Hosszu (2:07.28min) and Zsuzsanna Jakabos (2:07.86) came first and second in the women’s 200m butterfly, then Laszlo Cseh (4:12.17) and David Verraszto (4:14.23) repeated this feat in the men’s 400m individual medley.

Germany and France both also ended the Continental Championships with titles on the last day. Britta Steffen (24.37sec) in the women’s 50m freestyle and the women’s 4x100m medley relay team (3:58.43) added gold medals number 7 and 8 to the medal tally of the hosts of the next European Long Course Swimming Championships in 2014 in Berlin; Coralie Balmy (4:05.31) in the 400m freestyle and Frederick Bousquet (21.80) in the 50m free were successful for France.

Petra Chocova (31.25) achieved the Czech Republic’s first gold medal in the women’s 50m breaststroke in Debrecen; Italy’s 4x100m medley relay team (3:32.80) won the 40th and last gold of the Championships. The Italians also won the general points classification of the event and Chiara Boggiatto and Filippo Magnini received and lifted the Championships Trophy in representation of their entire team and to the delight of them all.

Behind host Hungary, Germany was second in the medal table with 8 gold, 6silver, and 3 bronze medals, followed by Italy (6-8-4), France (4-4-3),Spain (3-1-3), and Sweden (2-4-2).

The capacity crowd in Debrecen enthusiastically celebrated the Hungarian teams’ triumph: this was the best ever European performance of the hosts, who were greeted by Prime Minister Viktor Orban at poolside after the session was over

31st LEN European Swimming Championships – Debrecen 2012

The countdown for the Olympics begins in Debrecen

RENANG INDONESIA-Debrecen(pps) The Olympic Games in Londonare undoubtedly the highlight in swimming in 2012. But before London, the 31st LEN European Swimming Championships in Debrecen, Hungary, are on the programme. Some European Federations take the opportunity at the Europeans for another qualification for the Olympics, others make do without their top athletes to give them more time to prepare for London. However, the countdown begins in Debrecen.  

The strongest and largest teams in Debrecen areI taly(49 swimmers), host Hungary(36), and Germany(35). LEN admits up to four athletes per nation in the heats, but only two swimmers per nation can make it into the semi-finals and finals.

The European Swimming Championships in Debrecen have a record entry of 570 swimmers from 44 of the 51 LEN Member Federations. At the last Europeans in Budapest 2010, 43 countries were represented, but then in swimming, diving, synchronised swimming, and open water swimming. 

Debrecen stood in for Antwerp as venue at short notice; the divers and synchronised swimmers determine their 2012 European Champions in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Thus Hungary plays host to long course European Swimming Championships for the fifth time in history: Budapest organised the inaugural event in 1926, and then in 1958, 2006, and 2010. Debrecen was also the venue of the 2007 European Short Course Swimming Championships.

The programme of these long course European Championships is unchanged with 40 events for men and women.

Three 2008 Olympic Champions with four titles will compete in Debrecen, Britta Steffen (GER) in the 50m and 100m freestyle, Federica Pellegrini (ITA) in the  200m freestyle, and Alain Bernard (FRA) 100m freestyle; also present will be three 2011 World Champions, Daniel Gyurta (HUN) 200m breaststroke, Jeremy Stravius (FRA) 100m backstroke, and Pellegrini (200m and 400m freestyle), and eight 2009 World Champions: Paul Biedermann (GER) 200m and 400m freestyle, Gyurta (200m breaststroke, Milorad Cavic (SRB) 50m butterfly, Steffen (50m and 100m freestyle), Pellegrini (200m and 400m freestyle), Nadja Higl (SRB) 200m breaststroke, Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 400m individual medley, and Sarah Sjoestroem (SWE) 100m butterfly. Twelve title holders from Budapest 2010 will try to retain their victories in the 34 individual competitions inDebrecen.

One Olympic Champion of the past is the oldest participant in Debrecen. At the age of 38, Sweden’s Lars Froelander will swim the 100m freestyle and the 100m butterfly. He won Olympic gold in the 100m butterfly in Sydney 2000. He will celebrate his 38th birthday in Debrecen on 26 May. Slovakia’s Martina Moravcova is two years younger. She is one of the most successful international swimmers in the past 20 years, and is now married and the mother of a two-year-old daughter, Karolina. After competing at five Olympic Games since 1992, she will return to the international stage in Debrecen in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly sprint events.

France topped the medal table in Budapest 2010 with 21 medals (8-7-6) followed by Russia(7-4-1), Great Britain(6-6-6), and Hungary(6-4-3).

The men’s and women’s freestyle sprints in the 50m and 100m will probably be among the highlights in Debrecen. France’s 100m Olympic Champion Alain Bernard finished fifth in his national trials and consequently will not compete in the Olympic individual event, but will try to indemnify himself in the 50m and 100m freestyle in Debrecen against his compatriots Amaury Leveaux and Frederick Bousquet, current European title holder in the 50m, the fast Italians with two-time World Champion Filippo Magnini, Luca Dotto and Marco Orsi, as well as Sweden’s several-time European short course Champion Stefan Nystrand. Bousquet (50m freestyle and 50m butterfly) failed to qualify for the Olympics, as did 2010 double European Champion Sebastien Rouault (800m and 1500m freestyle).

Sweden’s 2009 100m butterfly World Champion Sarah Sjoestroem will challenge Germany’s 2008 double Olympic Champion Britta Steffen in the 100m freestyle. Sjoestroem currently holds second place in the 2012 World Rankings with 53.29 seconds,Steffen is fourth with 53.65sec. Just before London, Steffen will want to put the record straight in Debrecen after her failure inShanghai, while butterfly specialist Sjoestroem has established herself firmly among the world’s top freestylers in this Olympic season. She is also in second position in the 200m freestyle in 2012, but will not defend her title in the 100m butterfly in Debrecen.

2008 Olympic Champion (200 freestyle) Federica Pellegrini has also entered the 800m freestyle again in addition to the 200m and 400m. She took bronze two years ago in that event.

On home soil, Hungary will again attempt to top the medal table with its strong team: Laszlo Cseh (200m butterfly, 200/400m individual medleys), Daniel Gyurta (100/200m breaststroke), Gergo Kis (400/800/1500m freestyle), Bence Biczo (200m butterfly), Katinka. (LEN)

European Long Course Championships: Britta Steffen Clocks Fast 50, Leads German Medley Relay to New Meet Record

DEBRECEN, Hungary, RENANG INDONESIA (May 27). A handful of swimmers put up elite times during the final session at the 31st LEN European Championships this evening, highlighted by Britta Steffen's fourth-ranked effort of 24.37 in the women's 50 free. Steffen also led Germany's medley relay to a new Championship record.

Women's 50 freestyle
World record-holder and defending Olympic champion Britta Steffen of Germany was the class of the field, winning by almost half a second in 24.37. The Netherlands' Hinkelien Schreuder touched in 24.78, ahead of Greece's Nery-Mantey Niangkouara (24.93). Steffen moves to fourth overall in the world rankings, behind Ranomi Kromowidjojo (24.10), Francesca Halsall (24.13) and Marleen Veldhuis (24.32). 

Estonia's Triin Aljand (25.01), Greece's Theodora Drakou (25.05), Belarus' Sviatlana Khakhlova (25.12), France's Anna Santamans (25.26) and Iceland's Sarah Bateman (25.38) also competed in the championship heat.

Men's 50 freestyle
In the men's splash and dash, only one swimmer cracked the 22-second mark. France's Fred Bousquet finished well ahead of the competition with a time of 21.80, just off his season best and fourth-ranked time of 21.79 from April. Sweden's Stefan Nystrand placed second in 22.04, followed by Ukraine's Andriy Govorov in 22.18.

Ari-Pekka Liukkonen of Finland, Marco Orsi of Italy and Kristian Gkolomeev of Greece all tied at 22.22 for fourth. France's Alain Bernard (22.24) and Romania's Norbert Trandafir (22.65) rounded out the top eight.

Women's 50 breaststroke
The Czech Republic's Petra Chocova held on to win a close finish in the women's 50 breast. Chocova touched in 31.25, just .02 ahead of Ireland's Sycerika McMahon. Caroline Ruhnau of Germany slipped to third in 31.35.

Spain's Concepcion Badillo Diaz (31.69), Russia's Valentina Artemyeva (31.70) and Norway's Katharina Stiberg (31.95) also broke 32-seconds. Martina Moravcikova of the Czech Republic (32.05) and Iceland's Hrafnhildur Luthersdottir (32.25) also swam in the final.

Women's 200 butterfly
After trailing for most of the race, Hungary's Katinka Hosszu put together a huge last 50 to overtake the field and successfully defend her title from 2010. Hosszu's final time of 2:07.28 just beat teammate Zsuzsanna Jakabos' 2:07.86. Sweden's Martina Granstroem took the race out fast and led at the final turn but faded to third in 2:08.22.

Spain's Mireia Belmonte Garcia (2:08.91), Germany's Franziska Hentke (2:09.01), Spain's Judit Ignacio Sorribes (2:09.14), Slovakia's Denisa Smolenova (2:10.70) and Switzerland's Martina Van Berkel (2:11.69) made up the other five finalists.

Men's 400 IM
Hungary's Laszlo Cseh, one of the top individual medley swimmers of the past decade, had no trouble here, cruising to victory in 4:12.17. That performance shot him up to sixth in the world rankings, a three second improvement from his previous best of 4:15.15 from March. David Verraszto, also of Hungary, held on for second in 4:14.23, just in front of Greece's Ioannis Drymonakos (4:14.41).

Israel's Gal Nevo took fourth in 4:16.14, with Italy's Luca Marin right behind in 4:16.46. Poland's Lukasz Wojt (4:17.36), Belgium's Ward Bauwens (4:18.47) and Ukraine's Maxym Shemberyev (4:19.24) comprised the rest of the championship heat.

Women's 400 freestyle
In one of the closest races of the night, France's Coralie Balmy just held off Spain's Mireia Belmonte Garcia, 4:05.31 to 4:05.45, for the win. Balmy led the entire way, but Garcia's comeback bid came up just short. Balmy is now fourth in the world, while Garcia sits in sixth. France's Camille Muffat still owns the top ranked time of 4:01.13, set in March. Ophelie Cyrielle Etienne of France earned a bronze medal in the event, finishing in 4:07.47.

Top seed Eva Risztov of Hungary faded to fourth in 4:07.72, followed by her teammate, Boglarka Kapas (4:08.73). Romania's Camelia Potec (4:08.91) and Italy's Martina De Memme (4:10.82) and Alice Nesti (4:11.13) competed as well.

Women's 4x100 medley relay
In the final women's event of the meet, Germany's quartet of Jenny Mensing (1:00.51), Sarah Poewe (1:07.44), Alexandra Wenk (57.74) and Britta Steffen (52.74) put together a winning time of 3:58.43, under the previous Championship record of 3:59.33, held by Great Britain. Italy's Arianna Barbiere, Chiara Boggiatto, Ilaria Bianchi and Alice Mizzau finished second in 4:01.92. Sweden's Therese Svendsen, Joline Hoestman, Martina Granstroem and Nathalie Lindborg grabbed bronze in 4:05.58.

Men's 4x100 medley relay
The men's medley relay wrapped up the meet, and Italy's Mirco Di Tora (54.40), Fabio Scozzoli (59.38), Matteo Rivolta (51.24) and Filippo Magnini (47.78) earned the victory in 3:32.80. Germany's foursome of Helge Meeuw, Christian von Lehn, Steffen Diebler and Marco Di Carli took silver in 3:34.41. Rounding out the podium was Hungary's Peter Bernek, Daniel Gyurta, Laszlo Cseh and Dominik Kozma in 3:34.57

Olympic Preview: Men's and Women's 100 Freestyle -- May 28, 2012

By John Lohn

GILLETTE, New Jersey, May 28. AS we creep closer to the Olympic Games in London this summer, Swimming World will produce event-by-event previews of the action set to unfold. As part of this series, we'll not only look at the leading contenders in each event, we'll also provide a historical perspective on each discipline. This approach was successful in the leadup to the Beijing Games and we hope our readership enjoys the coverage for this Olympiad.

Event: Women's 100 Freestyle 

Reigning Champion: Britta Steffen (Germany).
Past Champions: Fanny Durack (1912); Ethelda Bleibtrey (1920); Ethel Lackie (1924); Albina Osipowich (1928); Helen Madison (1932); Rie Mastenbroek (1936); Greta Andersen (1948); Katalin Szoke (1952); Dawn Fraser (1956); Dawn Fraser (1960); Dawn Fraser (1964); Jan Henne (1968); Sandra Neilson (1972); Kornelia Ender (1976); Barbara Krause (1980); Nancy Hogshead/Carrie Steinseifer (1984); Kristin Otto (1988); Zhuang Yong (1992); Le Jingyi (1996); Inge de Bruijn (2000); Jodie Henry (2004); Britta Steffen (2008).
World Record: Britta Steffen (Germany) 52.07.
Notable: When Dawn Fraser captured the gold medal in 1964, she became the first swimmer to capture an event in three consecutive Olympiads. Only Krisztina Egerszegi (200 backstroke) has matched Fraser's feat.

The Headliners: The bronze medalist in the 100 free at last summer's World Championships, the Netherlands' Ranomi Kromowidjojo has established herself as the top contender in an impressive field. Kromowidjojo popped an effort of 52.75 earlier this year, the fastest time ever produced in a textile suit. She figures to have more left in the tank for London.

Sweden's Sarah Sjostrom, who will tackle a full schedule at the Games, has already been 53-low this year and will find herself firmly in the medal mix. Sjostrom has shown impressive range from the 50-200 freestyle and has been churning out quick times throughout the year. She'll be joined in the hunt for a podium position by Great Britain's Francesca Halsall, who clocked in at 53.57 at the British Trials.

Although she is still regaining the form that made her the Olympic champion in Beijing, Germany's Britta Steffen can't be overlooked. Steffen looked solid at the European Championships, a good sign for London. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Denmark's Jeanette Ottesen and Belarus' Aliaksandra Herasimenia, who shared gold at the World Champs.

The United States' Missy Franklin, in the middle of a hefty slate, is expected to be at the front of the field and tabs must be kept on China's Tang Yi and Australia's Melanie Schlanger and Cate Campbell. Natalie Coughlin and Dana Vollmer could also represent the United States, but will have to negotiate a deep field at the American Trials in a month.

What Else?: Look for this event to be significantly faster than it was at the World Championships in Shanghai, where 53.45 was good for a piece of the gold medal. It wouldn't be stunning to see sub-53 be required to earn a medal.

Event: Men's 100 Freestyle 

Reigning Champion: Alain Bernard (France).
Past Champions: Alfred Hajos (1896); Charles Daniels (1908); Duke Kahanamoku (1912); Duke Kahanamoku (1920); Johnny Weissmuller (1924); Johnny Weissmuller (1928); Yasuji Miyazaki (1932); Ferenc Csik (1936); Walter Ris (1948); Clarke Scholes (1952); Jon Henricks (1956); John Devitt (1960); Don Schollander (1964); Michael Wenden (1968); Mark Spitz (1972); Jim Montgomery (1976); Jorg Woithe (1980); Rowdy Gaines (1984); Matt Biondi (1988); Alexander Popov (1992); Alexander Popov (1996); Pieter van den Hoogenband (2000); Pieter van den Hoogenband (2004); Alain Bernard (2008).
World Record: Cesar Cielo (Brazil) 46.91.
Notable: A new champion will be crowned in this event after Frenchman Alain Bernard failed to qualify for the London Games in his prime event. Bernard, however, is expected to represent France in the 400 free relay.

The Headliners: This event can be examined from as many angles as possible, and one outcome will be apparent: The 100 freestyle is James Magnussen's to lose. Yes, the Australian youngster has been so dominant, it's difficult to foresee anyone else on the top of the podium. The reigning world champion, Magnussen tops the world rankings with a mark of 47.10, easily the fastest in textile.

Magnussen will have company in the event by countryman James Roberts, who checked in with a time of 47.63 at the Aussie Trials. That performance was a major jump for Roberts and a sign of big things ahead for Australian swimming. In the hunt for the silver medal, Roberts will be joined by the likes of France's Yannick Agnel and American Nathan Adrian, provided Adrian handles his chores at the United States Trials.

Russia presents a formidable duo in Danila Izotov and Nikita Lobintsev while Cesar Cielo, the world-record holder, is lurking as the No. 1 force from Brazil. A name that has not received enough credit during the runup to the Games has been that of Brent Hayden, the Canadian star who was the silver medalist at last year's World Champs. Hayden typically performs well under pressure, a trait which could prove beneficial in London.

France's second slot behind Agnel belongs to Fabien Gilot and the United States will bring another solid performer to the mix behind Adrian. However, it remains to be seen who will emerge from Omaha. As impressive as those in the field is the list of athletes who failed to qualify for an individual swim in London, including Andrey Grechin of Russia and Australia's Matt Targett.

What Else?: One of the big questions of the Olympics will be whether James Magnussen can break into the 46-second range and challenge Cesar Cielo's world record of 46.91. Given that Magnussen was 47.10 at the Australian Trials, it appears he has that type of performance in his arsenal. (swimmingworld)

Terlalu Mepet, Renang Undur Try-out ke China

SURABAYA – RENANG INDONESIA - Rencana Puslatda renang membawa punggawanya untuk melakukan try-out ke China bulan ini akhirnya batal dilaksanakan. Pasalnya persiapan yang dilakukan untuk ke Negeri Tirai Bambu itu masih belum matang. Rencana tersebut bakal dialihkan pada tanggal 20 Juni mendatang.

Faktor mepetnya dengan kejuaraan terakhir yang telah dijalani yakni Kejurnas Invitasi Renang 2012 menjadi salah satu pertimbangan, pasalnya hanya 5 hari berselang kejuaraan yang menempatkan tim renang Jatim sebagai runner up tersebut baru berakhir. Latihan-latihan rutin pun menjadi alternatif untuk memompa performa perenang Puslatda renang, sebelum mereka akan menyusul tiga perenang senior yang sudah lebih dulu melakukan TC di China, yakni Eni Susilowati, Omar Suryaatmadja dan Febriani Ratna.

“Kita masih menunggu kesiapan semuanya saja, baru atlet-atlet akan kita bawa TC ke China pada 20 Juni mendatang, tidak harus semua atlet yang akan kita ajak, melainkan mereka yang punya semangat tinggi untuk berprestasi saja,” ujar manajer Puslatda Reswanda T Ade Jumat (25/5). Reswanda mengakui atlet-atlet yang tidak punya semangat untuk berprestasi akan ditinggal di mess Puslatda, dan hanya menjalani latihan di Puslatda saja, pasalnya PRSI Jatim tidak mau memberangkat atlet yang kurang bersemangat. “Sia-sia kita nanti bila memberangkat atlet yang tidak semangat.

Biarkan mereka berlatih di Puslatda saja, tidak perlu ikut ke China,” tambahnya. Dari jajaran atlet Puslatda saat ini, memang ada 12 perenang yang sudah menjalani pemusatan latihan di kolam renang KONI Jatim, bahkan semuanya catatan perkembangan performanya melalu evaluasi pasca tampil di Kejurnas lalu telah dikantongi oleh tim pelatih. Keberangkatan ke China merupakan salah satu usaha PRSI Jatim untuk meningkatkan prestasi para perenang Puslatdanya sebelum benar-benar terjun di PON 2012 mendatang, Negeri Tirai Bambu tersebut dipilih karena disana olahraga renang sangat berkembang pesat, apalagi pelatih Puslatda saat ini Yu Qiu Sheng juga berasal dari China.( surabaya post)

PRSI Jakarta Gelar Kejuaraan Piala Gubernur DKI

JAKARTA  RENANG INDONESIA-Pengprov PRSI DKI Jakarta terus berusaha meningkatkan prestasi renang dengan menggelar Kejuaraan Renang Terbuka Piala Gubernur DKI Jakarta di Gelanggang Renang Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, 28-30 Juni mendatang. Kejuaraan yang mempertandingkan kelompok umur ini baru pertama kali dilakukan dengan mengundang perenang dari daerah lain.

"Kami ingin memberikan kesempatan bagi seluruh perenang muda yang berada di klub-klub DKI Jakarta untuk menguji kemampuan di turnamen yang baru pertama kali digelar dengan melibatkan perenang daerah lain," kata Ketua Pengprov PRSI DKI Jakarta Lukman Ni Ode di Jakarta, kemarin.

Menurut Lukman, yang akrab dipanggil Luki, dengan adanya event tersebut, perenang muda bisa menambah jam terbang di tingkat nasional. Disinggung masalah peserta, Lukman memastikan bakal ramai.

"Saya yakin event ini bakal diikuti banyak perenang daerah karena limit yang ditetapkan tidak terlalu tajam seperti halnya kejuaraan nasional," ucapnya.

Yang menarik dalam event ini, kata Lukman, Indonesia Star Aquatic selaku pihak penyelenggara akan melibatkan pihak PPIKON Kemenpora untuk keabsahan peserta. "Kami ingin peserta yang tampil benar-benar sesuai dengan usianya di kelompok umur. Makanya, kami melibatkan PPIKON untuk keabsahan atlet," tuturnya. (Suara Karya): 

Tujuh negara menyatakan siap mengikuti kejuaraan renang tingkat ASEAN

Palembang – RENANG INDONESIA-Sebanyak tujuh negara menyatakan siap mengikuti kejuaraan renang tingkat ASEAN di Jakabaring Palembang pada 1-3 Juni 2012. Negara yang menyatakan siap mengikuti kejuaraan renang internasional itu, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapura, Thailand, Vietnam, Filipina, dan tuan rumah Indonesia.

Menurut Wakil Ketua Umum KONI Sumatera Selatan Dhennie Zainal di Palembang, Kamis (24/5), daerah ini dipercaya menjadi tuan rumah kejuaraan renang berskala internasional karena telah berhasil menjadi tuan rumah SEA Games.

Jadi kepercayaan yang diberikan tersebut harus didukung bersama terutama pengurus KONI Sumsel supaya berjalan sukses, katanya.

Untuk sementara ini, ada tujuh negara yang menyatakan siap mengikuti kejuaraan yang dilaksanakan satu tahun sekali tersebut, kemungkinan akan bertambah karena waktunya masih beberapa hari lagi, ujarnya.

Hal ini karena sebelumnya Laos juga ingin berpartisipasi dalam kejuaraan yang direncanakan diikuti ratusan peserta dari berbagai negara tersebut.

Untuk negara Laos, pihaknya masih menunggu konfirmasi yang diharapkan dalam waktu dekat ini ada keputusan keikutsertaan dalam kejuaraan tersebut.

Berdasarkan data yang diterima KONI Sumsel, peserta terbanyak dari Singapura ada 73 atlet, Thailand 53 sementara tuan rumah hanya 22 orang.

Ketika ditanya tentang peserta akan hadir di Palembang, kemungkinan pada 31 Mei semuanya sudah berada di kota ini karena besoknya sudah dilaksanakan acara pembukaan.

Ketua panitia pelaksana kejuaraan Yohannes H Toruan sebelumnya mengatakan, pihaknya siap menjadi tuan rumah yang baik dengan memberikan fasilitas dibutuhkan.

Kesemua fasilitas yang dibutuhkan akan diupayakan dipenuhi supaya kejuaraan yang berlangsung di Palembang nanti benar-benar sukses

European Long Course Championships: Hungary In Control on Day Four

DEBRECEN, Hungary, RENANG INDONESIA (May 24). THE European Long Course Championships entered hump day with the middle of seven days this evening, and the host day has been running roughshod on the podium. 

FINALS 
Women's 800 free 

Hungary's Boglarka Kapas snared the distance freestyle triumph with a time of 8:26.49. That swim pushed her to fifth in the world behind Rebecca Adlington (8:18.54), Xin Xin (8:22.76), Mireia Belmonte (8:25.55) and Katie Ledecky (8:25.85). France's Coralie Balmy placed second in the event with an 8:27.79, edging Hungary's Eva Risztov (8:27.87) by .08 seconds. Balmy improved to 11th in the world, while Riszto took 12th. 

Spain's Erika Villaecija Garcia (8:29.21), Spain's Melanie Costa Schmid (8:29.71), Romania's Camelia Potec (8:37.01), Liechtenstein's Julia Hassler (8:38.18) and Italy's Martina De Memme (8:38.86) also competed in the championship finale. 

Women's 200 IM 
The host nation went back-to-back to start the night as Katinka Hosszu ripped off a 2:10.84 to win the medley. That swim cleared her eighth-ranked season best of 2:11.10 from earlier in the meet, but was not enough to push her past Hannah Miley's 2:10.77 for seventh in the world. Great Britain's Sophie Allen finished about a half-a-second back in second with a 2:11.49 for ninth in the world, besting her 10th-ranked season best of 2:11.71 from British Trials in March. Hungary's Evelyn Verrastzo also gave the partisan crowd a back-to-back 1-3 effort with a bronze-winning 2:11.63 to earn 11th in the world rankings. 

Germany's Theresa Michalak (2:12.26), Sweden's Stina Gardell (2:12.29), Ukraine's Ganna Dzerkal (2:14.33) and Germany's Alexandra Wenk (2:14.95) placed fourth through seventh, while Spain's Beatriz Gomez Cortes drew a disqualification. 

Men's 200 breast 
Hungary picked up its third straight continental title of the night with Daniel Gyurta throwing down a meet record in the distance breast. Gyurta posted a 2:08.60 for the win, vaulting from 10th in the world to third. Only Kosuke Kitajima (2:08.00) and Ryo Tateishi (2:08.17) have been faster, with the three being the only sub-2:09s thus far this year. Gyurta upended his meet record of 2:08.95 set in Budapest in 2010 with a superior backhalf after turning third at the 100-meter mark. 

Germany's Marco Koch earned second in 2:09.26, edging his now fifth-ranked season best of 2:09.48 set at German Nationals earlier this year. He leapfrogged Andrew Willis (2:09.33) to stand fourth in the world rankings behind Gyurta. Greece's Panagiotis Samilidis also cleared 2:10 with a third-place time of 2:09.72 to tie Clark Burckle and Eric Shanteau for seventh in the world rankings. 

Germany's Christian Vom Lehn (2:10.61), Italy's Flavio Bizzarri (2:12.47), Ukraine's Igor Borysik (2:12.51), Switzerland's Yannick Kaeser (2:13.23) and Hungary's Akos Molnar (2:13.33) comprised the rest of the championship heat. 

Women's 100 back 
Germany's Jenny Mensing became the first non-Hungarian winner of the night with a 1:00.08 for the victory. Her fastest time this year is a sixth-ranked 59.85 from German Nationals earlier in the month. Italy's Arianna Barbieri placed second in 1:00.54, off her 15th-ranked 1:00.26 from prelims, while Czech's Simona Baumrtova finished third in 1:00.57. France's Alexianne Castel, who qualified second through semis with a 1:00.48, elected to scratch the finale. 

Ukraine's Daryna Zevina (1:00.59), Spain's Duane Da Rocha Marce (1:00.89), Italy's Carlotta Zofkova (1:01.01), Bulgaria's Ekaterina Avramova (1:01.48) and France's Cloe Credeville (1:01.54) placed fourth through eighth in the finale. 

Men's 200 fly 
Hungary jumped back into the win column in the distance fly with a 1-2 finish. Laszlo Cseh smoked the field with a winning time of 1:54.95 to move to third in the world behind only Takeshi Matsuda (1:54.01) and Nick D'Arcy (1:54.71), while Bence Biczo finished second in 1:55.85, just off his eighth-ranked season best of 1:55.77 that lead the semifinal heats. Greece's Ioannis Drymonakos clipped Austria's Dinko Jukic, 1:56.48 to 1:56.53, for bronze as both moved into the top 20. 

Serbia's Velimir Stjepanovic (1:57.06), Italy's Francesco Pavone (1:57.07), France's Jordan Coelho (1:58.24) and Switzerland's Alexandre Liess (1:59.13) rounded out the top eight. 

Men's 50 back 
Israel's Jonatan Kopelev clinched the sprint back title in 24.73, pushing to second in the world rankings behind only Daniel Orzechowski's 24.44 from Brazil in April. Kopelev's previous best had been the 24.98 he used to lead semis. Italy's Mirco Di Tora finished second in 24.95 for sixth in the world rankings, while threeway tie for third occurred with France's Dorian Gandin, Israel's Guy Barnea and Hungary's Richard Bohus posting matching 25.14s. 

Belarus' Pavel Sankovich (25.25), Norway's Lavrans Solli (25.28) and Greece's Aristeidis Grigoriadis (25.46) completed the championship field. 

Women's 800 free relay 
Italy's Alice Mizzau (1:58.67), Alice Nesti (1:59.50) and Diletta Carli (1:59.40) kept Italy in the mix for the title before turning things over to superstar Federica Pellegrini. Pellegrini scorched Italy's anchor leg with a stunning time of 1:55.33 to secure the victory with a 7:52.90 overall. 

Hungary's Zsuzsanna Jakabos, Evelyn Verraszto, Agnes Mutina and Katinka Hosszu took second for the host nation with a 7:54.70, while Slovenia's Sara Isakovic, Anja Klinar, Ursa Bezan and Mojca Sagmeister wound up third in 7:59.73. 

Germany (8:00.55), Austria (8:09.13), Ireland (8:09.15) and Ukraine (8:11.44) finished fourth through seventh, while Spain was disqualified. Germany's Silke Lippok posted the top leadoff time with a 1:57.77, nearly besting her top 200 free time this year of 1:57.61 from German Nationals earlier this month. 

SEMIFINALS 
France's Amaury Leveaux paced semis of the men's 100 free with a time of 48.52. That time nearly clipped his 10th-ranked season best of 48.48 from French Nationals in March. Italy's Filippo Magnini, who popped a 47 as a relay anchor for his team's 400 free relay earlier in the week, cruised into second with a 48.84. Germany's Mirco Di Carli (48.96) and Romania's Norbert Trandafir (49.08) qualified third and fourth. 

Norway's Ingvild Snildal pocketed the women's 100 fly top seed with a time of 58.07, jumping from 16th in the world with a 58.32 from Amsterdam in March to 13th. Sweden's Martina Granstrom touched second in 58.39 for 19th in the world, while Greece's Kristel Vourna placed third in 58.79. 

Russia's Irina Novikova touched in 2:26.39 to top the women's 200 breast semis. Her time moved her just into the top 25. Sweden's Joline Hostman placed second in 2:27.89, while Norway's Sara Nordenstam earned third in 2:27.91. 

In preliminary qualifying, Ukraine's Sergiy Frolov paced the men's 800 free with a 7:57.54 to move to eighth in the world rankings, while Italy's Gabriele Detti took ninth in the world with a 7:57.61. Italy's Gregorio Paltrinieri (7:57.92) and France's Sebastien Rouault (7:57.94) earned third and fourth. Paltrinieri 97:51.97) and Rouault (7:52.23) likely have the most in the tank for the finale as the two stand second and third in the world respectively with their season bests behind only Sun Yang (7:47.11)

(swimmingworld)

European Long Course Championships: Gregorio Paltrinieri, Laszlo Cseh Down Meet Records

DEBRECEN, Hungary, RENANG INDONESIA-. THE third day of action opened up with a meet-record bang at the European Long Course Championships held in Debrecen, Hungary. Hometown hero Laszlo Cseh then kicked down another meet record later in the evening.

FINALS 
Men's 1500 free 

Italy's Gregorio Paltrinieri dominated the men's metric mile with a time of 14:48.92. That performance pushed him to third in the world behind Sun Yang (14:42.30) and Tae Hwan Park (14:47.38), and took more than a second off the meet record. Yury Prilukov of Russia set the record back in 2008 with a 14:50.40. Paltrinieri came up just short of the Italian record of 14:48.28 set by Federico Colbertaldo at the 2009 World Championships.

Hungary's Gergo Kis (14:58.15) and Gergely Gyurta (15:04.38) rounded out the podium, much to the pleasure of the partisan crowd. Kis jumped to fifth in the world behind Daniel Fogg (14:55.30), while Gyurta jumped into the top 15 with his effort.

Italy's Samuel Pizzetti (15:09.23), France's Anthony Pannier (15:12.02), Germany's Jan Wolfgarten (15:13.68), Ukraine's Sergiy Frolov (15:13.99) and Germany's Soeren Meissner (15:19.50) also competed in the distance finale.

Men's 200 free
Germany's Paul Biedermann posted a season-best effort of 1:46.27 to win the men's 200 free this evening. That swim trumped his 1:46.70 clocked at German Nationals earlier this month, and pushed him past Danila Izotov (1:46.56) to fifth in the world rankings. Only Yannick Agnel (1:44.42), Michael Phelps (1:45.69), Takeshi Matsuda (1:45.96) and Sun Yang (1:46.05) have been faster thus far.

France's Amaury Leveaux raced to second in 1:47.69, well off his eighth-ranked season best of 1:46.72 set at French Nationals in March. Hungary's Dominik Kozma gave the host crowd another swimmer to cheer for on the podium with a bronze-winning time of 1:47.72. Kozma went faster in semis with a leading time of 1:47.59, after turning in a 23rd-ranked season best of 1:47.52 in prelims.

Germany's Tim Wallburger (1:47.75), Switerland's Dominik Meichtry (1:48.53), Russia's Viacheslav Andrusenko (1:49.34), Italy's Alex Di Giorgio (1:49.45) and Great Britain's Robbie Renwick (1:49.57) also vied for the continental crown.

Women's 100 breast
Germany's Sarah Poewe, who made her fourth Olympic team with her 1:07.70 from semis yesterday, made no doubt about her Olympic inclusion with a victorious time of 1:07.33. That effort jumped her to 12th in the world, and secured her second spot in Germany behind Caroline Ruhnau's 1:07.28 from German Nationals earlier this month.

Sweden's Jennie Johansson finished second in 1:07.85, off her semifinal 1:07.65 and her sixth-ranked season best of 1:07.10 set at British Trials in March. Spain's Marina Garcia Urzainqui rounded out the podium with a third-place time of 1:07.91 to crack the top 25.

Ruhnau (1:07.95), Ireland's Sycerika McMahon (1:08.72), Spain's Concepcion Badillo Diaz (1:08.76), Italy's Chiara Boggiatto (1:08.82) and Czech's Martina Moravcikova (1:08.87) finished fourth through eighth to comprise the rest of the finale.

Women's 100 free
In an epic head-to-head duel, Sweden's Sarah Sjostrom upended Germany's Britta Steffen, 53.61 to 54.15, for the sprint victory. Sjostrom came close to her second-ranked season best of 53.29 from Eindhoven in April, while Steffen fell well off her fourth-ranked season best of 53.65 from German Nationals earlier this month. Germany's Daniela Schreiber clinched third-place honors in 54.41.

Italy's Alice Mizzau (55.03), Greece's Nery-Mantey Niangkouara (55.17), Sweden's Gabriella Fagundez (55.51), Finland's Hanna-Maria Seppala (55.68) and Serbia's Miroslava Najdanovski (56.31) completed the rest of the finale field.

Men's 200 IM
Hungary's Laszlo Cseh posted the second meet record of the evening with a scorching time of 1:56.66. That time nearly pushed him to the top of the world rankings, behind only Michael Phelps' 1:56.32 from the Indy Grand Prix in March. He smashed his previous record of 1:57.73 set in Budapest in 2010, and leapfrogged Thiago Pereira (1:57.11) and Ryan Lochte (1:57.63) in the world rankings.

Great Britain's James Goddard earned silver with a 1:57.84 to move to sixth in the world rankings, ahead of Joseph Roebuck (1:58.16) as the top time out of his nation this year. Austria's Markus Rogan finished third in 1:59.39 to earn 21st in the world.

Israel's Gal Nevo (1:59.74), Sweden's Simon Sjodin (2:00.70), Hungary's David Verraszto (2:01.70), Lithuania's Vytautas Janusaitis (2:02.08) and Italy's Federico Turrini (2:02.50) placed fourth through eighth in the finale.

SEMIFINALS
Hungary's Daniel Gyurta cruised to the top seed in the men's 200 breast in 2:10.06, moving from 17th in the world to 10th with his efforts. Germany's Marco Koch placed second in 2:10.92, well off his season best of 2:09.48 from German Nationals earlier this month that placed his fourth in the rankings. Greece's Panagiotis Samilidis took the third seed with a 2:11.53, off his 12th-ranked 2:10.61 from prelims this morning.

After leading prelims with a 2:11.10 to move to eighth in the world rankings this year, crowd favorite Katinka Hosszu eased through semis with a 2:11.89 for the top seed in the finale. Sweden's Stina Gardell raced to second in 2:12.29 for 17th in the world rankings, while Hungary's Evelyn Verraszto picked up the third seed in 2:12.67. Germany's Theresa Michalak also cleared 2:13 with a fourth-seeded 2:12.76.

Hungary's Bence Biczo smashed the semifinal round with a crowd-powered time of 1:55.77. That swim vaulted him to seventh in the world rankings, cutting time off his previously 13th-ranked season best of 1:56.33 from Hungarian Nationals in March. Serbia's Velimir Stjepanovic raced to second in the event with a 1:56.84, off his 13th-ranked season best of 1:56.18 from British Trials in March. Austria's Dinko Jukic rounded out the top three in 1:57.02 with Italy's Francesco Pavone qualifying fourth in 1:57.05.

Ukraine's Daryna Zevina topped the semifinal rounds of the women's 100 back with a 1:00.45, moving to 18th in the world with her swim. France's Alexianne Castel touched in 1:00.48 out of the first semifinal round to earn the second seed. Castel has more left in the tank with a 1:00.34 season best from French Nationals in March. Italy's Arianna Barbieri (1:00.52) and Spain's Duane Da Rocha Marce (1:00.56) earned third and fourth seeds, while Germany's Jenny Mensing (1:00.58) and Czech's Simona Baumrtova (1:00.88) also cleared 1:01 to make the finale.

Israel's Jonatan Kopelev put up a strong time in the men's 50 back with a 24.98, pushing him from eighth in the world to sixth in the sprint back. Italy's Mirco Di Tora finished second in semis with a 25.23, while Israel's Guy Barnea tied Greece's Aristeidis Grigoriadis for third with matching 25.29s.

In preliminary competition, Coralie Balmy topped the women's 800 free in 8:32.45, while Hungary's Eva Risztov posted an 8:33.44 for the second seed. Spain's Melanie Costa Schmid (8:34.00) and Erika Villaecija Garcia (8:36.07) picked up third and fourth. (swimmingworld)

Invitasi Renang 2012: Jatim Hampir Juara Umum

Jabar juara keenam kalinya sejak 2007

RENANG INDONESIA-Tampil sebagai tuan rumah di daerah sendiri, Jawa Timur masih belum mampu membendung dominasi Jawa Barat. Selisih satu medali emas, tim renang Jabar keluar sebagai juara umum untuk enam kali berturut turut dalam kejuaraan nasional atau invitasi renang, sejak 2007. Invitas ini diikuti sekitar 300 perenang Kelompok Umur (KU) IV sampai Senior dari 22 pengurus provinsi Persatuan Renang Seluruh Indonesia (PRSI). Mereka turun dalam 120 nomor yang dipertandingkan di di kolam renang KONI Jatim, Jalan Kertajaya Indah Timur. Surabaya, 18-20 Mei.

Hingga perlombaan berakhir, Jawa Barat berhasil mengumpulkan 42 medali emas, 41 perak, dan 22 perunggu disusul Jatim 41 emas, 31 perak, dan 34 perunggu, DKI hanya mampu mengumpulkan 22 emas, 33 perak, dan 30 perunggu.

Dari 22 daerah peserta, lima daerah harus pulang dengan tangan hampa, tanpa medali yakni: Lampung, Sulawesi Tenggara, Sulawesi Utara, Banten, dan Kalimantan Tengah, Sementara Riau yang diperkuat Siman Sudartawa berhasil masuk dalam 10 besar perolehan medali, begitu pula Bengkulu. Dibanding 2011, tanpa Siman perolehan medali Bali turun dari 12 medali emas menjadi 2 dan menempati posisi sembilan dari posisi kelima pada tahun lalu. Sedangkan Sumsel dan Sumut harus terlempar dari sepuluh besar.

Invitasi 2012 hanya berhasil menciptakan satu rekor nasional baru (tahun lalu 5)nomor 800m bebas putri atas nama Raina Saumi Grahana dengan catatan waktu 08.55.83. Raina mematahkan rekor lama Magdalena Sutanto 08.59.13 yang diciptakan di  Los Banos, 12/1/2005.

Invitasi 2012 juga memecahkan tujuh rekor KU lama (tahun lalu 14) oleh Raina (2), Siman (3) serta Sagita Putri Kris D dan Ricky Anggawijaya (masing-masing 1).

Invitasi 2012 menghasil atlet terbaik putra :KU I Gede Siman Sudartawa, KU II Kenny Lisanputra, KU III: Muhammad Auliya Akbar, KU IV: G T Pramono, dan Senior: Triadi Fauzi S. Putri:KU I : Raina Saumi Grahana, KU II: Sagita Putri Kris D, KU III: Adinda Larasati Dewi, KU IV: Laila Siti Amina, dan Senior: Patrisia Yosita

PEROLEHAN MEDALI 2012

1.      Jawa Barat (42-41-22)

2.      Jawa Timur (41-31-34)

3.      DKI (22-33-30)

4.      Jawa Tengah (19-12-15)

5.      Sumatera Barat (6-0-0)

6.      RIAU (4-4-5)

7.      Bengkulu (3-2-0)

8.      Kalimantan Timur (2-5-11)

9.      BALI (2-4-7)

10.  Sulawesi Selatan (2-0-3)

PEROLEHAN MEDALI 2011

1.   Jawa Barat (46-45-31)

2.   Jawa Timur (35-32-34)

3.   DKI (25-23-30)

4.   Jawa Tengah (14-17-18)

5.   Bali (12-10-12)

6.   Kalimantan Timur (4-6-7)

7.   Sumatera Barat (3-2-4)

8.   Sumatera Selatan (2-3-5)

9.   Sulawesi Selatan (2-1-1)

10 Sumatera Utara (2-0-1)

HASIL INVITASI NASIONAL RENANG KU 2012

INVITASI NASIONAL RENANG KU 2012

KOLAM RENANG KONI KERTAJAYA INDAH

SURABAYA 18 - 20 MEI 2012

PEROLEHAN MEDALI / POIN

1.      JABAR (42-41-22)

2.      JATIM (41-31-34)

3.      DKI (22-33-30)

4.      JATENG (19-12-15)

5.      SUMBAR (6-0-0)

6.      RIAU (4-4-5)

7.      BENGKULU (3-2-0)

8.      KALTIM (2-5-11)

9.      BALI (2-4-7)

10.  SULSEL (2-0-3)

11.  SUMUT (1-2-1)

12.  DIY (0-3-3)

13.  NAD (0-2-4)

14.  PAPUA (0-1-1)

15.  KALSEL (0-1-1)

16.  SUMSEL (0-0-3)

17.  KALBAR (0-0-1)

18.  LAMPUNG

19.  SULTRA

20.  SULUT

21.  BANTEN

22.  KALTENG

REKOR BARU

800 M GY BEBAS PI

Baru: RAINA SAUMI G N/A REKOR NASIONAL 08.55.83

Lama: MAGDALENA SUTANTO 08.59.13 12/1/2005 LOS BANOS

100 M GY PUNGGUNG PA KU I

Rekor baru :GEDE SIMAN SUDARTAWA REKOR KU NASIONAL 00.56.63

Lama: GEDE SIMAN SUDARTAWA 00.57.11 3/17/2012 SINGAPORE

50 M GY BEBAS PI KU II

Baru: SAGITA PUTRI KRIS D REKOR KU NASIONAL 00.28.10

Lama: MEITRI WIDYA PANGESTIKA 00.28.13 5/20/1994

800 M GY BEBAS PA KU I

Baru: RICKY ANGGAWIJAYA REKOR KU NASIONAL 08.37.79

Lama: PRATAMA SIAHAAN 08.41.43 5/6/2009 JAKARTA

800 M GY BEBAS PI KU I

Baru: RAINA SAUMI G REKOR KU NASIONAL 08.55.83

Lama: RESSA KANIA DEWI 09.07.09 3/17/2012 SINGAPORE

200 M GY PUNGGUNG PA KU I

Baru: GEDE SIMAN SUDARTAWA REKOR KU NASIONAL 02.04.05

Lama: GEDE SIMAN SUDARTAWA 02.05.05 6/10/2011 VIETNAM

1500 M GY BEBAS PI KU I

Baru: RAINA SAUMI G REKOR KU NASIONAL 17.25.70

Lama: RAINA SAUMI G 17.29.74 5/14/2011 SURABAYA

50 M GY PUNGGUNG PA KU I

Baru: GEDE SIMAN SUDARTAWA REKOR KU NASIONAL 00.26.00

Lama: GEDE SIMAN SUDARTAWA 00.26.22 6/10/2011 VIETNAM

ATLET TERBAIK

Putra:

KU I: GEDE SIMAN SUDARTAWA  - RIAU

KU II:KENNY LISAN PUTERA  - JABAR

KU III: MUHAMMAD AULIYA AKBAR - JATIM

KU IV: G TERRENCE PRAMONO  - JATENG

SENIOR: TRIADI FAUZI S SENIOR - JABAR

Putri:

KU I : RAINA SAUMI G - JABAR

KU II: SAGITA PUTRI KRIS D - JATENG

KU III: ADINDA LARASATI DEWI - JATIM

KU IV: LAILA SITI AMINA - DKI

SENIOR: PATRISIA YOSITA - SUMBAR

Invitasi Renang 2012: Lampaui Limit Senior

Sejumlah perenang muda Jatim mencapai catatan waktu yang membanggakan

SURABAYA – RENANG INDONESIA - Meski Jawa Timur tak mampu keluar sebagai juara umum Kejurnas Renang 2012 Minggu (20/5) kemarin, Pengprov PRSI Jatim patut berbangga pada beberapa perenang muda Puslatda mereka yang mengalami peningkatan catatan waktu, bahkan sudah mendekati limit senior.

Meski berstatus sebagai atlet KU I dan II, beberapa punggawa Puslatda renang Jatim mampu mengeluarkan penampilan terbaik mereka yang bisa mendekati bahkan melampau limit waktu senior, seperti atlet Nurul Fajar Fitriati, Olivia A Fernandez, Yesika KH dan Christopher Tedjobuwono.

Manajer Puslatda, Reswanda T Ade mengakui, periodesasi penilaian perkembangan atlet Puslatda di Kejurnas kemarin memang lebih difokuskan pada penampilan serta ukuran waktu. “Kali ini memang kita fokus pada peningkatan teknik dan pencapaian waktu, syukur performa anak-anak terutama yang muda-muda bisa mendekati catatan waktu senior,” ujarnya Senin (21/5). 

Perenang KU I, Nurul Fajar Fitriati misalnya. Atlet asal klub renang Petrokimia Gresik ini berhasil finis di nomor 100 meter gaya punggung putri dengan catatan waktu 01.07.86, dan 02.26.73 di nomor 200 M gaya punggung, sementara catatan perenang senior terbaik di nomor yang sama hanya 01.12.14 dan 02.37.51 yang diraih Annes E P Siregar (Sumatera Utara). Demikian juga pada 50 M gaya kupu-kupu, Nurul mencatat 00.30.06 terpaut sedikit dibandingkan catatan 00.29.51 milik perenang senior Patrisia Yosita (Sumatera Barat). Nurul juga lebih cepat 00.32.10 di nomor 50 M gaya punggung di bandingkan atlet senior Sinar Triutami Chaniago (Jakarta) dengan 00.33.40.

Di KU I putri lainnya, atlet Yessika KH jauh lebih cepat dengan catatan 02.21.64 di nomor 200 M gaya kupu-kupu berbanding 02.28.93 milik atlet senior sesama Jatim Erlina Yacob. Sedangkan di KU I putra Christopher Tedjobuwono memiliki catatan 00.24.61 di nomor 50 M gaya bebas dibandingkan 00.23.30 milik Triadi Fauzi S (Jawa Barat) dan 00.26.67 di nomor 50 M gaya kupu-kupu berbanding 00.25.09 milik Guntur Pratama Putra (Jakarta). 

Sementara di KU II, Olivia A Fernandez finis 01.08.10 di 100 M gaya punggung jauh lebih cepat dibandingkan catatan 01.12.14 milik atlet senior Annes E P Siregar (Sumatera Utara), sementara di 100 M gaya kupu-kupu ia mendekati raihan atlet senior Patrisia Yosita (Sumatera Barat) dengan 01.05.23 berbanding 01.07.14, juga pada 50 M gaya kupu-kupu dengan 00.30.38 milik Olivia berbanding 00.29.51 milik Patrisia.

Meskipun secara total banyak punggawa Puslatda yang kalah di beberapa nomor, Reswanda mengaku tidak masalah, karena ledakan performa atlet Puslatda bukanlah di Kejurnas, melainkan di PON 2012 mendatang. “Selama ini memang mereka dilatih berenang bolak balik di kolam renang, hingga endurance mereka terbentuk dengan baik. Ibarat sebuah bom kemampuan anak-anak baru akan meledak di PON nanti,” jelasnya.(surabaya post).

PEROLEHAN MEDALI (EMAS-PERAK-PERUNGGU)

1.      JABAR (42-41-22)

2.      JATIM (41-31-34)

3.      DKI (22-33-30)

4.      JATENG (19-12-15)

5.      SUMBAR (6-0-0)

6.      RIAU (4-4-5)

7.      BENGKULU (3-2-0)

8.      KALTIM (2-5-11)

9.      BALI (2-4-7)

10.  SULSEL (2-0-3)

11.  SUMUT (1-2-1)

12.  DIY (0-3-3)

13.  NAD (0-2-4)

14.  PAPUA (0-1-1)

15.  KALSEL (0-1-1)

16.  SUMSEL (0-0-3)

17.  KALBAR (0-0-1)

18.  LAMPUNG

19.  SULTRA

20.  SULUT

21.  BANTEN

22. KALTENG 

Jatim Turunkan 75 Perenang di Invitasi Renang 2012

SURABAYA – RENANG INDONESIA - Pengprov Persatuan renang seluruh Indonesia (PRSI) Jatim menurunkan sebanyak 75 atlet terbaiknya pada invitasi renang nasional 2012.
Mereka bakal berlomba dengan perenang daerah lain di kolam renang KONI Jatim Jl Kertajaya Surabaya, 18-20 Mei 2012.
Pengurus PRSI Jatim Herlambang Wijaya mengatakan, atlet sebanyak itu  berasal dari klub-klub dan perenang pemusatan latihan daerah (Pusltada) Jatim. “Saya berharap atlet memanfaatkan betul invitasi renang nasional ini, terutama atlet pusltada. Ajang ini merupakan pemanasan bagi atlet puslatda sebelum tampil di PON 2012 di Riau,” sebut Herlambang, Kamis (17/5/2012).
Herlambang menuturkan, invitasi bukan event wajib yang harus diikuti daerah di Indonesia. Invitasi hanya sebagai kejuaraan uji coba atlet sebelum mengikuti PON 2012. (SURYA Online)

Renang Target Emas di PON Riau

MAKASSAR, RENANG INDONESIA -Komite Olahraga Nasional Indonesia (KONI) Sulsel menargetkan untuk memperoleh emas di cabang olahraga renang di Pekan Olahraga Nasional (PON) XVIII-2012 Riau mendatang. 

Renang memang menjadi salah satu cabang olahraga yang diandalkan KONI Sulsel.
Nukhrawi menjelaskan, cabang renang merupakan salah satu unggulan Sulsel di PON Riau mendatang. "Renang termasuk cabang olahraga unggulan Sulsel dan PON Kaltim kemarin Renang membawa pulang 4 emas," tegasnya.
Pembenahan terus dilakukan Pekan oleh Atlit (PON) Riau, khususnya di cabang renang. Pasalnya sebulan yang lalu pihak Persatuan Renang Seluruh Indonesia (PRSI) Sulsel mengirim satu atlit ke Kanadauntuk melakukan latihan disana selama tiga bulan."Satu atlit renang kami dikirim secara langsung oleh PRSI ke kanada untuk menjalani latihan disana selama tiga bulan," ungkap Nukhrawi
Nukhrawi juga menambahkan Untuk PON Riau Ini cabang renang akan memberangkatkan 7 atlit, terlebih dari itu kontingen renang tetap menargetkan emas untuk sulsel " untuk PON Riau ini cabang Renang menjadi salah satu andalan sulsel dan menargetkan emas untuk sulsel" tutupnya. (ujungpandangekspres)

Glenn Siap Tembus Limit A

Glenn Victor

JAKARTA, RENANG INDONESIA - Perenang nasional Glenn Victor Susanto menyatakan, siap untuk menembus limit A cabang renang 100m gaya kupu pada kualifikasi Olimpiade London di Singapura, 16-18 Juni 2012.
  
"Kemungkinan bisa karena saya memiliki "best time" 53.17 detik dan telah lolos limit B yang catatan waktunya minimal 54.17 detik," kata Glenn ketika dihubungi dari Bandung, Senin.
  
Glenn harus memompa kemampuannya untuk mencapai limit A dalam kualifikasi pada Kejuaraan Renang Asia Tenggara di Singapura nanti. Limit A Olimpiade di nomor 100m gaya kupu adalah 52.36 detik.
  
Ia mengaku siap baik fisik maupun teknik karena telah mempersiapkan diri dengan berlatih di Singapura di bawah asuhan Jary Pan (pelatih renang Singapura).
  
"Saya  menginginkan untuk bisa lolos ke limit A. Saya melakukan latihan sebanyak 11 kali dalam sepekan, termasuk pematangan teknik renang dan fisik," ujar perenang Provinsi Jawa Barat ini.
  
Ditanya kesiapan mental, Glenn mengatakan, memiliki cara tersendiri untuk mengatasi tekanan ketika sedang berlomba di dalam air. "Intinya jangan melihat lawan di pertandingan. Saya juga akan lebih  memperhatikan hal-hal kecil seperti start dan pembalikan serta ketenangan di dalam air," ucap perenang berusia 22 tahun itu.
  
Dengan sisa waktu kurang dari satu bulan ke kejuaraan tersebut, Glenn menyatakan akan mempersiapkan diri lebih matang, dan akan kembali ke Singapura untuk berlatih pada pekan ini.

"Beberapa hari belakangan ini saya di Indonesia untuk ikut Kejurnas di Surabaya. Besok saya kembali ke Singapura. Saya akan manfaatkan sisa waktu ini untuk memantapkan persiapan," katanya.
  
Selain Glenn, PB PRSI (Pengurus Besar Persatuan Renang Seluruh Indonesia) juga menyertakan perenang lainnya. Mereka adalah Triadi Fauzi, I Gede Siman Sudartawa, M. Idham Dasuki, Enny Susilowati, dan Yessy Yosaputra. (Kompas.com) 

PRSI Jateng Susun Strategi Baru: Delapan Nomor Renang PON Dihapus

SEMARANG, RENANG INDONESIA -PB Persatuan Renang Seluruh Indonesia (PRSI) memutuskan menghapus delapan nomor cabor renang di PON XVIII Riau. Kedelapan nomor yakni 50 m gaya kupu, dada, dan punggung (putra/putri), 800 m gaya bebas putra dan 1500 m gaya bebas putri. Keputusan itu memengaruhi persiapan masing-masing daerah, termasuk Jateng. Sedianya, dalam PON akan dipertandingkan 40 nomor.

Ketua Harian Pengprov PRSI Jateng Hartadi Nurcoyo mengaku sudah menerima surat keputusan beberapa waktu lalu. Dalam surat pemberitahuan itu, alasan PB PRSI menghapus karena delapan nomor tidak disetujui oleh anggota KONI Pusat. Sebab 40 nomor dianggap terlalu banyak, dikahawatirkan akan mempengaruhi biaya yang dikeluarkan. Padahal sebelumnya KONI sudah menyetujui.

Menurutnya, perubahan itu sangat mendadak dan merugikan. Pasalnya, delapan nomor itu sudah dipertandingkan di pra PON dan Jateng meloloskan beberapa atletnya. Peluang untuk mendapatkan banyak medali pun berkurang. "Biarpun yang dipertandingkan 32 nomor, tidak berpengaruh pada kuaota atlet yang dikirim yakni 120 orang," jelasnya, Senin (21/5).

Artinya, biaya yang dikeluarkan sama biarpun nomor yang dipertandingkan menciut. "Dalam waktu dekat, kami bersama daerah lain akan melakukan pembicaraan dengan PB PRSI. Kami akan berusaha delapan nomor itu tetap dipertandingkan dalam PON," ujar dia. Ia berharap, KONI mempertimbangkan kembali keputusan tersebut. PRSI Jateng akan segera menyusun strategi baru usai pembicaraan dengan PB PRSI.

Bukan hanya Jateng yang terpengaruh, daerah lain juga merasakan hal yang sama pada peluang mendapatkan medali. "Kami kehilangan kesempatan di nomor 50 m gaya dada putri. Perenang kami Shelomita peluangnya sangat besar meraih medali emas," jelas Hartadi. (suaramerdeka.com)

Swimsuit Sexy Jennifer Lopez

Photo Credit: Vogue

Swimsuit Sexy Jennifer Lopez: Backing Out Of 'American Idol'?

Jennifer Lopez

She's just been named the most powerful female celebrity by Forbes magazine while slated to begin a world tour and her new film hits theaters this Friday, but now it appears as if Jennifer Lopez is backing out of her position as judge on "American Idol."

After two consecutive seasons as judge, Lopez - who flaunted her fabulous 42-year-old swimsuit figure for the June 2012 issue of Vogue magazine - first hinted at not returning for another season on a recent episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," saying, "I don't know if I can go for a third year. I miss doing other things. It really does lock you down."

However, now sources close to the music superstar say the rumor is true, explaining, "There is just too much going on for her right now," adding, "she regrets she can't stay on the show, it's been an incredible experience and she is forever grateful that she did it."

Though the "What To Expect When You're Expecting" beauty has not officially confirmed the news herself, "American Idol" executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe, tells TMZ, they want her to stay, saying, "We want her back. I want her back," adding, "I know how much she loves doing the show and how much she cares for the kids." That said, Nigel finished by stating, "It's a business. She has to weigh everything. I know she's gotten lots of offers to do movies and other things." (GossipCenter/Photo Credit: Vogue)

Peserta Minim, Panitia Kejuaraan Renang Invitasi Tetap Legowo

RENANG INDONESIA - Minimnya jumlah peserta kejuaraan Renang Invitasi Nasional di Surabaya yang digelar mulai hari ini sampai 20 Mei tidak membuat panitia kecewa.

Herlambang Widjaya Ketua Panitia Kejuaraan dari Pengurus Provinsi (Pengprov) Persatuan Olahraga Renang Seluruh Indonesia (PRSI) Jatim pada Budi Leksono reporter Suara Surabaya, Jumat (18/5/2012) mengatakan, panitia tetap legowo dengan jumlah peserta yang minim.

Panitia memaklumi karena kejuaraan ini juga sudah dekat dengan PON Riau. Sehingga masing-masing daerah lebih konsentrasi untuk PON, terutama terkait persoalan dana.

Herlambang mengakui, meski jumlah peserta tidak sesuai harapan, kualitas pertandingan tetap dianggap berbobot.

Banyak atlet Pelatnas yang bergabung di event ini. Mereka diantaranya ada Glenn Victor, Triyadi, Nico, Idham Basuki dan juga Billy dari DKI Jakarta.

Herlambang berharap, meski jumlah peserta hanya 300-an dari 22 provinsi yang tersebar di Indonesia, event ini juga bisa memunculkan potensi-potensi baru.

Kejuaraan Renang Invitasi ini merupakan kalender rutin tahunan yang menjadi agenda resmi Pengurus Besar (PB) PRSI.

Di kejuaraan ini akan mempertandingan sekitar 120 nomor, dari mulai Kelompok Usia KU 4 sampai Senior.(suarasurabaya.net|)

Empat Cabang Berjuang Loloa Olimpiade

JAKARTA – RENANG INDONESIA - Empat cabang olahraga masing-masing atletik, voli pantai, panahan, dan renang masih berjuang untuk meloloskan atletnyake Olimpiade London 2012. Para atlet yang masih berpeluang adalah Dedeh Erawati, Maria Londa, Trianingsih dan Rini Budiarti (atletik), Koko Prasetyo Darkuncoro dan Ade Chandra (voli pantai), Ika Yuliana Rochmawati, Erwina Safitri, dan Titik Kusuma Wardani (panahan tim), serta Glenn Victor Susanto, Indra Gunawan, Triadi Fauzi, I Gede Siman Sudartawa, Enny Susilowati Margono, Yessy Yosaputra, dan Muhammad Idham Dasuki (renang).

"Khusus untuk renang, tiga nama terakhir masih berjuang masuk kualifikasi B. Sementara empat atlet lainnya, yakni Glenn, Indra, Siman, dan Triadi sudah lolos kualifikasi B," kata Kepala Sub Bidang Kompetisi Satlak Prima Utama dan Muda Andri Paranoan di Jakarta kemarin.  Selain itu, Andri menyebutkan lima cabang yang sudah dipastikan tidak lolos kualifikasi adalah rowing, tinju, layar, menembak, dan judo. Namun Indonesia masih berharap dari cabang-cabang yang tidak meloloskan atletnya bisa mengirim atlet lewat fasilitas wild card adalah menembak (2 atlet), layar (1), taekwondo (1), atletik (2), dan tinju (1).

"Hingga kini atlet yang lolos kualifikasi masih tetap 17 orang dari empat cabang olahraga. Panahan (1), angkat besi (6), anggar (1), dan bulutangkis (9)," bebernya.Andri menjelaskan, cabor atletik masih memiliki peluang untuk lolos melalui kualifikasi dengan syarat minimal melewati limit kualifikasi B untuk masing-masing nomor event. Batas akhir pencapaian limit untuk cabor atletik pada tanggal 8 Juli 2012. Jika sampai batas akhir waktu yang telah ditentukan atlet Indonesia belum juga mencapai limit minimal (limit kualifikasi B), maka cabor atletik akan mendapatkan  Wild Card untuk 2 orang atlet (Putra 1 Atlet & Putri 1 Atlet).

Cabor Voli Pantai Indonesia memiliki peluang untuk lolos melalui kualifikasi zona asia Oceania yang akan dilaksanakan di Tiongkok pada bulan Juni 2012. Cabor Voli Pantai harus menjadi juara pada kualifikasi terakhir zona asia oceania jika ingin lolos. Negara yang menjadi pesaing terberat tim Indonesia adalah New Zealand, Jepang, dan tuan rumah Tiongkok.

"Untuk panahan, kita masih memiliki peluang untuk meloloskan atlet melalui satu nomor event (Women"s Recurve Team). Final kualifikasi akan dilaksanakan pada 18 " 24 Juni 2012, di Ogden, Utha, USA. Atlet yang berpeluang lolos melalui kualifikasi terakhir ini adalah Ika Yuliana Rochmawati, Erwina Safitri,dan Titik Kusuma Wardani," beber Andri. (pontianak post)

Olympic Preview: Men's and Women's 100 Backstroke -- May 18, 2012

By John Lohn

GILLETTE, New Jersey, May 17. AS we creep closer to the Olympic Games in London this summer, Swimming World will produce event-by-event previews of the action set to unfold. As part of this series, we'll not only look at the leading contenders in each event, we'll also provide a historical perspective on each discipline. This approach was successful in the leadup to the Beijing Games and we hope our readership enjoys the coverage for this Olympiad.

Event: Women's 100 Backstroke 

Reigning Champion: Natalie Coughlin (United States).
Past Champions: Sybil Bauer (1924); Zus Braun (1928); Eleanor Holm (1932); Nida Senff (1936); Karen Harup (1948); Joan Harrison (1952); Judy Grinham (1956); Lynn Burke (1960); Cathy Ferguson (1964); Kaye Hall (1968); Melissa Belote (1972); Ulrike Richter (1976); Rica Reinisch (1980); Theresa Andrews (1984); Kristin Otto (1988); Krisztina Egerszegi (1992); Beth Botsford (1996); Diana Mocanu (2000); Natalie Coughlin (2004); Natalie Coughlin (2008).
World Record: Gemma Spofforth (Great Britain) 58.12.
Notable: If Natalie Coughlin can prevail in her prime event, she'll become the third woman in history to win an Olympic title in the same event at three consecutive Olympic Games. Only Dawn Fraser (100 freestyle) and Krisztina Egerszegi (200 backstroke) have pulled off the trifecta.

The Headliners: This event has shaped up to be one of the most tightly contested disciplines of the London Games. While Natalie Coughlin is chasing a third consecutive gold medal in the event, she'll have her hands full just qualifying for the United States squad. Aside from Coughlin, the American arsenal boasts Missy Franklin, Rachel Bootsma and Elizabeth Pelton, among others.

Whichever Americans advance to London, they will instantly be a medal contender and in the mix for the gold medal. That scenario includes Franklin, who didn't get the chance to race this event at last summer's World Championships, but is poised for a huge performance. Coughlin, though, has always performed under pressure and will face those circumstances this summer.

Russia's Anastasia Zueva has been sub-59 this season and was the silver medalist at the past World Champs, placing behind China's Zhao Jing. Australia offers a stellar tandem in Emily Seebohm and Belinda Hocking, although Hocking is better geared toward the 200 distance. Like Coughlin, Japan's Aya Terakawa is a veteran who checked in at 59.10 earlier this year.

A host of additional athletes could find their way into the championship final, such as Denmark's Mie Nielsen and world-record holder Gemma Spofforth of Great Britain. Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry, who took silver behind Coughlin at the Beijing Games, is also to be watched.

What Else?: An interesting storyline will be the performance of France's Laure Manaudou, who was the bronze medalist in the 100 backstroke at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Manaudou put her emphasis on the backstroke events during French qualifying, a decision which paid dividends. The question is whether she can drop enough time to become a player in the medal hunt.


Event: Men's 100 Backstroke

Reigning Champion: Aaron Peirsol (United States).
Past Champions: Arno Bieberstein (1908); Harry Hebner (1912); Warren Kealoha (1920); Warren Kealoha (1924); George Kojac (1928); Masaji Kiyokawa (1932); Adolph Kiefer (1936); Allen Stack (1948); Yoshinobu Oyakawa (1952); David Theile (1956); David Theile (1960); Roland Matthes (1968); Roland Matthes (1972); John Naber (1976); Bengt Baron (1980); Rick Carey (1984); Daichi Suzuki (1988); Mark Tewksbury (1992); Jeff Rouse (1996); Lenny Krayzelburg (2000); Aaron Peirsol (2004); Aaron Peirsol (2008).
World Record: Aaron Peirsol (United States) 51.94.
Notable: There will be a new champion in this event due to the retirement of Aaron Peirsol, which ended his quest for a third straight Olympic crown. Aside from winning a pair of gold medals in the 100 back, Peirsol was the Olympic champion in the 200 back in 2004 and earned silver medals in that event in 2000 and 2008.

The Headliners: With Aaron Peirsol exiting the sport and not around to defend his gold medals from the past two Olympiads, a door has been flung wide open. If there is a favorite, however, it would be France's Camille Lacourt. The top-ranked 100 backstroker the past couple of years, Lacourt share the gold medal at the World Championships with countryman Jeremy Stravius, but Stravius failed to make the Olympic team in his best event. Lacourt is pure speed and will try to set the pace from the get-go.

Japan's Ryosuke Irie was the bronze medalist at the World Champs and will be in medal contention, but Irie is better suited for the 200 back, where he's expected to duel with Ryan Lochte. Look for another speedster, Great Britain's Liam Tancock, to also be in contention. Tancock was sixth at Worlds in the 100 back and has been 53.16 this year.

Who will the United States send to London? That is a big question mark right now, but Nick Thoman and David Plummer have to get an immediate mention. They finished fourth and fifth at the World Championships and have looked solid in 2012. Meanwhile, Matt Grevers is lurking. The silver medalist in the 100 back at the Beijing Games, Grevers has redemption on his mind after missing out on a World Champs berth in 2011.

Whether Ryan Lochte pursues an Olympic invitation remains to be seen, but Lochte has the potential to be a huge factor if he chooses to go after this event. While he has been a dominant 200 backstroker, Lochte hasn't quite unloaded a huge 100 back during his career. It could be coming. Also keep an eye on Australia's Hayden Stoeckel and Russian Arkady Vyatchanin, who shared bronze in Beijing. New Zealand's Gareth Kean and the German duo of Jan-Philip Glania and Helge Meeuw also will battle for championship final berths.

What Else?: It will be interesting to see how far Russia's Vladimir Morozov can advance. Although he is best known for his prowess in the 50 and 100 freestyles, Morozov's individual qualification came in the backstroke. Morozov, who attends USC, could one day represent the United States in international competition. (swimmingworld)