'Master Popov' and his innovative approach to sprinting!

If Alexandre Popov wore a cap and a speedsuit back in the day, swimmers like Cielo, Leveaux, Sullivan, Bernard, would still be chasing the dragon's tail!

At the 2:50 mark, Popov does a drill that is extraordinarily hard; it's the hardest drill you will ever do: water polo freestyle with a dolphin kick. Caveat, be really warmed up before you do this drill or your shoulders will "spank" you!

The under 22:00 club! - When the 50 free goes off, you will see nothing but steam coming out of the pool!

Lane 9 News has a recap of today's 50 free prelims. The times are mind boggling and have reach a new standard for all those competing. That standard is under 22:00. [Link]

I am going to make a technique prediction: What rotation in the freestyle stroke was to the 90's, the catch will be redefined in these Olympics. All of us will be catching water in many different styles. Look at Nystrand, Sullivan, Leveaux, Tobriner, Jones, Bernard, Cielo, Weber Gale, all with different styles of catching water.