Someone Explain: Is ASCA a union, an association or is it a monopoly?

It all started out so simply: USA Swimming was set up as the "National Governing Body" (NGB) for the sport of swimming by the US Government after the Senate recognized it via an act of congress. This act of congress is known as the Ted Stevens Amateur Sports Act; a federal law that establishes certain basic standards for certifying coaches and governing the sport of swimming.

Here is a USA Swimming link as to how coach certification is done but note you have to go to a second party to get ceritfied. hat second party is the American Swimmers Coaching Association (ASCA): [Link]

Note, the link says that if you want to become a coach certified by USA Swimming and you don't have the necessary educational requirements and experience; (i.e. USA Swimming Member, Safety certifications, coached a USA Swimming club before 1998, back ground check et cetera), you are essentially compelled to obtain ASCA certification. Compelled to go to ASCA

Essentially there is four steps:

1. USA Swimming Coach Education Requirement. The coach will need the following texts to pass the first year coaches’ test: Progressions for Athlete and Coach Development, Foundations of Coaching, and the current USA Swimming Rules and Regulations. The revised test for new coaches is available online through USA Swimming.

2. The coach must also have current safety certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Safety Training for Swim Coaches (or Lifeguard Training equivalency)

3. Completion of USA Swimming Background Check Requirement

4. Completion of the American Swim Coaches' Association Level 2 Stroke School, and completion of ASCA Level 3 Physiology School. Level 2 and Level 3 may be waived with three years experience working as an assistant in a USA Swimming member club.

[Link]

Why is it that you have to go to ASCA? Why is it that they get the sole contract with USA Swimming to do this? Did USA Swimming simply offer them a no-bid contract and say "make the coaches pay you too?

Now stay with me and read this really slow:

USA Swimming was legally established as a governing body monopoly for the sport of swimming but how did this make it ok for them to create a secondary monopoly beneath them for coaching?

I have not found any other agency or entity aside from ASCA that can provide the “ticket” to USAS recognition as a head coach even though that is their job.

Now, if you go to the job boards for coaches at either USA Swimming, ASCA and other websites seem to confirm that without the ASCA "ticket" or his ASCA's terminally silly Level one-through-five coaching rank you probably need not bother to apply.

Here is how it works: ASCA has these "ninja levels" that rate a coach from Level 1-5. Now these ratings are essentially star ratings that you would see attached to a hotel score or a movie review and I suspect one's income depends on which level they are.

Level one: You have finished a course called the foundations of coaching.

Level two: You learn about swim technique

Level three: Physiology school

Level four : Administration school

Level five: Leadership school

So, send in your money and climb the five rungs of the ASCA ladder and you can command a higher salary. Does this sound like an old fashioned “closed shop” without formal recognition as a union?

Maybe one of you labor lawyers out there can weigh in. And speaking of lawyers – which I am most decidedly not – if an applicant is effectively prevented from securing a higher paying head coaching job without ASCA certification does this constitute a restraint of trade?

In the 2009 lawsuit TYR brought against Speedo and USA Swimming the Court found the “high end competitive swimwear market” to sufficiently define a “relevant market”, which means it satisfied one of the steps in considering whether there was a possible violation of antitrust laws. TYR had proven that the market was big enough and important enough that actual trade issues were a point of law in this lawsuit.

If that is a relevant market for swimwear then the next logical assumption is that it also describes the market for coaches training especially for the “high end competitive swimmers in the professional, collegiate, high school and club ranks”, who are the target customers for that market.

Since I am not a lawyer – that I am productively employed instead ;-) – I welcome your comments so I can learn if my supposition is “all wet." I don't think it is. I think USA Swimming needs open up their possibly "closed shop" and actually have qualified institutions bid for this responsibility of training coaches.

In fact, I suspect it is a point of law that they should, but please educate me?

New USA Swimming national team coach Frank Busch gives an interview at ESPN.

In the interview, Frank Busch gives what I consider a cold, polite, nod to Mark Schubert. He also dodges the child protection issue a bit by stating that it is "everyone's responsibility".

Yep, I consider that a dodge alright. Here is why: There is a saying by some Greek guy named, Plato, that goes something like this: "That which is owned by all is cared for by none!" Saying it is everyone's responsibility is like saying, that you are just as guilty as us if something goes untoward. I don't buy it. In my opinion he should acknowledged the skills and department of Susan Woessner which he did not do.

In regards to the Fran Crippen death: We do agree on air and water temps but it was a political answer about rules and organizations.

Perhaps I have a bitter taste in my mouth after routing John Leonard's legal threats but Swimming organizations that represent both coaches and swimmers in this country seem to exist in a fog of politics that is so thick and full of foreboding that they have mastered the art of the non-answer.

Snippet from ESPN:

".... Busch: I think it's everyone's responsibility. It's a huge responsibility. I just came from Tucson where the shooting happened with [Congresswoman] Gabby Gifford. As things have unfolded, the emphasis has been put on mental health. Is there a way in which you can identify it at an earlier time and keep an individual from doing what they did? And the answer to that right now is, I'm not sure. I don't want to say no, but the probability is pretty slim, because there's a lot of people who struggle with life out there. I'm sure there are unstable coaches. We're doing background checks and doing [training in] coaches' ethics and making sure we follow that up. I don't know if anyone is ever going to be as tight on this as USA Swimming. ..."

[Link]

Visualize me doing a face palm. You protect kids by getting parents involved, by allowing no one-on-ones, policies about travel accommodations etc. etc. The Boy Scouts of America solved its problems after their lawsuit with sweeping changes, why won't USA Swimming adopt the same plan?

Passing the buck stating you can't look inside the souls of men or women to decide who can coach is a rhetorical device I do not accept. USA Swimming policies should be so rock solid that even if a "freak" did mange to game and/or breech the system and become a coach, there still would be no opportunity for said "freak" to act.

Also policies such as these would protect coaches from fake accusations. Coaches should be demanding policies such as these as well.

UPDATE:

Here is a comment I would like to add within this post from an anonymous poster to this article:

He's a nice guy and a great coach.

That was a bad interview though. He's probably not used to answering the tough questions since he is such a great coach, he doesn't get asked them very often. Give him some time and he will adapt.

Also, send him your thoughts. Although the national team director is focused on winning golds, a former swimmer of his and former Tucson coach just got added to the banned list so maybe it will hit close to home.

The facts Mr. Leonard, just the facts!

May 23rd, 2011: I posted a note on this blog with this title: "Is ASCA actually incorporated? - The 'Curb Northside ISD' blog says no way!" The primary subject of the post was whether ASCA or the American Swimming Coaches Association is actually incorporated correctly.

Evidently John Leonard was not pleased and sent off a very threatening note obviously not realizing that I do not like to be threatened. I subsequently responded within three-to four hours. You can read both our letters here: [Link]

Leonard was not happy. He even called the blogger I linked to, Sarah G., a "nut case" after berating me for slander. (So much for a lucid exchange.)

Here is John Leonard's response to my request for clarification as to what exactly was in error and/or what needed to be retracted. By the way, note his use of all capital letters for selected words. I suspect this represents shouting or perhaps he is trying to emulate William Shatner?

Mr. Austin - I apparently am not making myself clear.

You are not the Supreme Court. You are not a local court. You are not even Judge Judy.

I have ZERO reason to answer any questions you have. You're a blogger. You appear to have some mis-understanding of your role in this.

I am informing you that every material statement made by Ms. Gjerstard about the ASCA and myself is INCORRECT and SLANDEROUS. I am doing that out of courtesy.

YOU have the responsibility for what you place on your blog, despite your assertions that you're just "republishing" what someone else said. You are slandering the ASCA and myself.

If we do not have a full retraction by 6 PM EST on Friday, May 27, we will proceed with a lawsuit against you.

On your note about "looking forward to a constructive and civilized exchange with you", i would like to educate you that it is not "sick 'em Sarah". It's "Sic 'em Sarah". That's the end of any communciation between you and i.

Ms. Gjerstad has also been warned that she has until 6 PM to provide a full retraction. She is apparently "distraught" according to her blog....she should have thought about that before she started slandering people WITHOUT doing any research, homework or competent searches of State documents.

Perhaps her ignorance of what a 501-C6 is, which she is now freely admitting, might give you some pause as to the credibility of her "research".

She's a nut case. We'll find out about you in court, if we don't have a retraction by 6 PM tonight.

IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR SLANDER.

John Leonard

So, I write back again:

Dear Mr. Leonard:

Yes, it would be helpful if you could be more clear. You have demanded a retraction but have declined to indicate which facts in my blog you claim are false.

As you expressed in your first note I am entitled to my own opinion but “not entitled to [my] own facts”. Asserting that, “every material statement made by Ms. Gjerstard about the ASCA and myself is INCORRECT and slanderous” does not advance the process of obtaining the retraction you seek. You may choose not to answer the questions in my earlier note but your refusal to do so makes it difficult for me to comply with your demand for a retraction of what you claim are the false facts I “republished”, as opposed to comments that are opinions.

My offer still stands. Identify the facts you claim are false. If I confirm that a statement of “fact” in my blog is false, I will issue a retraction through a written posting in the very blog where the original statement appeared, i.e., “in substantially as conspicuous a manner” as the statement(s) to which you object. See California Civil Code Section 48a.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Tony Austin

So, what evidence do I have that ASCA or the American Swimming Coaches Association is not incorporated correctly? Above we have a screenshot from the Florida Department of State listing ASCA or the American Swimming Coaches Association as a 'Foreign Non Profit Corporation' doing business in the state of Florida. Next, I posted a screenshot from the 'Iowa Secretary of State' listing that the American Swimming Coaches Association corporation filing is inactive.

After doing the research, I conclude that Sarah is absolutely correct stating that the American Swimming Coaches Association corporation filing appears to be inactive in Iowa. I won't venture to make judgments on the repercussions or conclusions of what that means but it sure does sound like the American Swimming Coaches Association has some paperwork to do?

Calls to the Iowa Secretary of State office yielded the following answers: Iowa Secretary of State office 515-281-8993 - Pam was the person Sarah talked to and she confirmed the American Swimming Coaches Association corporation status terminated in 1992.

Calls to Florida yield the following answers: Fl Non-Profit Corporations (850)-245-6052 - Mary Ann was the person Sarah talk to and she confirmed the American Swimming Coaches Association foreign non-profit status is indeed located in Iowa. She suggested the Fl Dept of Revenue might be interested in the fact that his Iowa corporation has lapsed.

Now, more about Sarah: John Leonard was not only sending threatening letters to me; (two altogether), he sent six letters total to Sarah G. each one appearing more aggressive than the last finally degrading to the point of profanity. In one letter, Leonard gave Sarah an order to reprint a "retraction" that he had written for her and that Sarah was not allowed to mention that he wrote this ad hoc "retraction" or the "retraction" he wrote would be invalid. (Yeah, I found it that weird and that Orwellian.)

Letter number one:

Ms. [Sarah] Gjerstad,

I have been forwarded a copy of your blog and that of Mr. Tony Austin in Southern California, which purports to use the contents of your blog to further his campaign against the ASCA and myself.

Since I have never met you, don't know you or of you prior to this information, and have never answered any questions from you, i want to tell you the following:

1) Your blog defames the ASCA and myself. Look up the definition of internet defamation.

2) The information contained in your blog is entirely incorrect as it relates to the ASCA and SwimAmerica.

3) The ASCA is a 501-C6 corporation originally incorporated in Iowa and now duly registered for many years with
the Florida Department of Corporations with all reports and status active and complete.

4) SwimAmerica is a PROGRAM of the ASCA Council for Sport Development, a 501-C3 company conducting entirely 501-C3 purposeful activity. It was formed and is located in Florida.

5) There is no national business entity called SwimAmerica.

6) The ASCA Council hold full and complete rights to the name/logo SwimAmerica and it is copyright protected by us. We will vigourously enforce our copyright.

7) There is no such entity as " John Leonard Inc". owned by me in any state.

If you do not issue an immediate retraction, you will hear within 48 hours from our attorney's with a defamation lawsuit against you. I am providing you the courtesy of this notification directly, which is far mote than you did for me. IF you had wanted Accurate information in your campaign against NISD, you could have simply called me or emailed me and i would have given you directly the accurate information.

Now your inaccuracies have been nationally spread, it is possible that we have been materially damaged and you are in line for a lawsuit.

Fix this now, or look for the lawsuit. This constitutes reckless disregard for the truth, and damaging assault on a good organizations name.

John Leonard, ASCA

In the next letter he begins to use capital letters for selected words:

Ms. Gjerstad - you apparently are misunderstanding me. I have no reason to answer you on anything. I am communicating out of courtesy, (which you did not afford me.....) You have slandered me and our company.

I have explained to you in what manner. You either issue a STRONG retraction by 6 PM EST today, or we file suit and you can explain to a JUDGE why you would maliciously slander someone without even speaking to the principal person involved, and knowing NOTHING about how any of our organizations operate. You can either save yourself a lot of legal fees and grief, or go to court.

I will tell you out of courtesy, that no member of either ASCA or ASCA Council has ever, in the 26 years i have served at ASCA, rec'd any compensation for being on the Boards, NOR for any program or project done with us, other than speaking fees when they conduct a clinic. Your accusations are inaccurate and absurd.

by 6 PM Friday or it goes to a legal case. I am finished with being a nice guy about this. Make sure all four blogs you reference get a copy of your retraction with a copy to me to prove it.

John Leonard

And here is John Leonard beside himself regarding some sort of retraction that Sarah wrote which he found terribly anemic I suppose - gone is his professional facade but I am loving his grammar:

What you have printed on your blog is not a retraction. See my earlier deadline for a real retraction by 6 PM Friday.

There isnot and never has been an "Clerical error" by the state of Florida. YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING and in the meantime, your lies are slandering our company.

Get a real retraction out by 6 PM today, or you are going to find out what distraught really means, when the lawsuit hits you. Your behaviour is irresponsible and criminal, and I am not going to stand still for it to be spread by equally ill-informed people Does it strike you as absurd that you are writing a blog about some organization being illegitimate and you don't even know what a 501-C6 is?

IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR SLANDERING PEOPLE. 6 PM today. John Leonard

Next, he takes it upon himself to suggest that Sarah write what he tells her or else - I love his opening line:

How about a simple ...

"I apologize, i did not do my research correctly or thoroughly and should never have posted information that cast incorrect accusations at the American Swimming Coaches Association, SwimAmerica or John Leonard."

and of course, if you have to tell anyone that you had to ask me how to write a retraction, it would invalidate the entire thing.

I don't like lawyers. I like to solve things between human beings. People make mistakes. I can accept a real apology. But if there is any screwing around with this, MS. Gjerstad, I WILL have a lawyer to you directly. I have had enough of people lying first and shouting bad things from the rooftops and THEN trying to say they are sorry....that's not the nature of the the internet in todays world.

6 PM with copies to all the relevant blogs that spread this filth and a copy to me of each one you send. JL

Now he plays the rhetorical question card with an ominous threat:

I assume this means that you are not issuing a retraction.

I'll be filing suit as soon as possible.

JL

Well, that did not work so next comes the profanity card and the all capital letters for selected words to really make his threat resonate:

No, i told you what i want. Period.

No bullshit, no lengthy diatrides, no dancing. You are dead wrong, you slandered the ASCA and myself among others, and there are ZERO issues with ASCA or SwimAmerica and the IRS or State of Florida, or anyone other entity.

YOU PUBLISHED SLANDER. Get that through your head. We don't owe you explanations or answers. You owe US an apology and acknowledgement as i indicated previously. IF you don't, i will take this to court and you can tell the judge how you shouted foul first and THEN decided you didn't know what you were doing. Good luck with that.

by 6 PM today. No more communications from me to you. John Leonard

Well, that shows Sarah, huh? - It shows me too, don't you think?

Perhaps it shows the ASCA board of directors as well.. and USA Swimming... and all the coaches within the organization as what kind of leader John Leonard really is. John means business and you better do what he says or he will sue!

To be sure how upset Leonard really is, Sarah is sending a letter to the ASCA board asking the following question:

To the Officers of American Swimming Coaches Association,

Is ASCA behind the lawsuit referenced in John Leonard's email, or is this John Leonard acting individually?

Would you make a statement regarding ASCA's involvement in the lawsuit?

Sarah Gjerstad

Note to John Leonard: You are a public figure. Your organization purports to have registered as many as 10,000 coaches. You have a convention of sorts every year and you have written several articles for Swimming World Magazine, Swim News, and of course your own magazine. Therein you have tried to influence several issues that affect the sport both nationally and internationally such as tech-suits, FINA rules, and even the Fran Crippen drowning. With that said, this is why bloggers have a right to talk about what you write, how you organize, and what we observe.

So, my request still stands: Identify the facts you claim are false. If I confirm that a statement of “fact” in my blog is false, I promise I will issue a retraction through a written posting in the very blog where the original statement appeared, i.e., “in substantially as conspicuous a manner” as the statement(s) to which you object. See California Civil Code Section 48a.

John Leonard of ASCA enters the SCAQ blog with a threatening note

I received a stern email this morning at 6:27 AM from John Leonard; (At least that is what the header on the email claimed) - I have decided I am going to share what he wrote and my response back to him:

Mr. Austin - every single representation stated by Ms.Gjerstad from San Antonio in her communication which you have reprinted and posted/distributed is incorrect.

Ms. Gjerstad has not been courteous enough to provide me with any questions or even a copy of attack on ASCA and myself.

I do not have her email.

Let me repeat, ASCA (which is a 501-C6) corporation and the ASCA Council (which is a 501-C6 corporation) are both properly registered with all paperwork in order continually for many years in the State of Florida.

If this is not retracted, I, along with ASCA, will be filing suit for slander in rapid order.

You, and every other person in this country are entitled to your own opinions of everything, including myself and ASCA. You are not entitled to your own facts, nor the ability to broadcast lies about people or entities.

I will send the same message to MS. Gjerstad, if you will provide me with her email.

thank you. John Leonard

Here is how I responded:

Dear Mr. Leonard:

I note that you are challenging the veracity of statements in Ms. Gjerstad’s blog posts, some of which may have been discussed in the SCAQ Blog. Unfortunately, in your note to me you did not identify with any specificity the representations you claim are incorrect, how they are incorrect or provide evidence to support your assertion. Please be advised that I strive to ensure that facts recited in my blog posts are accurate and, to that end, invite you to provide the support for your claim of inaccuracy and, upon verification, will post an appropriate correction.

Since we have now established direct contact I do have a question regarding ASCA’s registration in Florida. It is my understanding that a so-called 501(c)(6) entity is one afforded special tax treatment, i.e., exempt from certain federal taxes, by the Internal Revenue Service, generally described as a not-for-profit company or association, as contrasted with a commercial enterprise engaged in for profit activities that are subject to federal taxes. You have indicated that ASCA is a “corporation” that enjoys the benefits of the 501(c)(6) status but a corporation is something established under state, not federal law. The term “foreign” corporation applies, typically, to a corporation organized under the laws of one state but authorized to do business in a second state. What I am seeking to clarify is, accepting your claim that ASCA is a “corporation” operating permissibly as a “foreign” corporation in Florida, in which state is ASCA incorporated as a so-called “domestic’ corporation. The only information I have been able to ascertain is that ASCA was at one time a domestic corporation organized under the laws of the state of Iowa but appears to no longer enjoy that status. I am hoping that you can provide those facts.

In the meantime, I look forward to a constructive and civilized exchange with you, receiving facts and information not spurious threats of litigation.


Sincerely,

Tony Austin

For information on what a 501(c)(6) non profit means, check out this link: [Link]

For info on the ASCA articles of incorporation at the Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations , here is a link that lists ASCA as a "foreign corporation": [Link]

Here is a link to the IOWA Secretary of State stating that ASCA corporation in Iowa is inactive - Type in this corp number in the appropriate search box - 54460: [Link]

I am looking forward to clarification on this matter!

Is ASCA actually incorporated? - The 'Curb Northside ISD' blog say no way!

UPDATE: 5/26/11 9:04 PM: The author of the blog post I link to below this update left a cryptic comment to a follow-up post located here: [Link]

Sarah G said...

I am the author of curbnorthside.blogspot.com. John Leonard has emailed me demanding an immediate retraction. I will do so within 48 hours. I can't do so now because I don't understand most of his letter and I am too distraught. To your readers: ignore my blog and any statements made using my blog as references.

This quote stands out: "...I can't do so now because I don't understand most of his letter and I am too distraught." What did John Leonard's letter state? Did he threaten her with a lawsuit as he did me as noted here: [Link] or did he correct any possible mistakes she made?

For now here are two links regarding ASCA's incorporation or lack thereof:

For info on the ASCA articles of incorporation at the Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations , here is a link that lists ASCA as a "foreign corporation": [Link]

Here is a link to the IOWA Secretary of State stating that ASCA corporation in Iowa is inactive: [Link]

I will email her and find out.

End of Update ---

Remember George block, that weenie who says FINA should be replaced and/or boycotted but replaced with a new organization he is connected with? ...

Sarah sent me a link to her blog making some startling accusations about both George Block and ASCA. I have not taken the time to validate these claims and I have to state emphatically that these are allegations and I have no idea if they are true. Sarah insists that she has done the leg work and she is making her personal opinions, observations and judgments known.

Here is some of the stuff she had to say:

"... In my blog titled Bexar County Funding of Folks Folly Aquatic Center , I mention how often the name George Block surfaces when researching why my children’s school district is spending $7M on a pool that is unsuitable for high school athletes. ..."

On the website, http://www.nisd.net/features/sanac there is a statement

"...Northside's proposal has been endorsed by the national governing body for the sport of swimming, USA Swimming, which has promised the venue a minimum of five events per year."

I checked with Carol Birch at USA Swimming. Their organization does not guarantee any events. All organizations must bid on events

[Link]

It appears that Sarah was on a roll with George and decided to look into ASCA as well. Now this allegation from a second post is explosive. In fact is profoundly explosive. I do emphasize that this is an allegation only but if true, ASCA has some paper work to do and that may include Form 990's and some tax stuff.

"... As I look closer at this, I learn that a more ubiquitous name in swimming is John Leonard. Many organizations fall under the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA), with John Leonard as Executive Director, and George Block as an officer.

ASCA is listed as a foreign corporation in Florida. Foreign, in corporation lingo, means not incorporated in the state. I originally had images of a corporation concealing their finances in Grand Cayman. It turns out John Leonard and George Block have an even better deal. Their annual reports to Florida state they are incorporated in Iowa. I checked the Iowa department of state. John Leonard registered in Iowa in 1968 but was terminated in 1992 for failure to file reports.

ASCA is not a legitimate corporation so there is no government oversight into their finances. It is not registered as an assumed name in Bexar County, and it is unlikely to be registered in any county.

This is a fictitious entity.

I confirmed ASCA status on Iowa's website and verbally with the Iowa department of state. ASCA, SwimAmerica, WSA, and possibly several other business entities seem to be doing business fraudulently.

[Link]

If what Sarah states is true, I am suggesting that the IRS get involved. Sick em, Sarah!

ALCATRAZ: The TV show! - No matter how much money they pour into it doing the swim itself will be way more exciting!

So, Next month I am doing the Alcatraz Sharkfest swim and this TV trailer will part of my ramp up my emotions for the event by immersing myself in everything Alcatraz.

This series is by the guy who did the TV show,"Lost" - so UFO sort of plot lines will be featured.

And speaking of UFO technology: I'm only marginally prepared to compete at a high level this year so I bought myself a "blueseventy Reaction" for the event. The suit is so boss! I will review it soon but my first impressions are: It is lite, well made, I look good in red!

I have done this Alcatraz swim 5-times and each time I am scared. I use this fear to keep me prepared. I am a very experienced open water swimmer. I have surfed most of my life and competed in dozens of events featuring open water swims such as the Ironman in Kona, and several other races up and down the coast of California. (This is how I placed in my last open water race: Link),

Each year the S.F. bay is a different monster: tides, chop, fog, and of course cold water. It is a short swim 1.25 miles long but it is a swim where you are literally more than 1/2-mile form shore when you get to the middle of the bay and it is that sweet spot in the bay where the tides gab you and spotting is critical.

I get really nervous when I jump into water at Alcatraz but i make sure I am one of the first so my body can adjust to the cold and I can evaluate a race strategy base upon what I am seeing and feeling. I also talk to the kayak support staff asking about how nasty the tide is, the chop in the middle of the bay et.c etc. It is fun swim and a fond memory. I really recommend it for swimmers who need a formidable goal.

Michael Phelps fails to win, place or show in the 200-free in Charlotte - Could his mind-set be a factor or is all about conditioning?

We have a 6th place finish in the 200-free for Michael Phelps at the Charlotte Ultra Swim Grand Prix. Phelps best 200-free time so far in 2011 was a 1:46.27. Today's effort was a 1:49.25 which is about three-seconds off his best for this year and seven-seconds more than the WR in the event.

Phelps has fallen so fall. If Phelps would have swam in or around his best time from several weeks ago he would have had a solid 1st place finish thereby beating the field by 2-seconds-plus.

His splits were good his times were slow. Noted in an MSNBC report is an odd quote by Bob Bowman:

The intensity of his training prompted coach Bob Bowman to take a three-week hiatus to Australia ("I wasn't helping myself, Michael, or anyone else, at that point," Bowman said), returning refreshed, and in time to regroup with Phelps in North Carolina.

"Michael has experience now, and he knows this," Bowman said. "Sometimes, he knows this too much. But we have 72 days to prepare for Shanghai, and that's where the focus is."

[Link]

If Bob Bowman was in Australia for three weeks and then regroups with Phelps in Charlotte, what has Michael Phelps been doing these past three weeks?

We are no longer hearing phrases like, "this was eye opening..., a wake-up call..., we have some work to do..." etc. etc. His rhetoric has now changed to "...I want to see if I still have it in the tank." [...] "Before, it came easy for me. I don't have two speeds anymore. I need to focus on the small things that I once took for granted."

This new rhetoric is troubling. Of course Phelps still has two speeds but his tank is empty and only professional dedication that matches the workload he maintained up to Beijing will "fill his tank" back up. Instead he appears to believe that this is merely an age related problem rather than a lack of an industrious workout schedule.

Apparently even Bowman is taking time off.

For the past three years I have been wet suit shopping! - I just purchased a 'blueseventy Reaction' for the 'Alcatraz Sharkfest' swim!

After reading review after review, doing analytics studies on those winning in cold water races, eyeing what the pro triathletes wore before they were signed, and even looking at both the history, and and technological output of all the companies involved, I have settled on a blueseventy Reaction.

Blueseventy has a history of winning technology: The blueseventy Helix essentially has been the suit of choice by pro triathletes till they were paid to switch. Chrissie Wellington, Julie Dibbons, Andy Potts and many more chose the b70 Helix first. That was a good enough endorsement for me.

I looked at open water swimmers who won their events with utterly no sponsorship deals in place and again the blueseventy was the front runner. Even when you looked at the history of blueseventy technology in the swimming pool again they proved their prowess with "weaponized" swimsuits that changed the whole sport. Soon Jaked, Arena, FINIS, followed their lead. Both swimming and swimmers shot onto the national radar and athletes actually made a living wage becasue of their innovation. I swam my best times ever in a blueseventy Nero.

Though the Helix is the the gold standard for open water race wear. I chose the Reaction because I will never be an elite swimmer but I still want access to the best mid range technology I can get and I trust b70 for that technology.

The photo above is Andy Potts before he was signed with TYR wearing a blueseventy Helix.

Ian Thorpe: "...I am like Lance Armstrong, Bjorn Borg and Michael Schumacher"

No trash talk just an exuberant professional who wants to race.

Translated from DotSwim.it:

Ian Thorpe , however, is well aware of what results [are] to be achieved and is well aware that like other famous athletes before him, the success will be won perhaps with more difficulty than before. "I, like Lance Armstrong, Bjorn Borg and Michael Schumacher when they returned after a long time, I'm not nervous about the results. To me [preparing for] London is a very important achievement. What are the results I can not say yet. "

[Link]

Michael Phelps quote from the "Globe and Mail" about retirement

"It's weird to think about it. My mom and I joke about it all the time," ... "She says, 'I'm still not retired, and you're going to retire before you're 30." -- Michael Phelps [Link]

He is probably the only US Swimmer in history who could even do that. Even Johnny Weissmuller had to become Tarzan before he could retire.

I would also like to add that with colleges cancelling swim programs, governing bodies doing what they can to keep swimming from becoming commercialized with suit products, he may be the last one to do so as well.

US Masters Swimming reviews ten wetsuits or so at You Tube.

Best wetsuit reviews I have ever seen; about ten suits in all. Thank you USMS.

On my radar for a wetsuit purchase this month for when I do Alcatraz in June is The blueseventy Reaction, Tyr Hurricane Category 5, and a dark horse I never thought I would consider is the Ocra Sonar and/or Phantom.

With all that stated above, I do want to be clear as to which I believe is the best wetsuit available and this opinion comes from personal observation rather than wear-and-tear or personal open water use: That wetsuit, hands down is the blueseventy Helix.

Why do I say that without having tried the suit? The answer is simple: Every single pro who created enough equity in their game or gathered enough wins under their belt to finally be signed by TYR such as Andy Potts, Julie Dibens, Chrissie Wellington, Sarah Haskins, and others wore the blueseventy Helix first. I suspect most, if not all were not paid a fee to do so but rather asked the company for a suit.

With this in mind I favor the Helix but the blueseventy Helix is out of my price range and my open water season is short. Hence, the blueseventy Reaction is my number one choice right now followed by the Hurricane and/or the Orca. I will let you know which one I purchase.

The good news about comebacks and the bad news about comebacks!

Had a thought just now: It's terrific that swimmers who have gone into retirement then make a decision to comeback do inspire generations to keep with their sports. However, the bad news is that perhaps these comebacks are viable due to the fact that the upcoming talent happens to be too anemic to provide a stronger, faster and more motivated performance. Thus the "older model" is still better than the "newer model."

Ian Thorpe dressed like a gentleman at the royal wedding!

Now compare this guy to Ryan Lochte or Michael Phelps - In casual life Thorpe isn't wearing grills, he is not wearing a baseball cap on backwards or sideways, no Lakers or Hornets jersey, all that stuff is for 17-year-olds or younger.

Now granted, if Phelps or Lochte were invited to a wedding they would dress appropriately too, but if you get a chance compare how all three of these men dress when in a casual setting with a Google image search.

Also, Thorpie is probably wearing some Armani ensemble and John Lobb shoes; (look up the price).

See Ian Thorpe in the royal wedding gallery here: [Link]

Go to Chloe Sutton's blog and feel her passion for swimming!

Chloe Sutton has entered the house - she is now in the links column to the right of the page. Now this is a swimmer who truly represents our "brand." She is dedicated, motivated and passionate.

She also has a blog at Universal Sports where in her first blog post shows us her "street credentials" and succinctly writes her love for the sport and for those around it.

When it comes to American swimming, she is the "truth, justice and American way" type of girl. I kid you not; I know the family, It's God and country. She will be a marketeers dream if she does well in 2012.

Her street credentials from Universal Sports:

At age 12, I broke national age group records and, thanks to that same stubborn persistence and determination, won my first national championship at 14 in the 10k open-water event. My Olympic berth came at 16 and now, as a 19-year-old, I am a six-year veteran on the National Team now focusing on the 400m and 800m meter freestyles. In those six years, I have been so blessed to travel along with some of the world's best athletes. I've also seen the world and experienced cultures that most people don't ever get to see. The people I have met and the things I have seen because of swimming make me so thankful to have this opportunity and this gift.

[Link]

She got skillz'

UPDATE: Dave in the city out west interviews Chloe: [Link]

Thorpedo arrives at Abbey

Thorpedo arrives at Abbey: "Swimming star arrives at Westminster Abbey, and seems to look like a fish out of water."

Above is a link to a video showing Ian Thorpe nervously in line waiting to get to his seat sitting along side both Mario Testino; the royal photographer, and Elton John.

Prince William is a serious contributor to Ian Thorpe's charity, Fountain for Youth.

The Australians don't "talk trash" : They talk goals!

It is well known that Michael Phelps has a talent for turning negative emotions into productive results. Most notably taking "trash talk" statements and/or predictions quoted in a newspaper or a blog and using the negative feelings those words generated to inspire him rather than distract him.

At the 2011 Eric Namesnik Grand Prix held on 4/8/2011 to 4/10/2011, Michael Phelps won the 100m-fly by logging a time of 52.30 whereas last October at the Pan Pacific Championships Phelps clocked in at 50.65. Contrast that to the 2009 Fina World Championships when he swam a 49.82 motivated by the "trash talk" of Milord Cavic. (Milord Cavic also broke 50-seconds in that race.)

Digressing, Phelps didn't have such a great meet at the Namesnik Grand Prix and with the 2011 FINA World Championships justs a few months a way, is he beatable due to his lack of motivation? If so, look who is motivated: My favorite butterfly champ, Geoff Huegill and this guy named Ian Thorpe. With that in mind, who will it be more fun to watch come London, Phelps or the Australians?

Phelps should either go big or go home!

From the Herald Sun:

Geoff Huegill setting his sights on Michael Phelps:

Huegill finished last year ranked second in the world to Phelps in the event. His Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning time of 51.69sec shot him to No.2 in the world in October, with only Phelps (50.65sec) above him.

"I have a good opportunity to race Phelps this year," Huegill said.

"I definitely believe he is going to be the No.1 competitor. He's the one to beat. He's the man who's got the talent, the man who's got the form. He's the one that I am ultimately looking at chasing."

[...]

"I can't be thinking too far ahead. At the moment my No.1 focus is to secure my position on the team," Huegill said. "I am really looking forward to just racing again. We're at the fun end of the stick."

[Link]

If Michael Phelps felt the same way, he would be unbeatable but there is more evidence that he is not motivated rather than throughly inspired. The Australians, Thorpe and Huegill are very dedicated and the emotion is there.

Is Phelps merely swimming just to uphold the agreements in his various contracts or is he really in this to prove once again that he is still the best? I think it is the former rather than the latter. He spent last weekend opening a pool in Vegas, he posted an anemic performance at the Namesick Grand Prix; (anemic to the usual Phelps standard), and he is still forced to explain the reasons for his loses. one has to wonder does he look in the mirror and tell's himself, "I hate my job!"

The USMS is going to become more transparent with its elections!

The USMS or United States Masters Swimming is going to put candidates who are running for office on their website weeks before the election so as to allow more participation.

I like this - it will allow me to blog about it as well.

2011 House of Delegates Update

It is the practice of the Election Committee to not disclose nominee/candidate intentions prior to the close of the initial nomination period on April 30th.

However, as reported in the Board minutes of March 2, 2011, Jeff Moxie will not run for reelection as USMS President. Because of Jeff's decision, it may be assumed that other qualified members, one or more who may currently be other officers, will choose to run for president. In the event current officers run for president instead of running for reelection, there will be other open positions that may not be equally apparent to all interested individuals.

Therefore, in order to maintain a fair and transparent election process the Board approved (in their meeting on April 6th , 2011) a temporary adjustment to election policy (IV.B.5) to read: "The committee may extend the nomination period six weeks for any office which the current officer is not standing for reelection after the nomination period expires."

What this means is that soon after the initial nomination period closes, on April 30, the Election Committee will post the list of candidates on the web site and reporting all positions which have an extended nomination period. This list of positions will include any office in which the current officer is not running for reelection, regardless if other candidates are slated.In addition, the Election Committee will communicate with the House of Delegates, informing you of the positions which have an extended nomination period.

As always, we encourage you, our volunteer leadership, to consider running for higher office. And if you have any interest in running or any questions about the this adjustment or any aspect of our election process, please contact any member of our election committee.

Thank you.

Rob Copeland
USMS Election Committee Chair

Thorpe versus Phelps will be the highpoint of my Olympics if both attend!

Ian Thorpe: Working hard at a comeback.
Michael Phelps: Struggling to stay motivated.

One wears suits and ties by Armani in fancy restaurants world over, the other wears hoodies and beanies at a poker table. One of them keeps their private life as private as possible by training in seclusion and occasionally even living in seclusion, the other shows up in Vegas and is moderately accessible.

One will be attending a Royal wedding, the other opens pools and trade shows in Vegas, baby!

To see both struggling athletes go at it will be the highlight of the Olympics. If Thorpe races him in the 100-free or 200-free, I have to say the one with the most emotion will win.

You all ready know who my favorite is.

P.S. How about those fake...er...fake tans?

The watch worn by elite combat swimmers is...

Military watches are sort of trendy right now. Some sell for as much as $11,500 such as the U-Boat Men's 1858 Thousands of Feet watch or the Bell & Ross BR03-92 Automatic Military selling used for $4,000.

Now compare those dollar amounts to what the "real" Navy SEALs wear - It is claimed that the Navy SEALs wear a Luminox Black Out SEAL which retails for $295 or about 2.5% the cost of a U-Boat Men's 1858 Thousands of Feet watch. (What a name for a watch makes you think you can dive all the way down to the bottom of the ocean.)

From a Luminox press release:

"... The Navy SEALs are issued Luminox watches, designed to be used on missions when timing is extra critical. “I have always liked Luminox watches,” North said. “You can dive with them, you can read them at night, they are rugged and they are good looking watches that flat-out perform..."

[Link]

Keep in mind it is a press release. I saw a stern rebuttal to this idea and several photos of SEALs wearing different brands. Some were Casios, one was a British watch. Nonetheless, I see an opportunity here for our men in uniform

If I was a Navy SEAL, and I have no idea if this is legal or acceptable under military rules and practices, I would go to such manufacturers as: U-Boat, Bell & Ross, Lüm-Tec, Baume & Mercier and ask for a watch sponsorship. I would have my "agent" tell them I will wear your watch during deployment for a free watch and a "nominal fee" or I will wear it during my full tenure as a Navy SEAL for a bunch watches and a "huge" fee... but that is just me.

So, am I man enough to wear a Luminox Navy SEAL watch or any other military watch with jeans, to a board room, or a black tie event?The answer is no way but the "Watch Snob" explains why you're not able to either! [Ask Men - Link]

The FINA Task Force report! - It's the math, stupid!

Two readers have pointed me to the FINA Task Force report regarding the Fran Crippen death. (Thank you Rob and Mike).

I want to read it a couple more times to be sure that I have not missed anything. On a quick scan through I see that the task force offered no solutions or guidelines but rather outlined what topics need to be addressed.

To begin: The cause of death is clear: It was too damn hot, both the air and water.

So far USA Swimming is the only governing body to suggest clear rule changes such as specific water temps, GPS, and such but USA Swimming isn't the rule maker for FINA. These are just demands.

Now, here is where FINA, USA Swimming, and even event promoters are not getting the information they need most; (Warning here comes a technical sentence) - What is the coefficient of heat transfer between skin and salt water? Or, what air-to-water temp ratio is absolutely in the safe range to swim in. Engineers please?

That sentence is a mouthful but here is what it means: Mechanical engineers have lots of charts and books with exact formulas and answers in them. These formulas can tell engineers all sorts or mechanical details such as how long it takes for a ceramic cup to cool down after it has been in a pottery kiln? How long it takes for salt water to evaporate at specific air temps, even how long and how hot it has to be to make bread rise.

Now, somewhere in one of those arcane references is a water-to-air ratio that can simply state when a body overheats or goes hypothermic in either fresh water or saltwater. If none exist, which I sincerely doubt is the case, then one has to be researched.

Till then, I say pick a number that is so safe in regards to both hyperthermia and hypothermia standards that races can be conducted quite safely till a coefficient is produced.

More later.

Further update on the Mitch Ivey complaint

Susan Woessner, the Athlete Protection Officer at USA Swimming is taking the Mitch Ivey complaint very seriously and I can't emphasize that enough. I am actually impressed.

So far their preliminary investigation has found that, Noel Moran Quilici, who was Mitch Ivey's ex-wife and who was directly named in the Sports Illustrated and ESPN media passed away in 2009. It was her comments to ESPN that emphatically stated that Mitch Ivey's sex with a minor was the reason for their divorce. Though this setback has taken place, the investigation still moves forward and the results will be published once a National Board of Review completes it's business .

The fact that I have never had contact with Mitch Ivey, nor had anyone close to me in my immediate family or friends outside of it, USA Swimming is still taking this complaint seriously and I find this very refreshing.

When the results are posted after a National Bord of Review, I will post the results.

Red Bull diving in the Yucatan! - Insane diving takes place in a jungle paradise!

Red Bull does the best events:

"...The second stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Mexico's Cenote Ik Kil witnessed four rounds of aerial artistry from a platform 27.25 metres high. Standing tallest of all at the end of the competition was one Orlando Duque..."

[Here is a link to the video: Link]

More info:

TOUCHING THE VOID

Stop 2 of Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2011 goes to Orlando Duque (COL), Southampton's Gary Hunt finishes 2nd

In the green heart of the Yucatán jungle, Colombia’s Orlando Duque got a second victory under his belt. After winning the kick-off competition in Rapa Nui, the nine-time world champion once more performed outstandingly, receiving two 10s from the judges. The root-covered sacred well in the eco-archaeological park of Cenote Ik Kil, Mexico, was the stunning location for the second stop of the 2011 World Series on April 10, which inspired the world's high diving elite in a close fight for the podium. The World Series' most senior participant, Slava Polyeshchuk from Ukraine, took his first podium finish behind last year’s dominator Gary Hunt (GBR).

Tied after round one and tied after round two – the World Series champions in 2009 and 2010, Orlando Duque and Gary Hunt, battled hard in the first two heats. It was the reverse double somersault with four twists, which made the Colombian take the decisive lead in the third round. With two 10s from the judges, the highest score for a single dive (156.60pts) was once again awarded to the 36-year-old, paving the way for the second win out of two. “Last season was tough. I’d learned a couple of new dives, I had to struggle with them a little bit to make them work and get on the right side of the fine between missing the dive and doing really well. In pre-season, I focused a lot on quality and it looks like it’s paying off. I’m feeling a lot, lot better than last year. I’m happy, man,” says the Colombian who now leads the overall standings, eleven points ahead of reigning World Series champion Gary Hunt (29). The Englishman appeared more confident here in Mexico than at the first stop and finished second ahead of 44-year-old Slava Polyeshchuk. The veteran diver from Kiev (UKR) made for a new face on the podium as he very proudly paraded his trophy at the prize-giving ceremony. He succeeded in a tight battle for third place over Cyrille Oumedjkane by only 2.3 points. The Frenchman from Strasbourg performed well and claimed his highest ever World Series finish.

Gary Hunt (GBR)

I’m happy to be on the podium again but second place is not as good as first place. I felt in better shape and better form than in Rapa Nui so it’s going in the right direction. I know I’m going to return home now and train even harder. We’ve got five more stops left and I’ll give it my best shot to come back. Orlando’s not put a foot wrong and is diving really consistently.

Due to last-minute flight complications, Artem Silchenko from Russia was absent from this weekend’s competition and lost his second place in the overall standings. His position has been taken by the Brit Hunt, with the 27-year-old Russian falling back to sixth. Slava Polyeshchuk is now in third (24), followed by Cyrille Oumedjkane and Michal Navratil, both tied in fourth place (18).

27.25m of free fall from bright sunlight into a dark cave – located in the northern Yucatán Peninsula, the well of sacrifice was attributed mystical powers by the Maya. Just ten minutes north of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a place listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, this impressive fresh water sinkhole overwhelmed the world’s twelve best high divers on their return to Cenote Ik Kil. Rookie diver Steven Lobue (USA), who impressed with a top-six finish in only his second World Series competition, was awe-struck: “It really is something special here. It’s very natural. It’s much more than I could have even imagined. Just amazing.”

For the next stop on May 22, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2011 will touch down on European soil for the first time when it arrives in Athens, Greece.

'Daily Mail Online' fluff piece: Could man soon be able to breathe underwater?

The Mail Online has a mildly interesting article in regards to why salamanders can breathe underwater whereas a human being obviously cannot: apparently the answer is salamanders are part algae.

From the Mail Online:

In research on salamanders they found that oxygen-producing algae have bonded with their eggs so closely that the two are now inseparable.

By studying the mechanism further, they hope that the same process could be applied to humans one day too.

Read more: [Link]

The article goes deeper than I quoted above explaining how the process could be included into our own DNA. I suspect that turning a human being into a water-breathing "chimera" or sorts is highly doubtful but perhaps there is a medicine in there somewhere?

Nonetheless, it is fun to think how cool it would be to swim a 200-meter free while being able to breath anytime you wanted without losing two-tenths-of-a-second on every turn of the head to breathe.

I found this link on Elliot P.'s Facebook page.

Rayn Lochte for Gatorade, baby! - He's drinking 'Gatorade G Series FIT' product!'

Kara just sent this to me:

Ryan will be a part of a group of athlete ambassadors on the G Series FIT team, along with Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix, pro surfer Coco Ho and more. Gatorade has recognized athletes across a new variety of sports, including swimming, and developed the G Series FIT product to use before, during and after a workout.

As part of the announcement, we shot this video to give viewers an exclusive look at how Ryan stays fit and fueled in the pool...

Facebook link to come!

Mitch Ivey complaint update!

In a previous post I mentioned that I contacted USA Swimming regarding Mitch Ivey's infamous record of sexual harassment and/or sexual abuse if the press allegations I linked to are true. [See this post: Link]

I made no contact today with Ms Woessner. I called 2-or-3 times but she was away from her desk. This is the second day in a row I have missed her. We are emailing each other though and I requested to make an appointment as to when I should call but if that is not doable then we should work together by email.

I am getting discouraged.

Today I will be speaking with Susan Woessner, the Athlete Protection Officer for USA Swimming regarding Mitch Ivey!

Who is Susan Woessner? She could be our "Sharon Stone" from the movie The Quick and the Dead in regards to "gunning down" inappropriate coaches so to speak. See this blog post I wrote in October 2010 : [Link]

The crux of the conversation will be to request that Mitch Ivey be put on the banned coaches list. I suspect the problematic part of this conversation will be twofold in that Mitch Ivey was never, charged, incarcerated, or found guilty of any sexual abuse crimes that I know of. Next up is that I was never a victim nor was a family member of mine a victim, hence all we can do is ask USA Swimming to review the evidence and make a judgement.

It does not appear in the press that an actual swimmer ever complained to USA Swimming despite a preponderance of accusations, one of which includes a statement to ESPN by Noel Moran Quilici, who was Mitch Ivey's ex-wife, who emphatically states he had sex with a minor. [Link - See Poison Ivey section]

I am hoping that USA Swimming will provide insight as to why he is not on the list or to investigate and subsequently put him on the list if all the press reports are true.

As for ASCA, it is hard for me to believe that they do not know about any of these allegations nor press reports. Hence, why would they showcase his image in a "family album" of ASCA coaches so to speak?

Gel seal goggles - I love this concept!

The gel seal presumably conforms to your face rather than compressing against it like a "kraken's tentacle." (A "kraken" is a sea monster of gargantuan size that swallows ships and the like. If this was April Fools I would suggest that we lose 10,000 container ships to krakens yearly.)

Has anyone tried this goggle out? I would love a review - I currently use TYR's metalized Velocity goggle and this concept has never been done before: [Link]

I have just made a "Formal Complaint" against Mitch Ivey at the USA Swimming website...

I have just made a "Formal Complaint" against Mitch Ivey at the USA Swimming website. I mention a preponderance of evidence in such publications as Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, ESPN, The Colorado Springs Gazette and even a divorce court preceding, that Mitch Ivey has engaged in sexual harassment and/or abuse that is summarily against USA Swimming rules and standards.

He should be a banned coach and his photo should be removed from the ASCA photo gallery.

Tony

The 'American Swimming Coaches Association' (ASCA) features banned coach Mitch Ivey in their photo album of ASCA Coaches.

This article has been updated at the bottom! Thank you, Caren, for the update!

Chris D. sent me this and I had to jump on it! The American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) features banned coach, Mitch Ivey, in its photo album of ASCA Coaches. It's the one just below a young Michael Phelps and Bob Bowman!

Link to Mitch Ivey featured in the ASCA Coaches photo album.

WOW! Obviously an oversight but what a scary one at that. If they can't effectively ban a coach from their very own website how can one trust that they can responsibly maintain a banned list of coaches in a database?

UPDATE: Caren mentioned that Ivey may have been removed from the banned list and Mike suggests he was never on it; here is what I know about the guy:

"... Mitch Ivey, the former University of Florida women’s coach who was fired in 1993 on the heels of an investigation into sexual harassment allegations and his relationships with his swimmers, one of whom, then 18, he married as a 30-year-old in 1979. ..." [Link] - The Gazette in Colorado Springs

"... The University of Florida fired its women's coach, MITCH IVEY, after a university investigation of his relationships with his swimmers. The investigation began after ESPN reporters showed up on campus three weeks ago to work on a story about Ivey's interaction with athletes..." [Link] -The New York Times

'... A recent ESPN report painted an unflattering portrait of Ivey as a world-class swim coach who got sexually involved with his athletes, some under the legal age for consent, and verbally abused others to the point of constituting sexual harassment.

ESPN's investigation prompted an internal review of Ivey's job performance by the school's legal counsel that was limited to Ivey's behavior at Florida. That investigation led to Ivey's dismissal. ..." [Link] - The Chicago Tribune

"Noel Moran Quilici, who, at 18, married Ivey, then 30, in 1979. Quilici told ESPN that she "rebuffed his sexual advances" when she was 15 but began a sexual relationship with him at age 17. At the time, she was swimming for Ivey at the Santa Clara Swim Club. Six months after their marriage she discovered his involvement with a 17-year-old swimmer and filed for divorce" [Link] - Sports Illustrated Vault

[ My apologies to Tony Young who appeared on a banned list that was featured above. He was never on a banned list and it is obvious now that the 'Swimmer's Circle," the site I reprinted the list from was in error. My apologies for blindly reprinting the list. Please see the USA Swimming banned list instead.

Here is a list on the USA Swimming site naming 46-coaches who are banned. Ivey's name is not on it: [Link]

Swim stars versus tennis stars!

Sony Ericsson ATP Tennis: I was enthralled over the weekend at the quality of both the players and how much tennis has changed. Maria Sharapova is definitely not hard to look at, Rafael Nadall is amazingly dexterous, good looking and "ripped" and he even played in the semifinal sets against Roger Federer wearing a Richard Mille timepiece valued at $525,000.

I was watching all of this on the Tennis Channel and during the interstitials they would feature brief segments called "bag check with [insert tennis star name goes here.]" These athletes would pull out sunglasses, rackets, sunscreen, all the stuff they are paid to pimp and talk about what they liked about them and how and when they are used.

When the commercials came on, they had one featuring Roger Federer confronted by two female TSA Airport Security officials who find a bag full of Lindt Chocolate truffles surrounded in what appears to be ice. Of course after sampling one, the two women nearly "climax" right there on the spot and then they instruct Federer that he will have to be stripped searched! Consequently I am sold and will sample some of these truffles this week.

After I saw Rafael Nadal destroy Roger Federer I went over to Maria Sharapova's website to see when she was playing next. Therein I learned that she has set up scholarships for kids in or around Chernobyl, she works extensively with a UN Charity, and that Nike takes very good care of her by flying her around in private jets. She is also sponsored by Tag Heuer; a timepiece manufacturer who also "sponsors" Leonardo DeCaprio.

These tennis athletes live amazingly fruitful lives. They spend more money and burn more carbon during a fast weekend than a swimmer can earn in several years time. Why is that? Swimmers can sell sunscreen, sunglasses, suits, goggles, yoga, apparel and even chocolate truffles but they don't. Why?

The worlds most popular sports feature trajectory physics as their premise: Baseball, basketball, football soccer, golf, tennis, etc, etc. Each sport takes an object, usually a ball of sorts, hurls it through space and time by hand or stick and ultimately has a target as the final goal. However, there are some amazingly successful sports that do not rely on the trajectory physics model such as yacht racing, formula one, skiing, skateboarding, snowboarding, cycling, and more. The key component that makes theses concept sports so enticing and ultimately successful generally involves "UFO grade" equipment or equipment the public can own and go out and have some fun with. The fact that athletes therein make a lot of money inspires both kids and parents as well.

As it stands now swimming governing bodies at large will not allow swimmers to wear tech suits. Pools are far and few between and mens college swim programs are evaporating with absolutely no support whatsoever from FINA or USA Swimming. Governing bodies only care about the Olympics, they only care that they can provide a team that wins. They do not want swimming to be a professional sport. They do not want governing body competition.

Tennis gets it, swimming doesn't. When your sport starts to fade you change it. You don't wait for a "Phelps" or a "Spitz" to show up to buoy it. If wearing techsuits would get more people swimming; like it did in 2008, you do what is necessary to grow the sport. Note: have any swimmers been featured in the Huffington Post in 2010 or 2011 besides Michael Phelps? 2008 featured many swimmers especially their suit failures like Ricky Berens and Alessia Filippi. High end equipment also allowed swimmers to sell expensive suits to affluent adults. When that was taken away, so were sponsorships.

The only way for swimmers to be treated and paid as well as tennis stars is to redefine the game in a professional setting that features promoters rather than governing bodies. Promoters will change the sport not governing bodies! Clay Evans once said to me they should hold a race in the Ballagio Fountain in Las Vegas and let people bet on the racers, Make swimming a spectacle rather a boring serious of heats. He is a smart guy!

I fear that swimming will always remain an amatuer sport - governing body execs make to much money and do to little for the sport to try and make it a viable one. For instance, take a look at the college swim programs that are evaporating. What are the governing bodies doing to prevent this decay? Look at the USA Swimming Foundation which suddenly disappeared when donors immediately pulled out. Why did the donors exit so suddenly? Has that ever been explained? What about that post grad FAST program in Fullerton? Why is that suddenly being left to die on the vine? I don't know the answers but a lot of you do.

Japan Tsunami: Lost dog at sea for three weeks found atop flotsam!

From the Mail Online:

It appears almost too good to be true, but this little dog has been found alive and well adrift at sea, an astonishing three weeks after the tsunami that devastated Japan.

Members of the Japan Coast Guard came across the dog on Friday as they were conducting an aerial search of the area.

Against all the odds, the dog appears to have survived by living in a partially submerged house that had been swept out to sea.

[Link]

Blueseventy enters the Formula1 circuit! - I spoke with their driver!

I spoke with their team driver, Dean Jackson, and he mentioned that it never occurred to him how efficient neoprene would be as a tire material for Formula 1 racing. He said the material stays warm, fast, and is the preferred gear for racers.

Here is the press release:

After 1 year of extensive research, blueseventy have partnered with high Profile Derby (UK) based Formula 0.5 Racing outfit, Diamond Racing.

It’s not typical to see a swimming company and motor racing outfit partner, but the relationship came after blueseventy stated looking for ways to use their world champion swim-skins, made illegal in the wake of FINA rule changes in late 2009.

Development manager Steve Nicholls commented on the relationship “ Initially we were going to work with a bicycle brand supplying this unique material for them to put into tyres, but then we realised that bicycle tyres were way too skinny and we wouldn’t use anywhere near enough material up. Someone tabled the idea of monster trucks, but we settled on the idea of car tyres.

Working with Professor N Prene, the innovative swim company developed a new rubber composite is based on a high heat covalent created rubber, dubbed butylene VS. The material is made in a unique process involving chemically dissolving an existing suits, and then pouring the liquid mixture into a tyre mold.

Nicholls states “initially we had some issues with the tyres coming apart, but after we removed the zippers from the suit prior to putting them into the tyre compound, that sorted itself out.

The company is thinking of developing the idea further and has already started a new company branch, named green30, named after the fact that 30% of the world is covered in land.

The green30 company holds a lot of potential, but Marketing Manager Dean Jackson has assured loyal blueseventy customers that it won’t take away from the focus on traditional avenues in performance swim and triathlon. “After all, 70% is a lot larger than 30%” said Jackson.

The new tyre compound will be used in the yet to be announced Formula 0.5 series, a lighter faster series based on the Format of Formula 1.

Rob of 'Rob Aquatics' got a permit from the Dept of Fish and Game to sell both sell burgers and seal skin wetsuits!

I am actually kind of offended. Apparently since the shark population is dwindling to such alarming numbers, central California now has an over abundance of harbor seals and the locals are pissed. Fisherman are having to compete with them and surfers, who the seals accidentally think their feet are fish, are accidentally biting them.

Apparently the Dept. of Fish and Games agrees.

So, the opportunist that Rob...

"...I’ve been alluding to a new venture that I’ve been working on here at Rob Aquatics for a while, and I figured it was time to finally go public! I’m going to sell wetsuits and hamburgers at the beach! I know what you’re thinking, “But Rob you can’t cook and don’t wear wetsuits, how does this make any sense?” To which I would probably say “wow good point… I should have thought this through better.” Anyways, stop raining on my parade hypothetical jerks. These won’t be just any old wetsuits and hamburgers… these are going to be made out of local, freshly caught seals and sea lions! ..."

[Link]

"WD40-Time Off" - Spray on Sunscreen that reportedly repels chlorine and makes you swim faster with less drag!

A company called Swim Spray, has announced a licensing agreement with the WD-40 people for a spray-on sunscreen that, according to the literature, Reduces drag, repels chlorine, moisturizes skin, and provides SPF 80 protection and anti-fungal properties.

So I looked deeper into the ingredients making sure I wasn't actually spraying a "high rez" mineral oil on myself after getting the demo and let me say thank God for Wikipedia:

Partial list of the ingredients: "... Phenylephrine, pramoxine and hydrocortisone. Aloe vera, shark liver oil and yeast extract.

Apparently the first two ingredients are allergy related to contract the skin somewhat and the cortisone is probably uses to reduce inflammation from chlorine. the question s, would the cortisone make you test positive in a drug test?

BTW, in the top right photos of the website, what is that guy looking at? ;-)