What does it feel like to finish third at Olympic trials?

Above is Davis Tarwater, a guy who placed third at Olympic trials behind Michael Phelps and Ian Crocker in the 100m 'fly.

I have to add that Davis Tarwater is a remarkable swimmer and he probably could have made any other Olympic team.

From the New York Times: "...Hayley McGregory knows that feeling, too. Third in both backstroke events at the 2004 trials, McGregory broke Natalie Coughlin’s world record in the women’s 100 backstroke preliminaries Monday, only to have Coughlin take it back in the next heat. One night later, in the final, McGregory faded to third behind Coughlin and Margaret Hoelzer. From euphoria to sadness, in 36 hours. ..." [Link]

WCSN will stream live the Mare Nostrum swim meet

WCSN which does some really great work and they are going to have online videos of the Mare Nostrum swim meet from Canet, France this weekend. You can watch it at your convenience or stream it live.

40-year-old Dara Torres will be swimming there as part of her comeback. Tara Kirk will be swimming, Erik Vendt, Dana Vollmer, Kaitlin Sandeno, Leila Vaziri, Kim Vandenberg, Davis Tarwater, Kosuke Katajima, Jodie Henry, and Michael Phelps teammate Peter Vanderkay. Whew! What a party! For details click here. [Link]

This just in: Michael Phelps pulls out of 'Mare Nostrum'

Breaking! Look at me, I can be just like the Drudge Report too. You know, write the word "BREAKING" in red-number-10 and take credit for somebody else's story!

Nahh, I won't do that, but I will credit Timed Finals with an amazing "scoop" noting that Michael Phelps is pulling out of Mare Nostrum to focus on US Nationals! [Link]

Very smart idea! If Michael Phelps wants his weight in gold medals he needs to win every event he swims. Going to Mare Nostrumto to face the world would probably be easier than facing Ian Crocker and teammate Davis Tarwater so consequently the eye on the prize at US Nationals is a very sound decision.