By John Lohn
CRANBURY, New Jersey, July 8. NOW that the United States Olympic Trials have come to an end, our 32-week Olympic Preview Series heads into its final stages. This week, we take a look at the men's 100 freestyle, an event that has changed significantly – from a speed standpoint – during the past year. Where 47-point was formerly the land of Hoogie, it's now a free-for-all.
Historical Perspective
Defending Champion: Pieter van den Hoogenband (Netherlands) – 48.17.
World-Record Holder: Alain Bernard (France) – 47.50.
Most Titles: United States (12) – Charles Daniels (1908); Duke Kahanamoku (1912/1920); Johnny Weismuller (1924/1928); Walter Ris (1948); Clark Scholes (1952); Don Schollander (1964); Mark Spitz (1972); Jim Montgomery (1976); Rowdy Gaines (1984); Matt Biondi (1988).
Notable: Although the United States has won the most gold medals in event history, it's been 20 years since the United States claimed victory. In 1988, Matt Biondi scorched a time of 48.63 to take top honors.
Here's a look at the medal contenders.
Alain Bernard:
The Frenchman has had a rapid ascension up the international ladder, highlighted by his world-record performance of 47.50 at the European Championships. He is one of the Big Four in the French sprint arsenal, which is expecting big things in Beijing. A duplication of his Euro showing will place Bernard in the gold-medal hunt.
Eamon Sullivan:
The Australian has been a rising force on the global scene for several years and is history's second-fastest performer with a best mark of 47.52. Sullivan, who is the world-record holder in the 50 freestyle, was the bronze medalist at the 2007 World Championships. He's been plagued by some minor injuries this year, but if he's healthy, consider Sullivan a favorite for the gold.
Garrett Weber-Gale:
At the United States Trials, Weber-Gale had one of the biggest breakouts on the male side. He won the 50 free in American-record time and clocked 47.92 for the 100 free. Obviously riding a wave of confidence, Weber-Gale could be the guy who helps carry the U.S. to the next level in sprinting.
Jason Lezak:
The veteran sprinter heads into Beijing having popped the best 100 free race of his life, an American-record effort of 47.58 arriving in the semifinals of the U.S. Trials. Still seeking his first individual medal in Olympic competition, Lezak will need to reproduce that mid-47 showing to break through.
Pieter van den Hoogenband:
The two-time defending Olympic champion will try to become the first man in history to win an event three straight Olympiads. Grant Hackett will try to pull off the same feat in the 1500 free. Hoogie has been a best of 48.37 this year and must return to his 47-point ways to chase a medal.
Cesar Cielo:
The Auburn University star, who has torched the NCAA Championships during his career, should be a factor in Beijing. He was fourth at last year's World Championships, just missing a medal and has gone 48.34 this year.
Fabien Gilot:
The second French entry in the event, Gilot has been 48.02 this year and will also focus on helping his nation to gold in the 400 free relay. Dipping into the 47-second range is a must for any individual-medal hopes.
South African Starpower:
Roland Schoeman was the silver medalist four years ago in Athens and has been 48-low. His veteran teammate, Ryk Neethling, is a 48-mid man with plenty of experience on the international scene.
The Others:
Italian Filippo Magnini shared the world title last year with Canadian Brent Hayden. Magnini also won the world crown in 2005 and has been a best of 48.35 this year. Hayden, too, will be a factor. Also keep an eye on Sweden's Stefan Nystrand, a member of the sub-48 club, Russia's Evgeni Lagunov and Aussie Matt Targett.