PHOENIX, Arizona, July 5. IN an interview taped today for an upcoming edition of The Morning Swim Show, Elliott Keefer confirmed that Olympian Scott Spann has retired.
In the interview, which will be streamed in its entirety on SwimmingWorld.com Friday, Keefer said he was told he would be replacing Spann on the USA world championship team in the 200 breaststroke by his coach. Keefer would later be contacted by Eddie Reese and Spann, who both would confirm the retirement. Keefer will join Eric Shanteau as the entrants for the USA in the 200 breast in Shanghai.
Keefer was originally part of the roster for the World University Games, and as the next-fastest swimmer in the event on the roster, Keefer was moved to the world championship team. Clark Burckle and Adam Klein are now the two swimmers competing in the 200 breast at the World University Games.
Spann won the 200 breast at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials and finished sixth in that event at the 2008 Olympics. In his final major international competition, Spann placed seventh in the 200 breast at the 2010 Pan Pacific championships.
Watch the clip from Keefer's interview regarding Spann's retirement below.