Kelly Lennon - (Author)

Dear NBC, Hey guys! It’s been a long four years since the last Olympics. What seems like forever, really. In those four years, swimmers across the world have been training endlessly to prepare for some, their first, and some, their last, Olympic Trials and -hopefully- the Olympic Games. These elite ...

By Kelly Lennon, Swimming World College Intern Originally posted May 29, 2015 We've all been there. Whether you're a distance swimmer or just unfortunate enough to be one of those kids that gets thrown into every event at every meet, you've likely swam the mile at some point in your career. Sixty-si...

By Kelly Lennon, Swimming World College Intern Recently my dad convinced my to participate in my first open water swim (five days post wisdom teeth extraction, at that) and let me tell you, it was an experience. I swam the 2 mile event at the Wildfish Race in Salem, MA and was entirely unprepared fo...

By Kelly Lennon, Swimming World College Intern Swimmer, non swimmer, boy, girl, distancer, sprinter-- no matter who you are, you know who Katie Ledecky is. And if you don't, you will. The 18-year-old phenom is making herself a household name across the country, winning nothing but gold since her wor...

Who is Ray Essick? Former head coach at Southern Illinois University, producing 21 All-Americans Former head coach at Harvard University Served as National Competitive Swimming Administrator for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Joined USA Swimming upon its founding in 1980 Served as USA Swimming's f...

Who is John Leonard? Began coaching career in Syracuse, NY developing national finalists and a '76 Olympian Developed a powerful club team, Lake Forest Swim Club, in Illinois in 1978 Executive Director of American Swimming Coaches Association since 1985, Founded World Swimming Coaches Association in...

Who is Dale Neuburger? Princeton University, Class of 1971 Swam at Princeton for Hall of Fame Honoree Bob Clotworthy and his final year with Bill Farley Manager of IUPUI Natatorium, 1982-1991 President of Indiana Sports Corporation, 1993-2005 Served as Meet Director for Men's/Women's NCAAs several t...

By Kelly Lennon, Swimming World College Intern My first YMCA Nationals, I was lining up for the 500 when I saw a girl absolutely JAMMING out behind the blocks. Her headphones had this colorful string wrapped around it and she was moving completely freely and wildly, making her impossible to miss. I ...

By Kelly Lennon, Swimming World College Intern Though I label myself as a distance swimmer, over the years I've dabbled in the 200 free. Freshman year of college, I swam the 200 free at only one dual meet and three tapered meets. The freshman record for the 200 free was a 1:51.57 and something that ...

Hey Coach, Yes, it’s me-- still alive even after a year of college swimming. COLLEGE swimming. Can you believe that? Because I certainly can’t. I remember my first practice of my freshman year of high school like it was yesterday. You know, the one where you made me lead the lane and I was terrified...