ANN ARBOR, Michigan, April 28. THE American-record holder in the 400 freestyle, Klete Keller is leaving Club Wolverine to train under Dave Salo with Trojan Swim Club at the University of Southern California. Keller will also return to school to complete his degree while training for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Keller represented USC as a freshman and sophomore, but turned professional in 2002 and bypassed his final two years of collegiate eligibility. His decision to leave Club Wolverine was reported in the Detroit Free Press. Keller is expected to leave for Southern California next week and will begin training alongside fellow Olympians Lenny Krayzelburg and Amanda Beard. When he first reported to Michigan, Keller trained under Jon Urbanchek.
While a member of Club Wolverine, Keller was one of three swimmers from the club to contribute to the United States' 800 free relay that won Olympic gold in Athens and set a world record last month at the World Championships in Melbourne. The relay also featured Wolverine teammates Michael Phelps and Peter Vanderkaay, with the fourth member being Ryan Lochte.
"I think that both Klete and I, and Jon, felt like he needed a change," said Bob Bowman, the head man at Michigan and Club Wolverine. "We know he loves it at USC and he'll have an opportunity to be back at school there. We wish him all the best. We think the change will be good for his swimming."
Keller won bronze medals in the 400 free at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, but he struggled at the World Championships in Melbourne, failing to reach the final in the 200 and 400 free events. He did, however, contribute a strong leg to the 800 free relay during its world-record performance.