By Phillip Whitten
CHARLOTTESVILLE, va., Feb. 10. ONE year ago, ed Moses, the USA's top breaststroker, was tearing up the World Cup circuit, lowering world records five times in just over a week and winding up with mind-boggling short course global marks of 57.47 for the 100m breaststroke and 2:03.17 for 200 meters.
But at the USA Swimming Summer Nationals, Moses swam significantly slower than he expected to.
One major reason was knee injuries, which required two arthroscopic surgeries.
Now, fully recovered and "better than ever," Moses is back in a speedy groove, recording times that would be tops in the NCAA were the University of Virginia senior eligible to compete collegiately. He gave up his college eligibility after turning pro two years ago.
Swimming exhibition — by himself and during the diving break at Cavalier dual meets — Moses parted the waters with steamy times of 1:56.46 and 1:55.33 for 200 yards breaststroke. the conditions under which he is swimming, says Moses, make the swims "no fun."
Here are the specifics:
At the Virginia vs. UNC meet two weeks ago:
1:56.46
Splits: 26.66 – 56.48 – 1:26.28 – 1:56.48
By 50s: 26.66 – 29.82 – 29.80 – 30.20
At the Virginia vs. Maryland meet on Feb. 8:
1:55.33
Splits: 26.49 – 55.70 – 1:25.37 – 1:55.33
By 50s: 26.49 – 29.21 – 29.67 – 29.96