August 10, 2006

USA Swimming Pan Pacs Media Call Quotes

Posted by Scott

Mark Schubert, Brendan Hansen, and Michael Phelps took time out of their busy schedules today to talk with the media prior to the Pan Pacific Championships next week. Swimming World Magazine shared some public comments that I will re-share here.

Mark Schubert’s thoughts on the Chinese swimming team: “We got a look at some of the Chinese swimmers at the Janet Evans Invitational in Los Angeles in mid-July. It is going to be a mixed team with some experience and new faces. I don’t think they are bringing a large team to Pan Pacs. Two years out, the host team has an advantage with enthusiasm. It will be interesting to see how they compete in Victoria.”

Michael Phelps’ thoughts on the chinese swimming team: “The world has been getting faster and faster. The host country usually performs really well. I look for them to start swimming faster and to make things exciting over the next two years.”

Schubert on the rumors of Dara Torres and Lenny Krayzelburg returning to competition: “I heard the same rumor about Dara Torres. I know for a fact that Lenny Krayzelburg is training. We don’t call them comebacks and retirements anymore. We see too many returns. We are pleased that Lenny is returning and compete in the Trials. I hope Dara does too. It would be history making.”

Brendan Hansen’s opening statement (quote of the call in my book): “I don’t think that I really did that great at USA Nationals. Breaking the world records were nice, but I wanted to break them by a lot. There is more in the tank. I worked on the little things during the training camp. Hopefully, I can go some best times at Pan Pacs.”

Phelps on recent positive drug tests around the sporting world: “It is weird with sports nowadays. It is disappointing that some people work so hard and some people cheat to do things. It is very sad that some sports and some athletes have come to that. It is their decision to do that. I think swimming has been a great sport and something we have had a lot of success with. We have proved that we are clean.”

Schubert on Gary Hall Jr. making the team: “We are excited to see Gary’s persistence in training. He is excited about swimming the 100 free. He is a great relay swimmer. The men’s team’s excitement about having Gary on the squad was shown when they elected him captain.”

Phelps on the 200-meter backstroke race against Aaron Peirsol: “The 200 back is an event that I sort of swim every now and then I will mix it in. Aaron has been unbeatable since right after Sydney. He is the guy everyone wants to race. I am just looking to get into the water and race him. We have gone at it a couple of times, and he has won every single time. We are part of Team USA. We would like to be top of the world into that event leading into the World Championships. My event program depends on this year for what will help me prepare for the Olympics. This summer is the last test for what would be a good event for me to swim.”

Hansen on drugs in sports and if swimmers were to test positive: “I think they should be banned from USA Swimming if they are found with a banned substance. There should be a no-tolerance rule. That would bring fear into it. I would be floored if I saw a swimmer from the U.S. test positive. As a team, we take pride in the fact that we get drug tested as much as we do. I would be extremely surprised if I was to see a positive drug test from this team.”