Aaron Peirsol

May I Have This Dance?

2004-08-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

O goodness, the funniest thing just happened!! I was browsing NBC.com and came across this video clip that apparently involved both Thorpe and Aaron, and so of course, out of impulse, I clicked on it, and little did I know what I was in store for!!

There, on this little two minute clip was Peirsol, Thorpe, Beard and Sandeno all going to the Sports Illustrated party!! It was nice seeing Aaron is something other then a bathing suit, and you actually get to see them dance!! The main focus of the video was Thorpe and then the girls getting ready, but it was still really cute and you should go see it.

The Clip is hilarious and you will all enjoy it!! Many others are there as well, of different swimmers and athletes.

Just thought you all would like to see Aaron dance.

On A Lighter Note...

2004-08-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

After discussing the topic of drugs, which tends to be a heavier topic, I decided that I would add some 'fluff' to this blog.

First of all, if anybody out there is an HTML whiz, PLEASE PLEASE sign the guestbook or leave a message on the tagboard with your email address. That is if you are willing to make a background for this blog. Unfortunately I am absolutely horrible at computers, but I would love to have a background that is a little more swimming or aaron oriented. So if any of you are at all interested in doing a background, please contact me!!

What I would do is make you a group memeber and all you to access the template, which would allow you change it. You don't have to remain a group member or anything, or write anything, but its just so I can make this a little more attractive.

Also, I would love to know who I am talking to, so if you have time, please leave some information on the guestbook. Here are some sample thing that would be fun to know.

Who are you?

Where are you from?

Favorite Sports

Favorite Band, Movie and Song

School Level (if applicable)

If you met Aaron, what would you ask him?

If you were deserted on an Island, what would be one thing, besides Aaron, that you would bring with you (jk jk)

How did you find out about this site?

What do you think about the site?

How can I make the site better?

How did you first come across Aaron?

How long have you been a fan of his?

What, besides his adorable looks and swimming skills, attracts you to him?

Those are just some options, but it is all up to you. Its great that people are signing the tagboard, but after a while those are deleted, and the guestbook isn't. So I would rather you sign that.

Also, if you live in Norcal, come to the Tiburon Mile!

Another Perfect Chance to Blab...Controversy?

2004-08-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

As the olympics are over and all the swimmers have gone home, well I suppose they might have stayed, I really couldn't tell you, but now controversy and debates are on the down low and most people are exhausted from talking about swimming in the olympics that they just don't say anything at all, which doesn't give me much to talk about...

I did find a very interesting comment on the USA swimming website (which as you can tell I enjoy reading, there are actually some very intelligent people writing there and I enjoy reading their opinions, as most are older then me...) But... (On an tangent, I CAN'T BELIEVE THE US WOMEN'S WATERPOLO TEAM LOST TO ITALY!!! Sorry, had to get that out)

It had to do with a rumor that was started that Phelps was 'doped out' (we haven't yet deterimed whether this meant marijuana or just 'doped out on steroids') But which of course led to the conversation of Ian Thorpe, then Ian Thorpe vs Micheal Phelps, which will probably be a topic starter for years to come, at least until Bejing.

Now, if you read earlier on this blog, I did say that Thorpe spoke out against drugs, and later I found out that so did Phelps. Nowadays it seems as if most athletes are telling the younger generation not to be on drugs (not sure if Peirsol has, but nobody thinks he is on drugs, so it doesn't really matter) but I really am curious as to whether they are on drugs... doesn't that seem like the perfect cover? Maybe I have been reading too many books, but won't the public be less likely to suspect someone who speaks out against drugs then someone who doesn't? It seems like common sense to me.

Coming from a school where competing to be the best is the only thing we seem to do (and I go to a public school!) I can see why people take drugs to make themselves "the best" as we are always wanting to be that person. I myself have felt that, way though thankfully never resorted to drugs, but I know of people who either get so stressed out that they take drugs to calm down, or think that drugs will help them, which is a total lie!

Drugs, even outside of swimming, is an even larger issue!! Tons of kids at my school get high each weekend, even at breaks or lunch, and frankly its disgusting. I hate watching as blood shot student come sauntering into class, smelling of pot! I didn't even know what pot smelled like before I came to this school, which is surprsingly a great school that is ranked highly in the United States.

What do you all think about the drug issue? Please post a comment if you are a member or else just sign the guestbook and leave a comment there! Sorry that this was a horrible opinion sorta thing, but I brain works in odd ways.

Facts From My Website- In Case You Haven't Read Them

2004-08-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

Here is an interview that was taken with Aaron that has twenty questions that he answered. Since I was bored and I thought you all should know some random facts about me (plus I am self-centered sometimes and just wanted to talk about myself) I too have answered the questions. This part of course was not originally apart of the interview, but you all are smart enough to realize that, correct?

Aaron Peirsol has big plans. He took a break to talk to special correspondent Bob Schaller about cars, books, his sister Hayler and an embarassing encounter with the police he went through as a child for this weeks 20 Questions Tuesday.

1. What is your dream car?

Aaron- A CL55 AMG- It's a Mercedes.

Sarah- ooo, this one is easy!! A Mini Cooper with the British flag on the top!

2. We're watching you on the big screen, what's the role?

Aaron- James Bond. It seems like he's cool. Something else cool would be Braveheart - or a role like that.

Sarah- Something like Kill Bill... Dunno really... something thats fun to act out, ya know?

3. Your little sister, Hayley, has quite a following. What's a sport or activity she's beaten you at?

Aaron- Easy question! My parents-- she has a hand over on that. She just does, and I could explain it if you asked me to. But she does.

Sarah- Well I have a younger brother as well, so this question can apply. My brother beats me at... getting in trouble!! No, something serious... he is better at woodworking!

4. What's chasing you in the woods, a tiger or bear?

Aaron- Can I pick neither? One or the other, choose? (pause)... I guess a tiger, because it's cool looking. But either way, face it - your done.

Sarah- Well, it depends on the bear or tiger. If it were a polar bear, then definitely that (since its my favorite animal) but if it were a grizzly, then obviously the tiger, since I want to die looking at something pretty!

5. What's the last book you read?

Aaron- The Godfather. It was a great book, awesome

Sarah- I am in the middle of the Scarlet Letter, but I love any Dan Brown books!! Frankly I will read anything!

6. How many kids will you have after you get married?

Aaron- Three, I guess. Between three and 20. How's that?

Sarah- When I first saw the video in science class that shows a woman giving birth I was set on adopting, but I suppose I would have two to three kids, not too many.

7. What gets you to the pool when you just don't feel it happening?

Aaron- Knowing the guys will be there, too, going through same thing I'm facing.

Sarah- Music sometimes. But mostly my friends!! I have one friend, Celine, who really encourages me, so she is awesome, but so is my entire team, swimming and waterpolo!

8. Is that part of what makes this particular moment of time at the University of Texas so special?

Aaron- Yes, and it really is true - this is a special time down here. It's a common bond, an understanding that everyone else understands waht the motivation and goals are. Having everyone at the same level really helps all of us.

Sarah- I obviously don't go to the University of Texas, but I am nervous about this whole college process, but I will deal I suppose. I love my high school team because everyone gets along and we enjoy eachothers company and have become the best of friends even outside of the pool.

9. What sport, besides swimming, would you be a pro in if you had a choice?

Aaron- Probably surfing. I love the sport, love to travel the world, love to go to cool places.

Sarah- Well for me it would be waterpolo, but I would also love to be a diver, but I can't dive at all!! Another cool sport would be synchronized swimming, but can't do that either.

10. Aaron Peirsol is put in charage of deciding where the Olympics are to be held at some date in the future. Where would that be?

Aaron- Where could we have it? Geeze, let me thing... I loved Australia, so I'd have it there again. There's just nothing wrong with Australia.

Sarah- Difficult! I love Australia, sicne I am half Australian, but I also love California, either SoCal or NorCal...

11. Where would you live if you could pick anywhere?

Aaron- I'd probably live in Tahiti. The areas around there are great. So even if it were just for a couple of years, that's what I'd go with. I'd go surfing all the time, and just hang out.

Sarah- You know what makes me laugh about this question and his answer, because freshman year my friend Molly and I were set on living in Tahiti... we even cut out pictures from National Geographics and covered our binders with them... but other then that, probably England.

12. What is your favorite area of study in school?

Aaron- Biology. It is just fascinating. Put down Physics, too, for me. I love physics. I just love to know how things work and why.

Sarah- I love English and History, but my Environmental class is fun as well... I just started photography, so far that is fun!

13. What's your favorite non-swimming website that you frequent?

Aaron- Surfline.com. Its a cool site.

Sarah- I like... www.qui2nous2.com Its a french site for my favorite singer...

14. Based on what you've learned at Texas, and having a younger sister in the sport, you seem like a candidate to be a coach someday. Do you see that happening?

Aaron- Probably not. I don't know. It depends on a lot of things. I've always told myself probably not, because when I leave the sport, I'll leave it for good. So, the answer would be no, unless it was an absolutely perfect situation.

Sarah- I'm not good enough at anything to coach, but I would if I had the chance.

15. You seem awfully innocent. I'm assuming trouble doesn't find you often. Anything you can present to disprove that?

Aaron- (Laughs) How (Pauses again, and laughs) innocent do you want it to be? When we were young, really little - Hayley called teh cops when she and I were having a disagreement. She was 5, and I was 7. She was crazy. I still remember to this day. The police actually showed up at our house over this disagreemtn between brother and sister.

Sarah- O goodness, I am not a party person!! My brother called the cops one, not on me though... the only time I have ever been anywhere where cops have come was a surprise b-day party for two friends on mine where we had a live band and apparently the noise was too loud. Since we had like twenty parents there though, the police left! We offered them cake though!

16. Where are you at the age 40?

Aaron- Where? I don't know, probably somewhere close to the beach. Hopefully, I'm happy. That's what's most important - and that I am close to family and friends, and have a good job.

Sarah- Married, with kids maybe, writing for a magazine or working in show business!! Probably not, I would most likely be a stay at home and in my spare time write an award winning novel...duh

17. Who is your favorite pro athlete that you'd like to meet?

Aaron- Rob Michada, he's a surfer in southern California. He's really good.

Sarah-.... Do I really need to answer that? I have a website and blog about him...

18. When are your buddies on the University of Texas football team going to win it all? They seem overdue.

Aaron- Hopefully sooner rather then later. They need to win it pretty soon. Things need to be right, though. But they do have a lot of talen on that team. Still, big games seem a little harder for them than the others.

Sarah- Well, about winning... my waterpolo coach that said if we win the high school league he would take us on a cruise... fun fun!

19. What's your favorite candy bar?

Aaron- I can never choose on stuff like that. I mean, seriously, I take 10 minutes to choose a candy bar in a store. Maybe a Butterfinger.

Sarah- I like... crunchie bars!

20. What's your favorite magazines to read?

Aaron- I'd probably pick a sailing one, or one about yachts - maybe one about surfing. I have a friend whom I talk to, and we share this common goal, of wanting to get this really sweet yacht and travel the world. So we look online or in magazines at yachts.

Sarah- I love British rock magazines, since they are a good culture shock, but if I had to choose something local, probably Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair or Seventeen.

Well thats it for that... I might post more info later. On Sarah news though, today some kid in one my classes had a University of Texas shirt on!!! And then I started looking at him, and realized, that he sorta looks like Aaron. He is two grades below me and isn't as hot and doesn't swim, I think, but other then that... perfect match! BROTHERS!! I swear! lol...

Disqualification Chat

2004-08-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

(Did I spell disqualification right?)

Well, I didn't really comment heavily on Aaron's DQ when it happened, seeing as it was my birthday and I was busy eating cake and opening presents, so sorry. I started writing one, but dinner interrupted me, and by the time I got back on, it was yesterday and it was too late to post it.

So... here I am commenting on the DQ days after it has taken place, but who really cares?

First of all, I want to acknowledge Markus Rogan of Austria as being one of the nicest people I have ever heard of!! (I haven't actually met him) I was rereading some articles on the DQ to figure out what exactly had happened, and I found some very sweet quotes by Rogan, who was the silver place finisher in the 200 and the 'could have been' gold medalist if the appeal hadn't come through. You want to know what makes him so great? The fact that even though he could have been awarded the gold medal, he wanted Aaron to win it. Here are some quotes taken from an article on Sports Illustrated.

"Why, he was asked, was he so accepting of the officials' bungled decision? "Aaron is one of my best friends," Rogan explained. "Nothing is as beautiful as friendship."

Isn't that one of the nicesty things you have ever heard? It makes you think closely about who you think your rivals really are!

Another one...

"It's a bad decision," Rogan insisted. "Not fair. He beat me by seconds. He ran away with the race. An infraction like this is so subjective and so small. What does it gain? I felt really good about the silver medal, because it was a strong swim. I don't if I want to get a gold medal like this. It's not sporting."

I would write more, but that would just be boring for you, so go check out the article, linked above. It was well written and everything, so you should enjoy it.

What I was really interested in though were the discussions at the USA swimming website by the fans that watched the race. So many were against the calling, some were for, it was quite an odd forum. You had officials posting who said that he was rightly DQ'd and others saying he did absolutely nothing wrong! It was sort of like of my family. Half thought he should be DQ's (the bad half) and then the good half said he shouldn't!

It was actually really confusing as to what happened about this whole DQing. First he was fine, then he was DQ'd and then suddenly he wasn't!! It all happened way too fast for me to even think!!! I felt bad for Aaron though!! I remember the first time I got DQ'd. I was around seven and was swimming my first butterfly race EVER!! (my coaches hadn't even taught me how) and I was DQ'd. Ok, first of all- who in their right mind disqualifies a SEVEN YEAR OLD!?!?! and second- I was losing anyway!!

Thats sort of how I feel about Aaron's turn. He won by so much that even if he had done the turn right (supposing at worst that he did it wrong) he still would have won by seconds. Its not as if this was the winning factor to his race, I just think its a whole lot about nothing.

Well I will leave you for now, seeing as my English teacher has assigned a ton of homeworkd (an entire ESSAY!!) and my dinner awaits me!! O, in case you were interested, waterpolo tryouts were today, it was fun, though I have no doubt that I will make varisty again!! Well, until later...

O Where O Where Could Aaron Peirsol Be?

2004-08-22T18:05:00.001-07:00

Since my stupid computer deleted this entry the last time I attempted to publish it, I am going to try and post it this time!

As I was looking over websites, specifcally Aaron websites, I came across a funny trend. Whenever fans sign the guestbooks, they write out their entry as if Aaron is reading it. Now, since I am not a fortune teller, I am not going to say that he doesn't read things like this, but itsn't it a bit peculiar that practically everyone believes he reads it? Its that a fairly large assumption?

Also, Aaron, if you do read this site, which would be one of the coolest things in the entire world, please leave a note or something, just so I know!

But back to the topic. Right now, you might be wondering why I started this blog then if I am not one of those people, such as Lisa who thankfully signed my guestbook. I have two reasons I started this blog. First of all, I love to write, and what better way to voice my opinions then on a blog where I have no clue who is reading them. Second, I love swimming and Aaron even more, so there was my topic to write about!! Plus the olympics were coming up, so it was perfect timing.

Well, let me once again try and republish this. And Aaron, if you ever read this (fat chance haha) You should really consider swimming the RCP Tiburon Mile!! Its really fun and there are tons of olympians who have already signed up, such as Natalie Coughlin and Brooke Bennett. So just think about it.

Short Course Worlds-- Something To Look Forward To

2004-08-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

Well now that the olympics, at least for swimming, have come to an end (yes yes, I know, very sad!) I was just thinking about when in the world I would be able to see Aaron on television, or any swimmer for that matter, and I of course, realized that the short course worlds are coming up!! I know I wrote down what dates they were in an earlier post, but I forget now.

Does anyone know if Aaron does open water swims? I know that one near me is called the Tiburon Mile, which is from Angel Island (near San Francisco) across the bay to Tiburon, its the equivalent of a mile. I was hoping to do it this year, but I might have a waterpolo tournament that same weekend, which would confuse my schedule even more... actually that might be the same weekened as homecoming as well!! Augh, this is getting confusing.

All you swimmers should come here and swim in the Tiburon mile!! Afterwards they have a catered lunch, and last time the food was DIVINE!! But I was really hungry. I did the race with my waterpolo team (my freshman year) and we had heard that putting vasoline on our bodies would help keep the heat in, so we of course put on vasoline, but we didn't come with the little tiny bottles, o no. We brought the heavy duty army size ones, and not just one for all of us, but each of us brought two each!! We looked hilarious trying to put on the vasoline! I think people actually took pictures of us, since we were tripping over eachother and slipping!! I also recommend that you don't get the vasoline on your goggles, it doesn't come off easily!

Well, that seems to be enough rambling for now. Before I go, I ask one thing!! Please sign my guestbook or comment or something!!! Just so I know who is actually coming to visit my sight!! PLEASE!!! Also, does the tagboard work?

2004-08-22T14:38:00.001-07:00

Aaron celebrates after winning his third gold medal in the 400 medley relay and also setting a new world record in the 100 backstroke. (AP Photo- Mark J. Terrill)

2004-08-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

Aaron celebrates after he wins the 200 backstroke, though his celebration would be stalled after he finds out that he has been disqaulified. (Reuters- David Gray)

2004-08-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Aaron holding up his gold medal from the 200 backstroke, one of three he earned in Athens. (Reuters- Jerry Lampen)

2004-08-22T14:35:00.001-07:00

Aaron is consoled by second place finisher Markus Rogan of Austria after finding out he has been DQ'd in his 200 backstroke. (Reuters- Kai Pfaffenbach)

2004-08-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

After learning that he has been disqualified in the 200 backstroke, Aaron Peirsol and fellow competitor Markus Rogan of Austria, react to the call. It was later revoked and Aaron was awarded the gold medal, Markus winning the silver. (AP Photo- Mark J. Terrill)

How Could I Miss It?

2004-08-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well, for school this weekend we were FORCED to go on a Leadership retreat at the beach, it was fun, yes, but it also meant that I missed the mens 400 medley relay! Though I already knew who was going to win as we drove the twenty minutes to the beach, I still wanted to watch the race, which my mother claims was quite a good one as well! She also forgot to tape it though!

The retreat was fun though, except we weren't allowed in the ocean past our knees, though it was quite cold anyways. The surfers down the beach looked as though they were having quite a bit of fun.

Well I see nobody has commented on Aaron's 200 backstroke controversy. I watched the race, after I found out about the DQ, and it was hard to determine what exactly had happened. I am not a backstroker, so I am not an adequate judge on turns or anything, especially the backstroke turn!! I don't think I can even do one...

But I looked at it, and I suppose I can see where the judge thought he was on his stomach a long time, but he didn't kick once while he was there. The commentators on the channel were quite annoying, as they were just repeating eachother the entire time "There is no kick" and "this is obviously a mistake" "there is no way this won't be refuted" sort of thing, which became quite dull. I have to say that the commentators at the olympics are horrible!! Swimming is probably one of the best too, which doesn't say much. One thing that bugs me terribly is that they are all biased towards the US! There are great swimmers from other countries as well, not just the US!! For example, when Brendan Hansen lost the 100 breast, they kept replaying the turn of that winner (I completly am blanking on the name) and were always suggesting that he should be DQ'd. But then when Aaron (sorry) was DQ'd they were saying that was proposterous!

I like anyone else don't want to see Aaron lose his gold medal, believe me! But they never give anyone the benefit of the doubt, except for the US swim team members!

Well, on to a different topic! What do you all think about Phelps giving Crocker the relay spot? I think that was darn right noble of him! Frankly I don't understand why he would give it up, especially after he had just beaten him, but you never know. He might have been exhausted or something, but he still received a medal from that race, so its all good. I am glad Crocker got to race, he is another one of my favorite swimmers, so its one more reason I am mad I didn't see that race!!!

Well, talk to you all later, sorry about the font colors. I like making it more colorful, but I screwed up my computer and now nothing is working right!!! I can't even see my background anymore! Off to go read The Scarlet Letter!! Congrats on your Gold Medal's Aaron!

Breastroke Accusation

2004-08-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

Well, seeing as I am off to school tomorrow (tear tear) I have decided to comment on another thing before the 200 backstroke. When I was reading about the Olympic Swimming, I came across an article on ABC News that mentioned Aaron, but not in the most positive manner. If you didn't see the 100 breastroke, let me inform you that Brendan Hansen lost out to Japan's Kosuke Kitajima. On Kitajima's last turn I believe, he did what some considered a butterfly kick, which is illegal. In this article it states that Aaron accused him of "cheating". Now he very well may have said that he cheated, but the way they said that, it makes it seem as if he was the ONLY one who noticed it. When I was watching the race on television, the announcers mentioned it as well!! I bet tons of people think he did the butterfly kick, but I thought it was interesting that they narrowed it down to Aaron. O well.

I watched the one hundred backstroke finals last night, almost m issed it since I went to see the Princess Diaries (hilarious) but I came home just in time to catch that last fifty. I really liked the interview of Aaron afterwards! He seemed all calm and everything, and was talking about how he wasn't exactly nervous before his race! That shocked me! I get very nervous before races, or matches or anything! I have this one friend who gets so nervous sometimes she throws up (not very nice actually...) I have no clue how he can be so composed before a race and then afterwards when he wins the gold! How crazy is that? How do you do it?!?! What song did you listen to? Well I best be off, dinner time! Good luck in the 200 Aaron!

AARON WINS GOLD MEDAL!

2004-08-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

Well, seeing as there is a very large time difference between Athens and California, I just found out that he won the 100 metre backstroke, despite his tough competition! Way to go Aaron! I was hoping to find picture for the blog (as you can see) from the trials, but then all of a sudden they were talking about gold medals, and I was like "whoa" It was actually quite funny.

Does anybody know what time they are going to be playing the repeat of that race? Was it on television? I was at waterpolo! I am very happy that both Lenny and Aaron beat Matt Welsh. Did you guys read that article? I gave you the link correct? Well he was determined to beat Aaron, but I am glad he didn't!

Too bad Lenny didn't do better, I thought it was going to be tougher competition, but then again, one good race and you win the gold, its only a split second.

And I just read as well that Ian Thorpe beat Phelps in something, wasn't actually sure what it was, I sort of skimmed over the article caption, didn't actually open it. Anybody have information on that? There is some girl on my waterpolo team is who loves him, its actually quite funny, she had his body lengths memorized. Sorry Aaron, not that addicted. But she was explaining to us how his body is made perfectly for swimming, since his arms are longer then his height, something like that.

Well I have to go, we have two practices a day now! Our school season starts soon! We play the two hardest teams in the first week of games, which should be interesting. But we have 9-11 condition and then 3-5 skills! AND we have morning practice for the first three weeks of practice. Except I take a morning class, and my coach is like "you have to miss two classes" which is totally not allowed!! He just doesn't seem to understand that I get a grade in this class, its as if I am skipping third period for waterpolo! Well, glad to get that off my chest! Talk to ya'll later!

2004-08-16T12:18:00.001-07:00

After finding out he has won his first gold medal in the 100 metre backstroke, Aaron celebrates. Lenny came in fourth. (Reuters- David Gray)

2004-08-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

The start to Aaron's gold medal race in the 100 metre backstroke. His time was 54.06. (AP Photo- Rusty Kennedy)

2004-08-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Aaron celebrates his gold medal in the 100 metre backstroke. (Reuters-David Gray)

100 Metre Backstroke - The Beginning

2004-08-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I had been waiting for the 100 metre backstroke qualifyings since that terribly boring olympic opening ceremony (where i didn't see Aaron!) and it just so happened that as we were leaving a restaurant tonight I got to see his race. I think the people from the other booths were a little terrified for my shouting, but they dealt with it. I wasn't as surprised to see Aaron win (though the race was a little too close for comfort) as I was to see Lenny lose in his heat! Wow... I thought those two would be the best, but I suppose I am biased.

I really like the swimcaps they have at the olympics! Having the flags in the front make it so much easier to distinguish between countries then the ones on the side. With those you keep willing the person to turn around or something.

So far the coverage has been good, but I don't know when everything is going to be on, time wise. School starts soon for me, Wednesday actually. Thursday is my birthday, and the same day as Aaron's 200... not sure if it is the finals or qualifying, but still, should be a good birthday present to watch him swim!

I just realize that I had a comment!! Wow, thats so awesome!! Well, I best be off, gymnastics is on, and I like watching them do all the things I can't!

Before I leave, did you all see Phelp's IM? Good race huh? Also, did you see the 100 metre breastroke with Brendan Hansen?!?! I felt so bad for the poor guy, to come in second on your birthday, or just to come on second!! Lets hope he gets first (and beats that guy) in the 200!!

Amanda Beard Poses...

2004-08-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

I was going to comment on this in the section I just wrote, but it is a completely different subject so I thought it deserved its own little title and everything. Also in the USA swimming forums I found an topic about Amanda Beard posing in FHM magazine.

I personally have never seen this magazine and as I can tell by the way people were commenting, these pictures weren't of her fully clothed. What do you all think about that? If you think anything, seeing as the comments are always empty. I know people come here, it says so on the counter down there! Sign my guestbook!! Write a comment, I BEG YOU!!

Well, back to Beard... A lot of parent that use the forums to discss swimming found it digusting and apalling that she would do this, seeing as lots of young girls look up to her. Others commented that you just shouldn't let the kids see the pictures. Others think its a wonderful showing of a beautiful body, but then again, on the other hand, parents worry that people who see this article (mainly men) will show up at their kids practices and watch, expecting to see something.

Well, that could be a problem now couldn't it, a worrying one at that. I frankly have no problem with Beard posing, its not like I am ever going to look at the pictures or anything, but its the concept that bothers me. She can do whatever she wants with her body and congratulations that she is so pleased with the way she looks, but now she is tarnishing the sport of swimming. Well maybe not tarnishing, but dirtying it. Drug scandals are bad enough, but now we have people posing nude?!?! Its just a little much.

I gotta run, maybe I will comment more later.

Banned Substances Used at Sydney

2004-08-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

Since yesterday I was commenting on the drug use that apparently occured in the Sydney Olympics (swimming) I decided to follow up on an article that I came across while at the USA swimming website forums, very handy.

Two weeks before the olympics, two US swimmers (one they call "high-profile swimmer") were using a banned drug. It was used to help the recovery process and was called MediTropin. Later in the article, which is found at Fox Sports a Dr. Luepnitz commented that he had been prescribing supplements to swimmers, including Misty Hyman. Misty denied using the drug and the doctor refused to tell who the swimmers were. The company itself commented that baseball teams also use the drugs and so have some track and field stars.

Its always an interesting time right before the olympics, seeing as all this dirt is suddenly discovered about these swimmers. Misty isn't even going to the olympics (and according to the article the two swimmers that were using them just weeks before sydney aren't going either) so technically, Misty could have been using it.

I really hope she wasn't though!! Don't you remember her swim in the butterfly?!?!? That was an amazing performance and I had to find out that it only occured because she had that extra illegal edge over her other competitors.

I really recommend checking out the USA swimming forums, they have tons of good information.

No News Is Good News... right?

2004-08-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

Well, not much is happening in the world of swimming, well actually, tons of things are happening, but nothing that relates to Aaron. There was an article posted in some local newspaper about him, but it was nothing new. It was actually quite old news, it was about olympic trials when he broke the 200 backstroke record... definitely old news!

Well, since we are lacking in topics about Aaron, lets talk about just random swimming topics... I am sure my very few guests would appreciate that.

I found the whole thing about the Stanford Swimming patches quite interesting actually. On the USA swimming website there is a whole forum discussing it, so go there if you want to read more about others opinions.

Apparently at the Olympic Trials - and many times before - Stanford swimmers have worn these 'patches' which enhance their swimming. Well, according to his article on Swiminfo website they aroused so much suspicion that they were sent to be tested for illegal substances.

Now, what does Sarah think about all this? I bet you are just so curious you can't wait to hear my opinion (sarcastic duh)

First of all, if you were going to use illegal substances to make yourself go faster, would you really wear it in broad daylight? I mean seriously! It is pretty obvious that when two of the six swimmers make the olympic team that someone out there will realize that they are wearing these patches, and someone will call them cheaters and demand that they be tested for drugs. I bet that the Stanford coach knew that eventually this would happen, as did the swimmers, but since they don't contain drugs, then it really doesn't matter if they are tested. If you were going to use drugs, you really wouldn't parade it around on your shoulder for the world to see, you would do it in secret.

But then again, some people aren't smart like that, but I highly doubt that Stanford swimmers would go to such risks as to cheat!!! I hope that the test comes back negative, but you never know, some people are just stupid.

What other news is there out there for me to comment on? Trying to find some, but I really should be working on my summer homework, but I was neglecting this blog, so I just needed to write something. I should be writing about Herman Melvilles article "whiteness" augh!! Who cares anyways?!?!

What do you all think about Ian Thorpe talking about drugs? I think its good, someone needs to! With all these scandals from track and field to swimming its about time an athelete, who isn't under accusation, talks about it! I bet he has swum against kids on drugs, what do you all think?

I personally think that swimming isn't a clean sport. Not that there aren't people out there who are just fast and doing so all naturally, but seriously, you can't stop some people. To people under the age of 21 they aren't supposed to drink alcohol, but they do anyway? Swimmers aren't supposed to use drugs, but what is going to stop them. Well I can think of some things, but you know, sometimes rules aren't enough for people...

Well I best sign off now... got work to do...

My Website

2004-07-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

Please come visit my newly designed Aaron Peirsol website! www.geocities.com/h20poloprincess1317

Matt Welsh and the 100

2004-07-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

Who here knows who Matt Welsh is? Well I didn't until I googled Aaron Peirsol and I came up with a Herald Sun article informing me that Welsh will try and dethrone Aaron at Athens. Everyone right now is claiming that Aaron is a 'shoo-in' for the gold medal in the 100 and 200, but Welsh stated that nobody is ever guranteed a medal.

Welsh was the silver medalist in the 100 in Sydney and placed third 100 metre backstroke in world championships, in which Aaron placed first in both the 100 and 200. Right now he is ranked 2nd in the world for the 100 backstroke and plans on making it to first.

The article was actually quite interesting if you ask me. Heres the link:

/www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,10209834^11088,00.html

Welsh is completly correct in what he says (though of course I wish he wasn't) but he makes a very interesting comment... "But I'm only a whisper away in the 100m. There's a lot of people on his tail and I'm one of them." It should be an interesting race, and as Welsh pointed out, Lenny will be racing as well. He was even so bold as to say, "It will be good to have Lenny back. I look forward to catching up with him..."

That'll be a good race, their times are fairly close. Welsh's time in the 100 backstroke when qualifying for the medley relay was only .14 second away from Aaron's winning time at the olympic trials.

2004-07-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

Aaron swimming the 100 metre backstroke in the Olympic Trials. (Reuters- Lucy Nicholson)

2004-07-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

Aaron starting his 100 metre backstroke at the Olympic Trials. (Reuters- Lucy Nicholson)

2004-07-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

Aaron celebrates his new world record in the 200 metre backstroke at the Olympic Trials in Long Beach. (Getty Images)

2004-07-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Aaron Peirsol and Lenny Krayzelburg celebrate their 1-2 finish in the 100 metre backstroke at the Olympic Trials in Long Beach. (Getty Images)

Short Course Worlds

2004-07-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

Just recently I was reading an article on the USA swimming website and I came across some information about Aaron and his upcoming events, after the olympics. The quotes are from usaswimming.org and was published July 23, 2004.

"Four male swimmers who set five world records during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Swimming have committed to compete in the 7th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) Oct. 7-11 in Conseco Fieldhouse. "

The author continues...

"Other world record-holders committed to the World Championships (25m) are Brendan Hansen (Havertown, Pa.), Aaron Peirsol (Irvine, Calif.) and Ian Crocker (Portland, Maine)."

They also stated that tickets are available, but you will have to go to the website to find out where and for how long, if you are interested. I wish I lived near Indianapolis and I highly doubt my parents would ever let me fly out there to see a swim event... But for all of you people near there, I expect you to go!

Swimming Captains Announced

2004-07-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

I have just found out that the team captains for the olympic teams have been announced, and might I say that before I go any further, I am very happy with the choices!

Men- Lenny Krayzelburg and Tom Malchow

Women- Jenny Thompson and Lindsay Benko

You know what: The whole team captains thing really is hilarious in my eyes. Since the beginning of time, swimming always seems to be put in the category marked-- individual sport. Meaning you don't compete as a team, merely has an individual. Of course, once you are on a spirited team, you realize that this assumption is completely wrong, but still, isn't it an individual sport?

For example, putting it in the context of Aaron-- With Lenny as a team captain, doesn't that mean he will be competing against his captain? That seems rather odd... wouldn't you say? Now I don't believe, and I have proof to this statement (take the olympic trials for example, that Aaron would ever slow down in order for his captain to win, thats just out of the question, thank goodness. But I still find the whole system confusing.

At this point in their careers, most of the swimmers are looking to coaches for aide, not captains (not like pee-wee soccer or anything) and also, if you are attending the olympics, you ought to already know what to do. To me, team captains were the ones that set up pasta dinners and led workouts when the coaches were busy. I can't see any of those swimmers actually teaching the other americans.

What exactly do they do?!?!?! Is it just an honor that is slapped on to their name so they can proudly claim they are the captains of an olympic team? Is it a team? Please people, tell me what you think.

My Opinion: Swimming is a team sport for only so long. Throughout high school and college (which I have yet to even start, but I have cousins who swam) it appears to be a team sport, where everyone serves a purpose and there is a sense of unity amongst them all. When I watch swimming events on television that contains professionals, they all seem to be doing their own thing. Yes, they congratulate eachother, and maybe a lot more takes place backstage where the cameras aren't, but what the viewer gets is an individual racing an opponent, whether it be another American or what. I think the people who call this an invidual sport are right. If you don't believe me, play competitive soccer, waterpolo, volleyball, baseball-- those are team sports.

Another example would be tennis-- We have an US team, but really? What tennis player is like "Let me win this for my team!" No, the might say "Let me win this for the US" but mainly, I would suppose they tell themselves "Lets win the gold!"

If you disagree, agree or have no opinion, I don't care! Post your comments!

Associated Press' Gold Medal Predicitions

2004-07-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

I was just reading the local newspaper when I came across an article about the olympics and who the associated press predicts will win every single event in Athens. Of course, I went directly to the swimming section. Here are the highlights:

100 Backstroke- Aaron Peirsol - O what a shocker!! Actually, I half expected them to pick Lenny...

200 Backstroke- Aaron Peirsol- Now this one I could have predicted, he does have the world record!

What really shocked me though, was Phelps' races, since they only had him winning three individual medals. I guess they don't have as much confidence in him as others do... we'll see if they are right...

Actually, the Associated Press had the US winning 37 Gold Medals... and over 100 medals in general...wow, thats quite a hefty amount if you ask me! Next to the chart there was an article about how the olympics have become a way to compare countries-- in a political sense. It is quite sad though that our dear olympics are changing, for the worse! The writer, Bill Briggs of the Denver Post, makes a bold statement saying,

"Simply put: This is about the money flow"

I couldn't have put it better myself! Well lets hope that this doesn't ruin Athens 2004, though I highly doubt it will...

The Day After The Next

2004-07-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Not much has happened since yesterday... I did however find out how to post pictures on here, so that is a plus for me! + + + +

For everyones information, I wish to make this a group blog, which means that more then one person can post in it... that will make for a more interesting setting! (I think you will agree) Of course, that means I need members!! If you are at all interested in joining, please just leave me a comment and then I will invite you to join! If you know HTML you have a very good chance of becoming an administrator as well!!! :)

Until we get more people, I am going to continue just posting stuff here, random stuff I know... Here is the olympic schedule.

14 August - Day 1
Nothing

15 August - Day 2
Men's 100m Backstroke Semi Final

16 August - Day 3
Men's 100m Backstroke Final

17 August - Day 4
Nothing

18 August - Day 5
Men's 200m Backstroke Semi Final

19 August - Day 6- MY BIRTHDAY!!! hehe
Men's 200m Backstroke Final

20 August - Day 7
Nothing

21 August - Day 8
Men's 4 x 100m Medley Relay Final

Of course, the olympics continue on for another week or so, but that is all the swimming you will get!! So enjoy it while it lasts! Thats all for now! I am going to try and recruit members!

The Start To A Grand Beginning

2004-07-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Aaron Peirsol blog!!

I know this is a very limited topic indeed, but he is my favorite swimmer, and so I believe he deserved this blog. I will also discuss swimming and the olympics on here as well, so if you are interested in these topics, just stick around!

First of all, if you don't know who Aaron Peirsol is, well then, where have you been?!?!?! Living on MARS?!?! Just kidding! Don't worry, not that many people, especially where I live, don't know a thing about him. All they care about his Michael Phelps, and who can blame them, he is a great swimmer!! But now for a little change in topic- here is some basic information on Aaron. I am not going to list out every accomplishment he has ever made. If you want those, go to one of the links I will tell you about below.

Name: Aaron Wells Peirsol

Born: July 23, 1983 in Irvine California.

He now attends the University of Texas, where he will graduate in 2006.

Accomplishments:

2000 Sydney Olympics:

200 Metre Backstroke- 1:57:33 -- Silver Medal

US Olympic Trials-- Long Beach

100 Metre Backstroke- First- 54:64

200 Metre Backstroke- First- 1:54:74- New World Record (beating his old record)

Athens 2004

The world has yet to find out...

It should be exciting to watch the competition between Aaron and Lenny Krayzelburg, for in Sydney Lenny had the upperhand when compared to Aaron, but this time around its Lenny chasing after Aaron in the water.... who will win? Hopefully Aaron...

Aaron is considered one of the best backstrokers in the world, let alone in the United States. At the Olympic Trials he was one of the only men able to defeat Michael Phelps in any event, but Phelps later dropped out (of the 200 metre backstroke).

Well, we have talked enough about Aaron for one day... just kidding... well before I go any further, let me tell you who I am, the brief version.

Name: Sarah

Whereabouts: Unknown...actually California.

Hobbies/Interests: swimming, waterpolo, reading, writing, studying, travelling...

That is quite enough information for now.

If you are interested in the specific details of Aaron (all the way down to what his pets names are) then check out these websites:

www.usaswimming.org This website is about swimming in general, which means it includes Aaron...

groups.msn.com/AaronPeirsol I belong to this group- nice people with good discussions!

www.aaronpeirsolonline.com This is the unofficial Aaron Peirsol webiste- Its very cool and has great photos!

Today's Discussion:

Phelp's Seven Gold Medals....Can He do it?

Now, lets talk about something other then Aaron (sorry) but it has to do with swimming. Now, unless you have been living on Mars for the last few weeks, even months, then you probably have heard about Phelp's attempt to win seven gold medals at the olympics. I have been asking people whether they believe he can actually accomplish this or not, and I was wondering if anybody out there had any opinions (if you do, just write me a comment).

My Opinion: Frankly, I want Phelps to win the seven gold medals! He is a great swimmer that is bringing good publicity to the sport of swimming. Unfortunately, here in the US, swimming seems to fall low on the list of importance, especially when compared with say... football or baseball. So, any added attention for anybody is a good way to get people interested. One problem does arise from this publicity... what if phelps doesn't win the seven golds? Then when people think of swimming, some will immediately associate it with loss... and I frankly don't want those two together.

I think phelps has the times and the speed to win seven events, and on paper it looks good for him. Despite what some people say, when somethings on paper, it is concrete (now if it is on concrete, that is a different story) and anybody in the world can swim the best race of their lives and beat him. All it takes is a slow turn or start by Phelps, or an astonishing comeback by another racer.

So, until the olympics, lets just hope that Phelps is concentrating and training hard (which I bet he is) and lets wish him the best of luck!!

I'm going to sign off now, so until tomorrow... maybe then I can figure out how to get some pictures on here!