Swim Scoop

Libby Lenton suffered a double blow this week. Not only did FINA decide against to ratifying her world-record-breaking 100m freestyle, now Swimming Australia has decided that she won’t get the Aus $20,000 put up for any world-best times.

Lenton became the first female to break 53 seconds in her lead-off swim in a mixed 4 x 100m freestyle relay. Swimming head-to-head with Michael Phelps at the Duel in the Pool event, Lenton clocked a 52.99. FINA has refused to recognize the swim saying that the mixed relay is not an official FINA event.

Fujitsu, who sponsored the Duel in the Pool, said earlier this week that Lenton broken the record “fair dinkum” but that the decision to pay the Aus $20k prize money for notching a word-best time was in the hands of Swimming Australia.

However, Swimming Australia’s chief executive Glenn Tasker said that the money is not available and that the organization made a loss of Aus $150-200k.

“If you take all of the expenses of the meet — the pool, the security, the catering — the money we got from the sponsors doesn’t cover the cost of the meet.

“There are no dollars left. I don’t have the money.”

Tasker confirmed that Swimming Australia had been prepared to spend its own $20k, if FINA had ratified the swim as a world record. However, any chance of Lenton receiving the money left when FINA made its ruling.

While FINA has refused to recognize Libby Lenton’s record-breaking swim at the “Duel in the Pool” last month, Fujitsu – who sponsored the event – are willing to pay the Aus $20,ooo it offered up-front for world-best times.

Speaking with the Daily Telegraph, Fujitsu’s Marketing Manager, Miton Kaloudis, says:

 “We are happy to give the money … irrespective of what FINA says. The dollars are there for the taking but we don’t have that control.

“There was some suspicion at the time that the world record would not be recognized because it was in a mixed event. As far as we are concerned she fair dinkum broke that world record and we thought she would be recognized for that.”

Ken Wood, Leisel Jones’ original coach is not convinced that switching coaches so close to the Beijing Olypmics was a smart move on her part.

Jones decided to move to Melbourne, parting ways with her long-time coach Stephan Widmer.  Reports say that Jones made the move to be closer to her boyfriend, AFL star Marty Pask.  Wood said…

“Personally, I don’t know if it’s for the betterment of her swimming that she’s moved down there. You’re going so well with a coach so close to an Olympics, why would you leave?”

“All I hope is that the relationship stays together. If he (Pask) breaks that relationship, she could be left between a rock and a hard place down in Melbourne. I hope it all works out otherwise people will be on Rohan Taylor’s [Jones’ new coach] back saying it was his fault.”

Other reports also suggest that commercial opportunities in Melbourne were also a major attraction for Jones. This is a draw that Alan Thompson, Head Coach of Australian Swimming, says he can’t fault her for persuing…

“There’s not many times in their lives they get the chance to make the most of commercial opportunities and leading into an Olympics is one of the best times.”

Libby Lenton’s record-breaking 100m freestyle time of 52.99 seconds will not be recognized by FINA, swimming’s governing body.

Lenton broke the world record and became the first woman to clock below 53 seconds on April 3 in a “Duel in the Pool” event between Australia and the U.S. She was the lead-off swimmer in a mixed 4×100 freestyle relay, swimming her leg against Michael Phelps. FINA decided not to ratify the record because the 4×100 mixed relay is not a recognized FINA event.

“I am a little disappointed because I know in my heart what time I swam and that time is faster than the existing world record,” Lenton said in a statement released by Swimming Australia. “Having said that, the disappointment can take nothing away from the fact I now know I am capable of swimming under 53 seconds.”

Click below to see Libby’s swim…

Olympic champion, Grant Hackett has been hospitalized in Beijing with a blood infection caused by a “flesh-eating bacteria.” 

Apparently, Hackett cut his right ankle on coral while honeymooning in Fiji.  He then cut his honeymoon short to embark on a promotional tour in the 2008 Olympic host city.  While there, his ankle started swelling and he complained of headaches and dizziness.

Hackett said that the infection was treated before it became sever and that he expects to return to training next week.

“It just started off as the smallest cut and then you sort of look at it and … (now it) doesn’t look too good.

“It could have got quite serious if I had let it go any longer. It got into my bloodstream but I acted promptly, which is a relief.”

Hackett has faced a series of highs and lows recently, with a disappointing showing at the World Championships in Melbourne followed by his marriage to singer Candice Alley.

Grant Hackett has dismissed speculation that his fellow countryman Ian Thorpe will come out of retirement to compete in the Beijing Olympics next year.  Hackett was responding to comments made by Micheal Phelps earlier this month.

When asked about the possibilities of a Thorpe comeback, Hackett told China Daily reports…

“He won’t be competing. He’s got closure from the sport now, he’s happy with what he’s been able to achieve,”

“It would be great to have him there, he is irreplaceable in the team. I know someone like Michael Phelps would love to get up against him in the 200m freestyle, compete against him again.

“Ian kind of beat him last time and he’s always wanted to compete against him again.”

Thorpe made the decision to retire in November and recently had drug doping allegations made against him.  Thorpe has strongly denied these accusations and is working hard to clear his name.

“The drug allegations really hurt [Thorpe] personally, people tried to tarnish the things he achieved,” Hackett told China Daily

“That’s been difficult for him. Personally he felt those effects, but at end of the day he turned a negative result.

“They are allegations, they don’t have any substance. It’s part of sport and I’d like to see drug testing move forward. You just hope if you do perform well it isn’t overshadowed by something like that.”

Grant Hackett has visited the new Olympic swimming pool in Beijing and also hinted that this will be the pool that hosts his final international race. 

When asked about the tumultuous past few months and the prospect of swimming in Beijing, Hackett replied…

“I have been so fortunate and you have your highs and lows, but I just have this strong belief Beijing will be the final peak.

“I just want to get past Beijing and then make decisions on my racing. I know my life is back on track and I know I have what it takes to produce something special in Beijing. This has always been the big picture for me and while Melbourne was disappointing at the world championships, it’s what happens next year that matters.”

Hackett has confirmed he’ll not only compete in his signature events in the pool, but he’ll also compete in the 10km open water swim.

“I have grown up in that open water environment and it’s four days after the 1500m, so I know I can do it at no risk to my chances in my other events,” Hackett said.