Swimming Trials Start in Omaha

What a week it has been in Omaha, Nebraska. Last Wednesday, the NCAA crowned the Fresno State Bulldogs nationals champions at the historic Rosenblatt Stadium, and Sunday the Olympic Swimming Trials began at the Qwest Center. While I did not have the opportunity to watch the trials as I will start for Chicago tomorrow, I did spend about two hours watching warm-ups during Saturday’s open house.

The open house provided a great opportunity to meet swimming legends, pick up the free gifts from sponsors and gave me the first look at what could be the biggest controversy of the Olympic Games from the coach and athlete’s standpoint, the swimsuits. For those of you have not seen these new suits, they cover most of the body and look to cut times at the Beijing games. June 23rd’s issue of Sports Illustrated has a great article covering the controversial topic and gives great insight on both sides of the argument.

Sunday’s trials look as if they might have been postponed a day or so after recent storms damaged part of the Qwest Center. Thankfully the trials are right on schedule and will end June 6. While not everyone will ever get the chance to attend the Olympic Games, I strongly urge you to check out Olympic Trials if they are available in your area. You get the chance to see some top-notch athletes at a fraction of the cost.

A neat fact to end with, the water in the swimming pool at Omaha’s Qwest Center is 80 degrees.