Sunday, May 30, 2021

World Triathlon Gomez-Islinger shows perfect timing to win first gold in Arzachena



A sun-baked World Triathlon Cup Arzachena saw 57 elite women line up for one of the toughest sprint-distance courses ever seen on the circuit, and it was to be Marlene Gomez-Islinger’s day as the German timed her final-lap push perfectly to earn a career-first World Triathlon Cup gold.

Switzerland’s Julie Derron had looked in total control out of second transition and onto the run, but was caught and passed with just a few hundred metres to go, while behind her Verena Steinhauser had moved her way into the medals and a second successive bronze on this course.

“I tried to run very conservatively and had enough energy towards the end to do a good sprint finish,” said a thrilled Gomez-Islinger. “The girls gave me a hard time on the hill but I’m proud of myself for what I did today and I put together a perfect race.”

There were familiar faces leading the way in the water as the swimmers reached the first buoy, Vittoria Lopes (BRA) slicing through the water with Zsanett Bragmayer (HUN) and Helena Carvalho (POR) in close company.

As they came back onto the beach and swung round onto the sand and up into transition, Lotte Miller (NOR) and Lena Meissner (GER) were right in check with that lead group, Gomez-Islinger with Therese Feursinger (AUT) and Lizeth Rueda Santos (MEX) 20 seconds back, the likes of Barbara Riveros (CHI), Kaidi Kivioja (EST) and Lisa Tertsch (GER) with more ground to make up.

Steinhauser, Carvalho and Audrey Merle (FRA) were the first to attack the hill, but they were quickly caught and a 12-strong pack formed and then strung out on the first descent.

Miller was going well on the second climb but then losing precious ground on the descent, and Steinhauser looked the most comfortable negotiating her way back through transition at the bell. Riveros had moved up to the leaders by now, also including Derron, Lopes and World Cup debutant Emma Lombardi (FRA) in the now nine-deep group.

That was how things stayed for lap three but it was Derron moving into pole and emerging from transition still looking fresh despite the heat. Bragmayer was still in check at this stage too, Merle right on the Swiss shoulder.

Ten seconds back, though, it was Gomez-Islinger who started to move into position on the first 2.5km lap. Derron was composed and barely glanced back until the bell sounded. Then at the 4km mark, the gap that had hardly changed for most of the run started to close. Fresh from the German team trials in midweek, Gomez-Islinger was clearly in the flow once again and as the grandstand came into view, Derron was caught.

From that point on there could be no doubt of the winner, taking the long turn towards the chute with daylight behind and finally the tape with 10 seconds over the Swiss and relief and delight across her face. It was a first ever podium at this level for the German, and another important step towards Tokyo for Derron, while Steinhauser held on for a second successive bronze.

Audrey Merle hung on for fourth place, Bragmayer fifth, with a brilliant debut sixth place for Lombardi. Riveros, Tertsch, Carlotta Missaglia (ITA) and Alberte Kjaer Pedersen (DEN) completed the top ten.

“I had a quick transition, went for it and then never looked back. I knew the girls from behind were coming strong so I just kept pushing and never looked back,” said Julie Derron. “It will be a dream of mine (to be selected for the Tokyo team). Most of my training squad will be there as well. I hope today is a big step for being selected for Tokyo.”

“This race is always hard, even harder than last year,” said Steinhauser. “There was a little bit of wind on the bike and the girls were so good. I kept pushing and pushing on the hill. I had some difficulties in T2 and I lost some time, but I am so happy. To perform so well in Arzachena gives me confidence for Leeds next week.”

 

Results: Elite Women

1.Marlene Gomez-Islinger GER 01:00:51

2.Julie Derron SUI 01:00:55

3.Verena Steinhauser ITA 01:01:09

4.Audrey Merle FRA 01:01:17

5.Zsanett Bragmayer HUN 01:01:22

 

ABOUT WORLD TRIATHLON

World Triathlon is the international governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of triathlon and all related multisport disciplines around the world, including duathlon, aquathlon, cross triathlon and winter triathlon. Triathlon made its Olympic debut in Sydney 2000, with a third medal event, the Mixed Team Relay, added to the programme at Tokyo 2020, while paratriathlon was first added to the Paralympic programme at Rio 2016. World Triathlon is proudly committed to the development of the sport worldwide, with inclusion, equality, sustainability and transparency at our core as we seek to help triathletes at all levels of the sport to be extraordinary. 

www.triathlon.org


 

Michael Phelps Teaches Swimming

Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

World Triathlon Brownlee pulls out a performance for the ages to win in Arzachena



There was a familiar swagger about Jonathan Brownlee’s finish-line bellow as he came through a hotly contested World Triathlon Cup Arzachena to show once more what he is capable of just two months away from Tokyo.

Quick in the water, flying up the first bike climb and hanging tough on the run, only Adrien Briffod (SUI) was able to keep him in check, his final roll of the dice not quite enough to see off the Brit, while Mario Mola (ESP) ran out of course as he rediscovered his flow to finish third.

“It was complicated on the bike, because of the wind, and we were a large group,” said Jonny. “That’s not what I expected. In the run I felt really good. I know its easy to say that when you win, but I felt in control. I saw Alistair about 1km to go and he said ‘when you go, make sure you mean it’ and I made sure I did.”

The wind had whipped up and the sun was beating down on the athletes as they lined up for the 750m swim, a congested first buoy proving hard going as the middle group came together, Mark Devay (HUN) enjoying the clear water out front.

Right with him were Richard Varga (SVK), Seth Rider (USA) and Gianluca Pozzatti (ITA), the Italian giving the local fans plenty to cheer as he set out onto the first of three tough laps, Alistair Brownlee (GBR) ten seconds off the front.

One of the pre-race favourites, Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR) was 20 seconds back, Mola 28 seconds and Gustav Iden (NOR) at the back of the train snaking up the 1.5km ascent.

It was Jonny Brownlee who attacked first, carving a little daylight out only for the hoards to move in. Among them Antonio Serrate Seoane (ESP) and Emil Holm (DEN), who were first to try and break at the end of lap one.

Alistair Brownlee was leading the chase pack with Tom Bishop (GBR) on his back wheel, but Bishop came off near the top of the hill to effectively end their chances of bridging the gap.

At the bell, it was another Norwegian, Casper Stornes flying through transition with a small advantage over Jonas Breinlinger (GER) and the 22 men in his wake that included young Frenchman Arthur Berland on debut, Gabriel Sandor (SWE), Ben Kanute (USA) and now Mola (ESP) right in the mix.

It was no surprise to see Blummenfelt right on Brownlee’s shoulder out of the second transition, but he looked to be less comfortable after his recent efforts, while Briffod and Matthew McElroy (USA) were well placed to strike.

The Swiss was hitting his stride coming along the beach at the halfway point, he and Brownlee then pulling away to play a little cat and mouse and test each other as it became clear the gold and silver would be decided between them.

Mola was looking dangerous as he eased away from Serrat Seoane and McElroy into third, but there was to be no catching the front two, Brownlee pulling clear over the final 300m to secure the gold and a timely win going to his home race in Leeds.

Seoane held on for fourth from McElroy, Roberto Sanchez Mantecon with sixth from Blummenfelt, an excellent seventh place from Berland followed by Florin Salvisberg and Sandor rounding out the top ten just as he had here back in October.

“This was a great race for me,” said a delighted Briffod. “The last time I raced in Sardinia I won the Cagliari World Cup, so I really like this place. I raced good in Yokohama and now one step forward, which is great to show my National Federation that I can podium. I tried to go for the win today but Jonny was faster. We knew that we had Mario Mola behind, so on the flat I tried to push the pace, then he (Jonny) pushed as well but I couldn’t follow him.”

“I’m glad to be back, in good fitness and being able to push ‘til the end,” said Mola. “In the swim I didn’t know where I was for the first buoy. It was really hard the bike on the first hill, then I found the legs. With a month and a half before the Olympics it’s great to be one step closer. Now back to work.”

Results: Elite Men

1.Jonathan Brownlee GBR 00:54:48

2.Adrien Briffod SUI 00:54:52

3.Mario Mola ESP 00:54:59

4.Antonio Serrat Seoane ESP 00:55:08

5.Matthew McElroy USA 00:55:11

 

ABOUT WORLD TRIATHLON

World Triathlon is the international governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of triathlon and all related multisport disciplines around the world, including duathlon, aquathlon, cross triathlon and winter triathlon. Triathlon made its Olympic debut in Sydney 2000, with a third medal event, the Mixed Team Relay, added to the programme at Tokyo 2020, while paratriathlon was first added to the Paralympic programme at Rio 2016. World Triathlon is proudly committed to the development of the sport worldwide, with inclusion, equality, sustainability and transparency at our core as we seek to help triathletes at all levels of the sport to be extraordinary.



Michael Phelps Teaches Swimming

Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

WATER POLO USA Women Take Third Straight Over Hungary 12-6; Set To Finish Series On ESPNU



San Diego, CA - May 29 - The USA Women played Hungary for the third time, coming away with a 12-6 victory on Saturday afternoon at Cathedral Catholic High School. Maddie Musselman powered the USA Women on offense with three goals while Gabby Stone and Amanda Longan split time in net recording four and seven saves respectively.

The two teams will meet for the final time on Wednesday, June 2 at 6:00 PM PT at El Segundo Aquatic Center. This game will be shown live on ESPNU and the ESPN app. Live stats will also be provided by thefosh.net.

It was a tight defensive first quarter with lots of shot blocks by both teams but Jordan Raney found the breakthrough for Team USA and a 1-0 lead. Musselman added another on the penalty shot as Team USA took a narrow 2-0 lead at the end of the first. The United States offense came to life in the second as Stephania Haralabidis and Paige Hauschild both got on the board to push the USA lead to 4-0. Hungary then got their first on the power play from Anna Illes but Team USA replied with two more goals as they continued to increase their advantage, eventually taking a 7-2 halftime lead.

Hungary quickly scored the first goal of the third quarter to make it 7-3 but once again Team USA had all the answers to solve the Hungarian defense as they rattled off three more goals with Jamie Neushul finishing things off to increase the lead to 10-3. Hungary then fired in a late one from deep as Team USA led 10-4 at the end of the third quarter. Hungary continued that late momentum into the fourth as they scored two goals to get within 10-6 but that was as close as they would get. Captain Maggie Steffens and Musselman scored late in the quarter as the USA Women prevailed 12-6.

Team USA went 2/9 on power plays and 1/1 on penalty shots while Hungary went 1/8 on power plays and did not attempt a penalty.

 

Scoring

USA 12 (2, 5, 3, 2)

HUN 6 (0, 2, 2, 2)

USA: M. Musselman 3, R. Fattal 2, M. Seidemann 1, P. Hauschild 1, M. Steffens 1, S. Haralabidis 1, J. Neushul 1, M. Fischer 1, J. Raney 1

HUN: A. Illes 2, R. Parkes 1, B. Horvath 1, V. Valyi 1, D. Szilagyi 1

Saves - USA - A. Longan - 7 - G. Stone - 4  - HUN - E. Gangl - 7

6-on-5 - USA - 2/9 - HUN- 1/8

Penalties - USA 1/1 - HUN - 0/0

 

Greg Mescall

Director of Communications, USA Water Polo


 

Michael Phelps Teaches Swimming

Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

Saturday, May 29, 2021

SWIMMING European Aquatics Championships, Budapest (HUN) Some interesting facts and figures



Euro Champs Budapest 2021 – facts and figures

SWIMMING

Top nations

• For the first time after Berlin 2014, Great Britain topped the medal chart in swimming. They won a record number of titles, 11. In 2014 they finished with a tally of 9-7-8 (24), repeated that in Glasgow 2018, now they claimed 11-9-6, 26 in total.

• Russia, topping the ranks in Glasgow with 10-10-6 (26), now took the 2nd place with 9-5-8 (22).

• Italy won the most medals in total, 27 (5-9-13) – they were 6-5-11 (22) in 2018.

• Both GB’s 11 titles and Italy’s 27 medals in total is a record since the mixed relay events have been inaugurated in 2014.

• GB also set a new record by winning 7 relay titles out of 9 (finished 7-2-0 in relay, Russia 2-2-1, Italy 0-1-7, Netherlands 0-3-0). •

The top three nations combined medal tally (GBR 26, RUS 22, ITA 27) shows a growing dominance: they took 75 medals altogether, 58% of the medals handed over. In Glasgow they had 72 medals, 55%.

• The number of nations earning at least one medal is one more, 21, compared to Glasgow, and the number of nations earning at least one title, 13, tied the record from 2012 and 2014. Data from the previous editions: Glasgow 2018: 20/9 London 2016: 24/12. Berlin 2014: 20/13. Debrecen 2012: 23/13. Budapest 2010: 19/12.

 

Multiple individual titles

Triple Simona Quadarella (ITA) W 400m-800m-1500m free

Double Martin Malyutin (RUS) M 200-400m free, Kliment Kolesnikov (RUS) M 100m free, 50m back, Mykhailo Romanchuk (UKR) M 800-1500m free, Adam Peaty (GBR) M 50-100m breast, Kristof Milak (HUN) M 100m-200m, fly Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) W 50m free-50m fly

Records beaten

3 World Records (also ER and CR) – LEN offers €10,000 for each

• Kliment Kolesnikov (RUS), 50m back, 23.93

• Kliment Kolesnikov (RUS), 50m back, 23.80

• Benedetta Pilato (ITA), 50m breast, 29.30 (also WJR, EJR)

 

2 European Records (also CR) – LEN offers €5,000 for each

• Kathleen Dawson (GBR) 100m back, 58.08 (in the medley relay)

• Great Britain 4x100m mixed medley relay, 3:38.82

Championship Records (incl. above): 18, 3 tied World Junior Records (also EJR): 4

 

Historical feats

• GB’s Adam Peaty achieved his 4-gold tally in the fourth consecutive edition (50-100m breast, men’s medley relay, mixed medley relay), so he passed Laszlo Cseh on the all-time ranks with 16 golds. Cseh has more medals (23 – 14-4-5) and all his golds are individual ones, which is still the best effort in that regard. The all-time ranks are topped by Russian legend Alexander Popov with 26 medals (21-3-2), he had 10 individual and 11 relay wins.

• Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu retook the title of the most decorated female swimmer at the Europeans: she stands with a total of 24 medals (15-6-3), Sweden Sarah Sjostrom – skipping the meet after her winter accident – has 23 (14-6-3). In the all-time title race Franziska van Almsick is still ahead with 18 golds altogether, though most of those came from relays (11), while Sjostrom won all her 14 titles in individual races, and Hosszu has 13 individual golds and 2 relay wins.

• Simona Quadarella is the first woman ever to make the 400-800-1500m treble at back-to-back editions – she also won all three events in Glasgow.

• One historical streak halted – Katinka Hosszu couldn’t expand her winning streak to 6 in the 200m IM, she came third this time. Her 5-in-a-row streak (2010-2018) is still a record in the championships history, tied with compatriot Laszlo Cseh, who has two 5ers: in the 200m IM (2006-2014) and in the 400m IM (2004-2012). In the current field Adam Peaty got close to the 5ers’ club: he has 4 straight wins both in the 50m and 100m breast.

• As of today, no one stands with 3 wins in a row, 7 swimmers had titledefences, one, Quadarella, in 3 events – so here are the streaks just started to be built: Mykhaylo Romanchuk (UKR) 800m free, Kliment Kolesnikov (RUS) 50m back, Anton Chupkov (RUS) 200m breast, Kristof Milak (HUN) 200m fly, Simona Quadarella (ITA), 400m free, 800m free, 1500m free, Margherita Panziera (ITA) 200m back, Boglarka Kapas (HUN) 200m fly.

• Strokes dominated by nations (men, women combined):

+ Freestyle: 3 wins for RUS, 3 for ITA, 2 for NED

+ Backstroke: 2 for RUS

+ Breaststroke: 3 for GBR

+ Butterfly: 4 for HUN (all three men’s events)

 

First-ever/long-time-no-see

• First-ever titles

+ Robert-Andrei Glinta – first male Romanian European champion in history (100m back)

+ Anastasia Gorbenko – first female Israeli European champion in history (200m IM) + Anna Ntountounaki – first female Greek European champion in history (100m fly)

+ Hugo Gonzalez – first Spanish title (medal) ever in 200m IM (first male ESP gold since 2010)

+ Szebasztian Szabo – first Hungarian title ever in 50m fly

+ Ari-Pekka Liukkonen – first Finn title ever in the 50m free and first-ever in freestyle events, first gold for FIN since 2002.

+ Barbora Seemanova – first ever Czech title in 200m free and in freestyle, first medal in free since 1993, first title since 2012.

 

• First-ever medals

+ Felix Aubock – first Austrian medal in 400m free and in freestyle ever, first male Austrian on podium since 2012

+ Josif Miladinov – first ever Bulgarian male to win a medal at the Europeans (silver in 100m fly), first Bulgarian medal since 1991.


 

Michael Phelps Teaches Swimming

Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h 

World Triathlon Blummenfelt and Brownlee return to Arzachena in pursuit of gold



A start list of 61 men is set to hit the line in Arzachena as the third race of the Olympic Qualification Period gets underway in Sardinia on Saturday. The hot and hilly course made its debut in memorable fashion last year with Vincent Luis, Kristian Blummenfelt and Alistair Brownlee forming a potent podium, and there will no doubt be more fireworks this weekend as the athletes continue to plot their paths to Tokyo 2020.

The beach start and rolling waves caused few problems back in October, unlike the intimidating climb out of T1 that starts gently enough but then seems to just keep getting steeper with every corner turned. There will be three ascents on the 20km bike and each is likely to shave tiring legs out of contention before the decisive 5km run.

Don’t forget you can watch all the action as it happens and on demand on TriathlonLive.tv

Blummenfelt and Brownlee both return to the idyllic Italian island, and while the Norwegian has brought home two impressive golds from his first two races of the season – WTCS Yokohama and the Word Triathlon Cup Lisbon – Brownlee has yet to hit the blue carpet in 2021.

It will be interesting to see how Blummenfelt responds to the travels and toll of two intense races in two weeks plus the Mixed Relay in Lisbon, but his tactics and fitness have both looked spot on so far and, having come so close last year here, he will want desperately to stick a third gold.

Both Brownlee brothers arrive off the back of a training camp in the heat of New Mexico ready to put the hard work into action once more. Jonny ran out of steam off the bike in Yokohama, so the sprint-distance will be another useful gauge of performance levels two months out from Tokyo.

As he did in Lisbon, Spain’s Mario Mola will be wearing the golden number one on the start line, the triple world champion sticking a tough top-ten finish last weekend, his first taste of action since a disappointing 46th at WTCS Hamburg eight months ago. Genis Grau scooped a brilliant third in Lisbon and teammate Antonio Serrat Seoane was fourth here last year, leaving the Spanish team among the favourites for a podium place.

Like their Norwegian teammate, Gustav Iden and Casper Stornes have both had busy starts to the new campaign, Iden scooping top ten places in both individual races, Stornes yet to find the flow that saw him romp to that memorable gold in Bermuda three years ago.

Matthew McElroy and Kevin McDowell are the top-ranked Americans looking to fire their way into Olympic start contention after Morgan Pearson became the first US male to punch his ticket to Tokyo with bronze in Yokohama two weeks ago.

Mexico’s Rodrigo Gonzalez looks on course for a second Olympic Games appearance but will want to produce a confidence-lifting display on Saturday, while Chile’s swim-specialist Diego Moya knows he needs a decent bike-run to give his Olympic chances a boost.

Emil Holm had a brilliant Mixed Relay leg for Denmark in Lisbon and will hope to channel that power once more, while Frenchman Tom Richard will be up for a new test having looked in great shape off the bike and held on for fifth in Lisbon. Sweden’s promising Gabriel Sandor was tenth here last time out and will want to bag some more precious points towards realising his Olympic dream.

For the full start list click here https://triathlon.org/events/start_list/2021_arzachena_triathlon_world_cup/452708?mc_cid=132afbe09c&mc_eid=6139649918

World Triathlon Cup Arzachena

29 May, 15.30 CEST

TriathlonLive.tv

ABOUT WORLD TRIATHLON

World Triathlon is the international governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of triathlon and all related multisport disciplines around the world, including duathlon, aquathlon, cross triathlon and winter triathlon. Triathlon made its Olympic debut in Sydney 2000, with a third medal event, the Mixed Team Relay, added to the programme at Tokyo 2020, while paratriathlon was first added to the Paralympic programme at Rio 2016. World Triathlon is proudly committed to the development of the sport worldwide, with inclusion, equality, sustainability and transparency at our core as we seek to help triathletes at all levels of the sport to be extraordinary.


 

Michael Phelps Teaches Swimming

Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

WATER POLO USA Women Earn Second Straight Win Over Hungary With 14-7 Victory In Irvine



Irvine, CA - May 26 - The USA Women continued a strong start to their 2021 schedule as they doubled up Hungary 14-7 in the second game of their three game exhibition series. In front of a national TV audience on Wednesday night at Woollett Aquatic Center Team USA continued a balanced attack on offense. Jordan Raney, Stephania Haralabadis and Alys Williams led Team USA on offense with three goals each while Ashleigh Johnson came up huge in the net with 17 saves.

The two teams will close their series on Wednesday June 2 at 6:00 PM PT at El Segundo Aquatic Center. This game will also be shown live on ESPNU and the ESPN app. For a replay of today's game click here. Another match between the two squads was added to the schedule this Saturday, May 29 at 3:30pm pt at Cathedral Catholic HS in San Diego, CA. No live stream will be available on May 29 but both matches will have live stats provided by thefosh.net.

It was Hungary who got on the board first in this one as Rebecca Parkes fired in a goal to make it 1-0. Their lead didn't last long though as Haralabidis scored on the power play to tie the game and followed that up with another to give the USA Women a 2-1 lead. Team USA would add two more goals in the quarter as they took a 4-1 lead at the end of the first. Team USA continued to build on that first quarter momentum as they scored two more to bump their lead to 6-1. Hungary would fight back with a penalty shot goal but Team USA got the last word as Kaleigh Gilchrist struck on the power play to give the USA Women a 7-2 halftime lead.

Hungary looked to get back into the game as they started the third with another penalty shot goal but Team USA had an answer as the teams exchanged goals before Williams fired in a last second strike to push Team USA's lead to 11-5 at the end of the third quarter. The USA Women continued to push forward on offense while Johnson continued to shut down Hungary in the final quarter. First it was Paige Hauschild and Raney scoring back to back goals to increase Team USA's lead to 13-5. Hungary didn't give up though as they continued to target Johnson's goal but she stood strong as the USA Women came away with a 14-7 victory.

Team USA went 8/10 on power plays and 0/1 on penalties while Hungary went 0/8 on power plays and 3/3 on penalties.

Scoring

USA 14 (4, 3, 4, 3)

HUN 7 (1, 1, 3, 2)

USA: J. Raney 3, S. Haralabidis 3, A. Williams 3, P. Hauschild 2, M. Musselman 1, M. Steffens 1, K. Gilchrist 1

HUN: R. Keszthelyi 1, D. Antal 1, K. Garda 1, R. Parkes 1, A. Illes 1, N. Rybanska 1, Z. Mate 1

Saves - USA - A. Johnson - 17 - HUN - O. Kaso - 10

6-on-5 - USA - 8/10 - HUN- 0/8

Penalties - USA 0/1 - HUN - 3/3

Referees - Jen McCall and Sergio Macias

Greg Mescall

Director of Communications, USA Water Polo


 

Michael Phelps Teaches Swimming

Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

World Triathlon Frintova wears the one and more Olympic points on the line in Arzachena



Back in October 2020, as Arzachena made its first appearance on the World Triathlon circuit, Flora Duffy delivered one of those jaw-dropping displays of grit and power that you just have to step back and admire. The Bermudian led out of the water and raced solo to the tape, but only three of last year’s top ten return this weekend; home favourite Verena Steinhauser, Germany’s Lisa Tertsch and Denmark’s Alberte Kjaer Pedersen.

They will have mixed memories of a challenging sprint-distance course that has one of the toughest bike climbs ever seen on the circuit. The long and winding road snakes up out of the town centre to the dusty hilltops, and the descent will be just as challenging as the stronger cyclists will look to assert themselves at speed back down to transition.

You can watch all the drama unfold on TriathlonLive.tv

It was Steinhauser who managed to outpace the likes of Katie Zaferes, Angelica Olmo and Leonie Periault over the final 2km to take a memorable bronze, and there can be little doubt she will have ambitions of an even better finish this time around.

The number one will be worn by Vendula Frintova, however, the Czech all set for a fourth Olympic appearance in July. The hill climbs should provide exactly the kind of challenge she relishes, and Karlovy Vary gold in 2019 will feel like a long way back for an athlete who sets herself big targets and is used to finding herself challenging for medals.

Brazil’s Vittoria Lopes returns for her first individual race of the year having seen her Mixed Relay hopes cut short in Lisbon before her leg had even begun. That could provide the extra motivation she needs for a big performance here as she looks to rekindle her flying form of 2019.

Ecuador’s Elizabeth Bravo makes her first start for nearly 18 months, that last race in Mooloolaba ending with a tight fifth-place finish after a battle against Ashleigh Gentle and Andrea Hewitt, and a third Olympic appearance is in the balance with only three qualification races left for Tokyo.

Yuliya Yelistratova (UKR) and Julia Hauser (AUT) both know how to secure a podium finish at this level, the Ukrainian winning in Salinas back in 2018, Hauser taking bronze the year before in Florida but arriving in Italy flushed with a superb fifth-place finish at WCTS Yokohama.

Germany’s Lena Meissner and Caroline Pohl join teammate Tertsch in a German squad full of promise for a grandstand finish, the latter eighth here in 2020 and surely among the favourites for a second gold at this level after victory in Antwerp two years ago.

Norway’s Lotte Miller will certainly feel like this could be the weekend she scores a career-first podium after some strong Series top tens, the likes of Kaidi Kivioja (EST) and Chile’s Barbara Riveros also undoubtedly with the potential to podium on Saturday morning.

Like Riveros, Spain’s Carolina Routier has vast experience to call upon as she returns to the start line, Canadian duo Emy Legault and Dominika Jamnicky also arrive with mixed fortunes from Lisbon ready to do battle in Arzachena.

For the full women’s start list click here

World Triathlon Cup Arzachena

29 May, 10.30 CEST

TriathlonLive.tv

ABOUT WORLD TRIATHLON

World Triathlon is the international governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of triathlon and all related multisport disciplines around the world, including duathlon, aquathlon, cross triathlon and winter triathlon. Triathlon made its Olympic debut in Sydney 2000, with a third medal event, the Mixed Team Relay, added to the programme at Tokyo 2020, while paratriathlon was first added to the Paralympic programme at Rio 2016. World Triathlon is proudly committed to the development of the sport worldwide, with inclusion, equality, sustainability and transparency at our core as we seek to help triathletes at all levels of the sport to be extraordinary.


 

Michael Phelps Teaches Swimming

Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

Friday, May 28, 2021

European Aquatics Championships, Budapest (HUN) Thanks for the frontline workers, doctors, nurses, teachers



One of the most unusual visual presentations at the European Aquatics Championships was a giant banner thanking the efforts of the frontline workers (doctors, nurses, teachers). At a closing press conference it was also revealed that 4 out of 18.000 PCR tests brought positive results at the championships. Here the organisers also announced that they had handed over a commemorative plaque for Netherlands’ Kira Toussaint to compensate her for the silver medal she lost during the re-swum final of the 100m back.

Besides several novelties presented at the recently closed European Aquatics Championships, the local organisers came up with a much-applauded idea: they devoted the most valuable advertising space to a giant banner on which they paid thanks for the frontline workers, first of all the medical personnel, also the policemen and the teachers for their outstanding job during the long months of the global pandemic. The main title was in English and in Hungarian but below the thanks message was also featured in a dozen of other languages.

“We do think that in the past 14-15 months the faith of the human race mostly depended on the efforts of the medical personnel in the hospitals, the policemen on the street and the future of our children was shaped by the teachers” LOC President Sandor Wladar said at a closing press conference in Budapest. “As the famous quote goes, ‘Never was so much owed by so many to so few’ – it’s from wartime but sometimes we thought we were in war against an unknown enemy and the doctors, nurses, scientists were the ones who put up the hardest fight on the battlefield. We agreed with LEN to thank their efforts and that message deserved the most visible space around the pool.”

There were medical personnel in the frontline during the championships too, a team of 350 guarded the ‘bubble’, ran the testing programme and a constant surveillance if everyone adheres to the regulations, mostly to wear the masks properly and keep social distancing. It was the largest bubble the sporting world has seen so far during the pandemic as almost 4,000 people were ‘inside’. And it worked: 18,000 tests were carried out during the two weeks but there were only four positive cases (two officials in the first week, two athletes in the second), a 0,00022% positivity rate, something any organiser and international federation would gladly accept.

“We were afraid beforehand, I have to admit that” Sandor Wladar, himself former Olympic champion swimmer, said. “We welcomed representatives from 51 countries, all with different infection rates, different vaccination programmes… But we also built on the discipline of the participants. This is aquatics, here you can reach the international level only if you have the utmost discipline and dedication. In a situation like this, everyone understood why we had to apply strict protocols. I know some were perhaps too strict, like requiring mask-wearing right after the races when the swimmers usually grasp for air. Or on the podium, where pictures for eternity were shot on the medallists – still, we couldn’t risk any compromise, and this brought its result at the end.”

The organisers also tried to create a special atmosphere and surprised the respective winners by connecting them with their families at home via prerecorded videos, screened on the giant video-walls behind the starting blocks. And there was one special case, when someone was surprised after an eventual loss.

It happened after the women’s 100m back final, which had to be re-swum due to the malfunction of the starting system. Netherlands Kira Toussaint finished runner-up originally, but she came only fourth in the repeated final while the gold and bronze medal landed in the same necks respectively. Losing a silver medal in that unfortunate way should have been a rather heart-breaking experience and the organising committee decided to offer some consolation for the outstanding Dutch backstroker.

Next day she was presented a plaque, which commemorated this act of sportsmanship as all team leaders accepted the decision to repeat the final, though only a couple of lanes was affected. “Kira was surprised and moved and I think we managed to make her happy at the end” David Szanto, CEO of the organising committee, also a former swimmer, said.


 

Michael Phelps Teaches Swimming

Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

WATER POLO USA Women Open Series Against Hungary With 14-9 Victory LIVE On ESPNU



Commerce, CA - May 25 -  The USA Women opened up their three game exhibition series against Hungary with a 14-9 victory in front of a national TV audience on Tuesday night at Brenda Villa Aquatic Center. Jordan Raney, Stephania Haralabidis and Makenzie Fischer powered Team USA on offense with three goals each while Ashleigh Johnson stood tall in net with 14 saves.

The two teams will meet again at Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine, CA tomorrow May 26 at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. All three games in the series will also be shown live on ESPNU and the ESPN app. Live stats will also be provided by thefosh.net.

Team USA came storming out of the gates to start this one as Makenzie Fischer and Maddie Musselman struck to put the women up 2-0. Hungary would respond with a goal but Team USA kept rolling as Raney scored three goals in a row to put Team USA up 5-1 at the end of the first. Team USA continued to shut down Hungary in the second while also increasing their lead as Maggie Steffens fired in a goal followed by two more as the USA Women built their lead up to 8-1. From there the teams exchanged goals as Team USA led 10-3 at halftime.

Hungary quickly responded after halftime with two power play goals to cut the deficit to 10-5. Makenzie Fischer stopped the Hungarian run with a goal on the power play but Hungary didn't give up as they outscored Team USA for the first time to cut the USA lead to 12-6. Hungary continued their momentum in the final quarter as they reeled off three straight goals including one from Krisztina Garda to trim Team USA's lead to three at 12-9. Team USA regrouped though and stopped any thoughts of a Hungarian comeback as Haralabidis and Makenzie Fischer scored again to give the USA Women a 14-9 victory.

Team USA went 4/9 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties while Hungary went 5/8 on power plays and 2/2 on penalties.

 

Scoring

USA 14 (5, 5, 2, 2)

HUN 9 (1, 2, 3, 3)

USA: J. Raney 3, S. Haralabidis 3, M. Fischer 3, M. Musselman 1, R. Fattal 1, M. Steffens 1, A. Fischer 1, K. Gilchrist 1

HUN: R. Keszthelyi 2, D. Leimeter 2, K. Garda 2, V. Valyi 1, A. Illes 1, N. Rybanska 1

 

Saves - USA - A. Johnson - 14 - HUN - A. Magyari - 5

6-on-5 - USA - 4/9 - HUN- 5/8

Penalties - USA 1/1 - HUN - 2/2

Referees - Danielle Dabbaghian, Amber Drury

Greg Mescall

Director of Communications, USA Water Polo


 

Michael Phelps Teaches Swimming

Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

Un week-end de feu autour des bassins pour les Nageurs de l'Équipe du Sénégal



Le nouveau président de la Fédération Sénégalaise de Natation et de Sauvetage, Monsieur Magatte DIEYE, peut s’estimer heureux après les résultats de ses nageurs. 

Deux records nationaux à Melun (France) et à Puerto Rico.

Le 22 mai 2021 à Melun, Matthieu Ousmane SEYE (19 ans) a battu le record du Sénégal du 200m Nage Libre en réalisant 1’55’’58. En effet, l’ancien record appartenait à Amadou NDIAYE (20 ans) (1’56’’41) qui avait lui-même battu il y a quelques semaines le record qui était détenu par Matthieu Ousmane SEYE en 1’56’’71. C’est un plaisir de voir cette concurrence saine et fructueuse entre ces deux jeunes espoirs de la natation.

Toujours ce 22 mai 2021 à Puerto Rico, Steven AIMABLE (22 ans) bat à deux reprises le record du 50m Nage Libre détenu par Adama NIANE (23’’35). Steven réalise d’abord 23’’16 en séries et 23’’04 en Finale. Steven espère prochainement passer sous les 23’’ mais là aussi la concurrence est rude avec Adama NIANE qui a réalisé 23’’37 le 8 mai en Afrique du Sud.

A Dakar, nos deux internationaux fraîchement revenus d’Afrique du Sud, Adama NIANE (27 ans) et Jeanne BOUTBIEN (22 ans) ont réalisé de bonnes performances compte tenu du fait qu'ils ont enchaîné stage et compétition. Présentement, ils ont surtout l’esprit tourné vers leurs prochaines compétitions la semaine prochaine à Durban et à Monaco.

Résultats de Compétition à Dakar :

Adama NIANE : 100m Nage Libre : 52’’54   /  50m Nage Libre : 24’’00

Jeanne BOUTBIEN : 200m Nage libre : 2’15’’39

FELICITATIONS et ENCOURAGEMENTS à L’EQUIPE DU SÉNÉGAL


 

DECATHLONPORTUGAL - Committed & dedicated to sports with over 2,000 stores, across 56 countries in 5 continents, with close to 100,000 passionate people. Quality swimming products are at Decathlon PT. Here you can buy sporting goods with the best cost benefit! Be sure to check out the offers for exclusive brands, as they bring you products for you to play more than 65 sports with the best quality. We have the best prices on products and with functional design for the beginner to the high performance sportsman. know more https://tinyurl.com/ezbud9v4

WATER POLO USA Women's National Team To Host Hungary In Three-Game Series LIVE On ESPNU



Irvine, CA – May 24, 2021 – The best in women's water polo is coming to the worldwide leader in sports! Reigning Olympic champions, the USA Water Polo Women's National Team, welcomes Hungary for a three-game series LIVE on ESPNU and streaming on the ESPN app starting tomorrow. Winners of the last two Olympic crowns (2012, 2016) and last three FINA World Championships (2015, 2017, 2019), top-ranked Team USA hosts fourth-ranked Hungary across three matches in Southern California.

The series serves as key preparation for both squads leading into the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games and a final evaluation for the USA Women's National Team before their Olympic Team nominations are announced on June 3. Anchored by Olympic gold medalists Maggie Steffens, Melissa Seidemann, Ashleigh Johnson and Rachel Fattal, the USA Women have won every major international championship since 2014.

Action gets underway on May 25 at 10:30pm et/7:30pm pt at the Brenda Villa Aquatic Center in Commerce, CA. From there the two head south to the William Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine, California for a meeting on May 26 at 8:00pm et/5:00pm pt. The competition closes on June 2 at 9:00pm et/6:00pm pt at the El Segundo USD Aquatic Center in El Segundo, CA.

Two-time Olympic medalist Natalie Benson and four-time Olympic medalist Brenda Villa are joined by veteran USA Water Polo and collegiate coach John Abdou as game analysts during the series. Greg Mescall will handle play-by-play on all three matches.

"We are so thrilled to showcase our team and our sport to a national audience. We appreciate ESPN's support in airing these matches and know that our fans are fired up to watch," said Adam Krikorian, USA Water Polo Women's National Team Head Coach. "For those who might be seeing water polo for the first time, welcome to an exciting, fast-paced sport that you're sure to love. For us, there is no better preparation for Tokyo than world-class competition and playing a dynamic team like Hungary in this three-game series. We can't wait to get started."

Fans can access ESPNU through a variety of cable and streaming providers. Click here to access live streaming on ESPN.com or the ESPN app (authentication required). Live stats of all three matches will be available at TheFOSH.net. Follow @USAWP on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for additional updates throughout the series.

Due to local health regulations and in collaboration with venue capacity limitations, no tickets will be sold for these matches. Spectators will consist of athlete family and friends.

For more information on the USA Water Polo Women's National Team, including roster and schedule click here. https://usawaterpolo.org/sports/womens-water-polo

 

About USA Water Polo

USA Water Polo, Inc., is the national governing body for water polo in America, overseeing our United States Olympic program as well as 20 different championship events annually, such as Junior Olympics and Masters National Championships. With more than 50,000 members, USAWP also is the sanctioning authority for more than 500 member clubs and more than 400 tournaments nationwide. USAWP is committed to the development of the sport throughout the U.S., fostering grass-roots expansion while providing a national system of affiliated clubs, certified coaches, and officials. For more information, visit www.usawaterpolo.org.


 

Michael Phelps Teaches Swimming

Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

WORLD TRIATHLON Nicola Spirig strikes again in Lisbon



The weekend has proved to be fruitful for two times Olympic medallist Nicola Spirig. After claiming the bronze medal this Friday in the World Triathlon Mixed Relay Olympic qualification event in Lisbon, and securing that the Swiss team will be at the Tokyo Olympics, 48 hours later the Swiss claimed the victory in the World Cup, storming an star-stacked field with another showcase of horse power on the bike.

Sixty athletes lined up for the start of the race on the beach at the Targus river, in Lisbon, for a swim that was rough and challenging. With the water slightly above 18 degrees -wetsuit swim again- American Summer Rappaport was the one that navigated better the choppy waters, with Irish Chloe Pollard and Australian Natalie Van Coevorden right at her feet.

A group of nine athletes – including Rappapot, Pollard, Van Coevorden, Kirsten Kasper (USA), Melanie Santos (POR), Vicky Holland (GBR) and Lea Coninx (FRA) -  managed to leave the first transition together, with a lead of almost 50 seconds over the chasers.

Behind them, it was just a matter of a couple of kilometres that Spirig launched the Nicola train. The swiss put her head down, and the likes of Alice Betto (ITA), Rachel Klamer (NED) or Julia Hauser (AUT) or Amelie Kratz(CAN) just followed her.

By the third of the eight laps on the technical and incredibly fast bike circuit in Lisbon, the leading nine were joined by the Nicola train, and with the Swiss still up in front, the rest of the 19 athletes were trying to save some legs for the run.

And it was when the athletes went off their bikes and off for the final 10km run when Irish Carolyn Hayes decided to go full gas from the beginning, leaving even Spirig, Holland, Rappaport and Kasper behind.

Hayes stayed leading solo, while behind her only Nicola was capable of keeping her on sight. The rest of the athletes start spreading up with Kasper maintaining the third place, and a group of five -Jolanda Annen (SUI), Holland, Kretz, Alberte Kjaer Pedersen (DEN) and Klamer- spreading behind.

With a bit over one kilometer to go, the Swiss proved that she had still an extra gear, and passed Hayes to cross the finish line by herself, adding another gold medal to her incredible tally. “I am very happy, it’s great to be back on the podium and on the top of the podium, I really appreciate it. I don’t know how many World Cups I will still do so it’s amazing to win again here”, said the Swiss after crossing the finish line, focused on preparing her fifth Olympic Games.

Behind her, Hayes signed the second World Cup podium of her career and secured some valuable points that will put her in a more comfortable position on the road to Tokyo 2020, while Kasper claimed the third spot of the podium. “I am a bit annoyed that I lost it on the last lap but there are worst people you can come second to (than Nicola Spirig, two-times Olympic medallist). I am thrilled, really happy. I kept thinking, just keep running, don’t look back. I wanted to come off with the best and really test myself. It gives me confidence moving forward. Hopefully it’s enough to give me a ticket to Tokyo,” said the Irish.

“It means a lot for me. To come back after Yokohama and have a better run and honestly show what I know I am capable of is just what I came here for”, said Kasper, back on podium positions after almost two years with multiple injuries.

Annen and Holland closed the top five in Lisbon, followed by Kretz, Pedersen, Klamer, Rappaport and Coninx.

 

Results: Elite Women

1.         Nicola Spirig  SUISUI Flag     1:59:05

2.         Carolyn Hayes           IRLIRL Flag      1:59:17

3.         Kirsten Kasper           USAUSA Flag  1:59:39

4.         Jolanda Annen          SUISUI Flag     1:59:55

5.         Vicky Holland            GBRGBR Flag  1:59:56

ABOUT WORLD TRIATHLON

World Triathlon is the international governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of triathlon and all related multisport disciplines around the world, including duathlon, aquathlon, cross triathlon and winter triathlon. Triathlon made its Olympic debut in Sydney 2000, with a third medal event, the Mixed Team Relay, added to the programme at Tokyo 2020, while paratriathlon was first added to the Paralympic programme at Rio 2016. World Triathlon is proudly committed to the development of the sport worldwide, with inclusion, equality, sustainability and transparency at our core as we seek to help triathletes at all levels of the sport to be extraordinary.


 

DECATHLONPORTUGAL - Committed & dedicated to sports with over 2,000 stores, across 56 countries in 5 continents, with close to 100,000 passionate people. Quality swimming products are at Decathlon PT. Here you can buy sporting goods with the best cost benefit! Be sure to check out the offers for exclusive brands, as they bring you products for you to play more than 65 sports with the best quality. We have the best prices on products and with functional design for the beginner to the high performance sportsman. know more https://tinyurl.com/ezbud9v4