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We're still coming down from the Olympic high. A number of articles in this issue deal with the Olympics. Neil Harvey analyzed the finalists from every event and has some preliminary conclusions to offer for your consideration. He will be doing further comparisons going back to the 1988 and 1992 Games.
The story of Dagmar Hase, the last Wundermadchen of the former GDR sport machine, was done by Karin Helmstaedt, who was able to talk to her in German during the Olympics. It is an inspirational story.
The Maritime Life Summer Nationals took place August 8-11 with the Olympic team in attendance. It was somewhat anticlimactic but everyone had a great time as the atmosphere was truly festive, with the Olympians receiving their well-earned cheers from friends and family. Some managed very good swims without the pressure cooker atmosphere of Atlanta. Chris Renaud even broke two minutes for the 200 backstroke, the first Canadian under this barrier. In a very close team race, where every swimmer's placing counted, UCSC and PDSA battled for top club honours. At the end of four days and after the last relay, UCSC won by 15 points.
Cecil Colwin returns to wrap up his Australian interviews. This time it is with veteran coach Bill Sweetenham, now in charge of Age Group development for Australian Swimming. The European Junior Championships results are exactly comparable to the Canadian Youth Championships held last June. Compare the winning times and get a preview of what is likely in four years.