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The big news in this issue was Curtis Myden swimming a new Goodwill, Commonwealth, and Canadian record for the 200 individual medley in 2:00.38, which ranks him first in the world for 1998. The last time a Canadian was ranked first in the world was in 1986 when Alex Baumann had the fastest times in the 200 and 400 I.M. Congratulations Curtis. The Maritime Life Nationals / Commonwealth Trials was the highlight for Canadian swimmers and 40 of them were selected to the team that will compete in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in September. Watch for extensive coverage in our next issue.
Kelly Stefanyshyn erased the oldest Canadian women's record in her sweep of both backstroke events. The 200 record bettered by Kelly was established by all-time Canadian great Cheryl Gibson when she won the bronze at the 1978 World Championships. Gibson won a silver in the 400 I.M. at the 1976 Olympics.
For a preview of what might happen in 2000, look at the European Junior Championships on page 13. These are the very best 17-and18-year-old boys and 15-and 16-year-old girls. Many medal winners from this competition are on the podium at the Worlds or Olympics a few years later.
Coverage of the biggest, fastest meet in the world is by veteran journalist Al Schoenfield. He's written on these American championships for 40 years. I was fortunate to learn from Al many of the fine points of journalism when I worked for him during 1972-73.
The Americans chose four different teams-the 1999 Pan Pacific, Pan Am, World University Games, and a small team for FINA Short Course Worlds. These are listed on page 17.
The German doping trials continue. This time, doctors and coaches from TSC Berlin Club were fined and as the judge said, there is no way to justify a "system of state-ordered crime." Karin Helmstaedt is attending these trials, and reducing the complex legal procedures to a half page is remarkable. The swimming community owes her a big debt.
Surprise, surprise, Michelle Smith-de Bruin has been suspended for four years. She was always a ticking time-bomb. We hope this is the final act.
For something truly different you have to take in the Goodwill Games. Originally an attempt to warmup the cold-war chill, it has now become a legitimate competition with some of the very best athletes. Unlike other major Games, these recognize the athlete as the principal player, and substantial financial rewards are distributed to the successful participants. Curtis Myden made the most of three 200 IM swims.
All Canadian meets are included in TAG. Those that competed in the Far Westerns will have their times included in September (results just arrived).