• printer friendly
• mail this article
• iPod format
• digg

After strong performances by the UCLA women’s swimming team at the Janet Evans Invitational two weeks ago, the Bruins are poised to make a mark at the U.S. Nationals in Irvine this week. Consistent training throughout the long hot summer months has proved beneficial for the team, as nine swimmers are set to race in the national competition starting Wednesday. Traditionally, the Bruins have sent fewer girls to the national competition, but this year is different, as UCLA coach Cyndi Gallagher is confident the nine athletes can compete with some of the nation’s best swimmers. “This is the biggest group we have ever had at nationals,” Gallagher said. ”I am looking forward to seeing some very fast swims this week and a lot of points scored.” Gallagher can say that with a renewed sense of confidence because of the performances of many at the Janet Evans Invitational, held at USC. Three Bruins – Kim Vandenberg, Chiemi Yamamoto and Katie Arnold – had top-five finishes for the Bruins, while a total of 11 times were fast enough to be in the top 10. “We had a great meet at the Janet Evans Invitational,” Gallagher said. “Some of the girls swam lifetime bests. Everyone swam fast.” Along with Vandenberg, Yamamoto and Arnold, UCLA is scheduled to send six others – Katie Nelson, Jane Imagane, Jeana Fuccillo, Krista Daley, Eileen Seissen and Isabel Miesner – in hopes of securing a top spot for the Bruins among the national competition. With four of the 11 top-10 times at JEI, Arnold will likely tally points for the team in both the fly and backstroke at the long course event. “I was pleased with my individual performance,” Arnold said. “I have been just below where I’ve wanted to be all summer, and JEI put me where I want to be.” Contrary to most on summer vacation, the swimmers have been training hard daily, competing regularly on weekends, and the routine training was reflected in the recent performances at the invitational. “I think the Janet Evans Invitational definitely did boost the confidence level of the team,” Arnold said. “It was a turn-around time for the team, as we all did really well. We are all very excited to see how we compete at nationals.” The successes earlier this month will serve as a starting point for the Bruins to build off of, and the team is hopeful that the momentum gained there will carry over to Irvine this week as the swimmers look to capture national titles and bring them home to UCLA.

NO REST FOR VANDENBERG: One Bruin poised to capture a national title is senior Vandenberg, who claimed the national title in the 200 fly last summer. As Vandenberg has the opportunity to claim a second consecutive national title this week in Irvine, it will be a test to keep her mind from wandering to Turkey, where she will travel to on Aug. 7 to compete in the World University Games. “I am excited for nationals, but the competition in Turkey is what I’ve been training for,” Vandenberg said. “Nationals will help me get ready for the World University Games in terms of racing and being competitive. It’ll be like a warm up.” Due to the meet in Turkey, where Vandenberg will be swimming the 200 fly and possibly a relay, she has not followed the usual swimming program, which focuses on resting with light training going into a big meet such as the national championships. “Kim isn’t fully rested for this meet,” Gallagher said. “Her goal at nationals is to just get out there and race. We’re really focusing on the World University games.”

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: Sophomore Nicolette Teo spent the past two weeks representing her native country of Singapore when she swam the 100-meter and 200-meter breaststroke at the World Championships in Montreal. Teo placed 38th in the 100m and 34th in the 200m. After finishing final exams in June and traveling to Singapore to train, Teo spent roughly two weeks out of training. A lack of training so close to the meet, as well as the incongruity that comes with changing coaches, has not been conducive to the aspiring World Championship point scorer. “There wasn’t a whole lot of consistency going on there with her training,” Gallagher said. “I know that schedule isn’t exactly what you want to do in preparation for the World Championships. This may be a lesson learned, but she does belong there.”