Just For Fun !

For all who are interested in the USA Swim Team.  Here is some neat information on several of the members.  You can click on any photo to enlarge it.  Enjoy !

MICHAEL PHELPS The golden boy: Michael must have a pretty big trophy case. In addition to holding four world records, he became the first athlete to win eight medals (six gold) at a non-boycotted Olympic Games. Since his 2004 performance, Michael has continued to pile up medals in national and international competitions. A swimmer’s heart: Giving back to the community is important to Michael. His charity work includes Pathfinders for Autism and Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He is currently a volunteer assistant with the University of Michigan swim team. Did you know? Michael has a book, Beneath the Surface, and a movie about him!   QUICK FACTS Favorite place on Earth: Australia Favorite show: SportsCenter Most influential person: Mom Training stats: Swims 2–5 hours a day, 6–7 days a week In the headphones: Hip-hop Hobbies outside the pool: Playing video games and watching TV TARA KIRK Major splashes: As a 2004 Olympian, Tara captured the silver medal in the 400m medley relay. When it comes to the 100m breaststroke, she’s hard to beat: She took home the bronze at the 2005 World Championships and won a gold medal in the 2006 Pan Pacific Championships. College smarts: When Tara left Stanford, she left with more than just a perfect 35-0 record in the 100m breaststroke. She left with a great education: She studied human biology. Did you know? Tara broke the world record for the 100m breaststroke at the 2004 Women’s NCAA Championships! QUICK FACTS Nickname: Captain Kirk Favorite U.S. city: Seattle Whatcha drivin’: Red Jetta Charities: “Clean water ambassador” for the Global Water Foundation & volunteers for the Special Olympics Sports before swimming: Soccer, gymnastics, track and diving Career goal: To work for the World Health Organization KATIE HOFF Young gun: At 15 years and two months of age, Katie was the youngest U.S. athlete to compete at the 2004 Olympic Games. She was a triple gold medalist at the 2005 World Championships and won the Golden Goggle Award as USA Swimming Female Athlete of the Year. Way to go, Katie! Phelps Connection: Katie swims for the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, the same club where world record holder Michael Phelps got his start. Did you know? Teen People named Katie one of their “Twenty Teens Who Will Change The World” (April 2006). QUICK FACTS When I grow up: Would like to be a journalist Out of the pool: Enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends and rock climbing Favorite U.S. city: Los Angeles Favorite band: Fallout Boy Favorite celebrity: Jennifer Aniston BRENDAN HANSEN  Swimming star: Brendan won a trio of medals (gold, silver and bronze) at the 2004 Summer Games—his first Olympic outing. His triple gold medal performance at the 2005 World Championships was only surpassed in 2006, when he broke three world records in the span of 20 days! Natural wonder: Brendan is a big fan of the great outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing and camping. When Brendan isn’t competing, you can find him up in the mountains or by the lake. His dog, Jack, is a black lab who loves to join him on his many adventures. Did you know? Brendan is the first American to hold both the 100m and 200m breaststroke world records in more than 30 years!   QUICK FACTS College major: Kinesiology—the scientific study of human movement First job: Lifeguard Favorite band: Coldplay Favorite celebrity: Owen Wilson Charity work: Spokesperson for the Leukemia Research Foundation CULLEN JONES In the pool: Cullen won his first national title at the 2006 ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships. As a teammate of Michael Phelps on the U.S. men’s 4x100 freestyle relay team at the 2006 Pan Pacific Championships, Cullen became the first African-American male to hold a world record in swimming. Under the cap: As a spokesman for USA Swimming, Cullen encourages other minority youth to get involved in the sport. He is also active with the Ronald Jones Foundation, named in honor of his late father. Did you know? Someday, Cullen would like to write for a fashion magazine. QUICK FACTS Favorite city: New York City Favorite band: Linkin Park Favorite celebrity: Michael Jordan; “I model my attitude after his.” Favorite summer activity: Going to amusement parks Idols: My father and my coach, Ed Nessel Nicknames: CJ, Nova Pets: Charlie, his dog Started swimming at age: 8 NATALIE COUGHLIN Record breaker: At the 2004 Olympics, Natalie became just the third woman to win five Olympic medals at one meet, including two gold. She is the first and only woman to swim the 100m backstroke in less than a minute. That’s super fast! In the spotlight: In 2002, Natalie showcased her cooking talents on The Today Show. During the 2006 Winter Olympics, she was hired by MSNBC as an analyst. That same year, she co-authored a book, Golden Girl: How Natalie Coughlin Fought Back, about her quest to become an Olympic champion. You go, Natalie! Did you know? Natalie enjoys surfing and photography in her spare time. QUICK FACTS Career Goal: Go into broadcasting Favorite band: Counting Crows Favorite spot: Kauai, Hawaii Started swimming at age: 6 Other sports: Gymnastics and volleyball Pets: Two dogs, Shera and Jake AARON PEIRSOL Back 2 back: Aaron is a two-time Olympian and world record holder in the 100m and 200m backstroke. At the 2004 Olympics, he won three gold medals—becoming only the fifth male to sweep the backstroke races. Aaron owns 25 international medals (21 gold) and 11 U.S. national titles. Keep it clean: Aaron is an ambassador and spokesperson for many organizations dedicated to increasing awareness of beach and coastal environmental issues—including Oceana, Surfrider Foundation and the Global Water Foundation. Did you know? At 15, Aaron was the youngest American to break the two-minute mark in the 200m backstroke (1999 Spring Championships).   QUICK FACTS Favorite musician: Mason Jennings Favorite international spot: Barcelona Favorite summer activity: Surfing, of course Coolest memory: Competing with his sister Hayley at the 2003 World Championships Nickname: Pinesol JIM ELLIS Making a difference: In the early 1970s, Coach Ellis founded and coached the Philadelphia Department of Recreation (P.D.R.) swim team in one of Philadelphia’s most impoverished neighborhoods. This special program gave troubled teens a positive outlet, while teaching them important life-lessons to help overcome adversity through hard work and determination. Today, thanks to Coach Ellis, countless swimmers have learned to successfully compete in the water and in life. Thanks, Coach! Big splash on the big screen: Coach Ellis’ incredible story will be told in theaters starting March 23, 2007. The movie, Pride, stars Oscar nominee Terrence Howard as Coach Ellis and features popular comedian and actor Bernie Mac. A must see! Did you know? Coach Ellis was first introduced to the water when his father “threw him into a pool and told him not to drown.” In addition to coaching, Ellis is a high school math teacher.

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