German Nationals is underway, and they are selecting their team for the World Championships in Shanghai later this month. Above is pictured Helge Meeuw, who entered the 2008 Beijing Olympics as one of the top seeds. He showed up with a big beard and failed to make the semi-final. That pretty much sums up the bulk of German results over the last twenty years.
The Swimmers Circle has a full rundown of results. They note that Germany has time standards for Worlds (its not enough to win your event) that exceed the German National record in some cases. As well they should! There wasn't a single swim on the first day of the meet that suggested anyone of the swimmers was a medal contender in Shanghai later this summer. The highlight was Britta Steffen's 24.9 50 free in a semi-finals. Granted, she might go faster in finals but she'd be the 5th ranked sprinter in the Netherlands.
In all fairness to Steffen, Hardy would only be the 4th-best Dutch sprinter, and Steffen would be leadoff for the American 200 free relay...
ReplyDeleteBut really. Germany is one of those countries that always seems like they oughta be better than they are. I still think the women are a sleeper pick in the 400 free relay, however.
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ReplyDeleteSo Biedermann isn't relevant?
ReplyDeleteSorry, let me clarify. A sleeper to medal, not to win.
ReplyDeleteAlso, happen to catch Meuw's 100 back? 53.76. Not too shabby, ehh?
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