It has got to be said: Anthony Ervin was the biggest comeback of 2012. After a nearly nine year absence from the pool, Ervin returned with a big splash in 2011 in the men’s 50 freestyle. It is the speed event, the show closer in swimming, and Ervin brought joy and showmanship to the race on his climb back to world-class status. There are no guarantees in the nitro event. One false move and you’re out of it. Ervin’s second place finish at the 2012 US Olympic Trials, netting him a spot on the Olympic Team was earned, but it could’ve easily gone the other way. We, the swimming community, were the beneficiaries. At the 2012 London Olympic Games, Ervin flinched on the blocks. Many swimming analysts believe that tiny mistake cost him a medal. Ervin is, of course, an Olympic gold medalist from his Sydney 2000 performance. With two Olympic Games under his belt, Ervin has his sights set firmly on a third trip to the biggest stage in swimming, the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
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SEE ERVIN’S LAST EPISODE: The Story Behind His Tattoos
Host Gold Medal Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist from the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. He is also the co-founder of SwimSwam. This video series is a Gold Medal Media production presented by SwimOutlet.com.
While listening Mr. Ervin’s views about his ambitions in 100m, I began to wonder which two of the successive freestyle events are most dissimilar from each other? Is it 50-100, 200-400 or maybe 800-1500? Mr. Ervin gave a strong argument for the pair of 50 and 100m. From 100m up to 1500m the breathing is quite similar but in the 50m there is often no breathing at all.
I go along with Jean Michel about Ervin’s start. Throughout the 50m free competition in London, from heats to the final, Ervin had approximately a half a body lenght to catch after he surfaced. Just like Herasimenia on the Women’s side. You cannot give such an advantage for others at their level.
I don’t know about two successive freestyle events, but the most difficult three successive freestyle events to win medals must be 100-200-400.
In the Olympics,
two male swimmers have already won 50-100-200 medals in a single olympics: Matt Biondi (1988) and Pieter van Den Hoogenband (2000)
While two swimmers have also won 200-400-1500 medals: Daniel Kowalski, and Sun Yang (I believe Hackett would have done it in 2000 had it not been for illness during the week).
But in the longer history of 100-200-400, only one male swimmer has done it: Ian Thorpe (2004)
In world championships history,
50-100-200 medals have been won by 3 swimmers: Matt Biondi (1986), Michael Klim (1998), Pieter VDH (2001 and… Read more »
Great videos. I think USA Swimming could use a guy like Ervin in its midst.
Mel , in the second vid , it seems u forgot that 100 free victory over VanDen Hoogenband . That was in 2001 world championships . Great first 50 from Anthony . Just sayin …… great work anyway .
Does Ervin plan on going till Rio? He will be 35 36 by 2016? If so.. he will focus solely on 50?
I would love to see him on that 400 free relay but he hasn’t got to his 2001 100 free speed …but i hope he can improve on that 100 for sure . His 50 will be strong IF he gets his start improved ….that’s the key for Anthony . Good luck , looking forward to that 50 free Trial race .
Great videos, keep ’em coming Mel!