Official entry lists for the Dubai 2010 World Short Course Championships have been posted on OmegaTiming.com.
Click here to view full entry lists.
All of the American entries have stood pat as posted previously. The psych sheets are largely meaningless beyond confirming event entries, as they lean heavily towards the World Cup stars who specialize in short course racing. Especially with regard to the Americans’ seedings, as a majority of the American team races short course meters only once or twice a year, which doesn’t lead to great seed times. Also, many of the seed times are leftovers from last years polyurethane-plagued World Cup season.
The biggest thing we learn from them is what the international swimmers will be in. Roland Schoeman of South Africa, who is a short course 50 meter king, will swim the 50 free, breast, and fly. This is a key meet for him, as it has been reported that he is on ultimatum for Arena to win gold or seek other sponsorship. The men’s 50 breaststroke between him and countrymate Cameron van der Burgh will be a fantastic race.
Ous Mellouli will take on the 1500m, where earlier this year (in a yards course) at the Minnesota Grand Prix he looked really good.
The Netherlands finally have their sprint crew back at full strength. After battling motherhood, shoulder injuries, and a case of meningitis, the Dutch defending Olympic Champions and world-record-holding 400 free relay is back in the spotlight in Dubai. They will be replacing Marleen Veldhuis with Hinkelien Schreuder, but that should leave only a minimal dropoff. This relay will definitely challenge the Americans and the Swedes for the gold.
Ben Hockin is still entered the meet for Paraguay. Needless to say, that won’t be happening.
Emily Seebohm is a scratch for Australia, despite previous reports that she would be at this meet.
In other championship news, it’s been circulating that American backstroker David Plummer got snowed in amidst a massive snowstorm in Minneapolis (that, among other things, collapsed the roof of the Metrodome) and missed Team USA’s flight to Dubai. His first event, the 100 backstroke, is on the very first day of competition, and it will be tight if he makes it there in time.
Thank you! That’s a relief, I’m glad you noticed it.
I wonder why there are no U.S. entries for the 100 IM?
I thought the same thing at first, but scroll to the bottom. Lochte and Clary are both entered with “NT”s.