Went to FINA's World Cup yesterday here in Moscow. It was held at the pool I swam in when my embassy pool was closed for cleaning, the home of the 1980 Olympics swimming events.
The phrase Трибуна С is Russian for nose-bleed section
I went early to watch some of the preliminary heats, and cheer on some of the American swimmers, like Lia Neal and Allison Schmitt, Josh Prenot and Tyler McGill, Chelsea Chenault and Melissa Franklin.
And of course, one swimmer in particular. I had no idea how much the Russians love that guy.
I noticed early in the finals on Tuesday that the Russians would very politely clap for all the swimmers as they were introduced, except the Chinese. Very weird. But I wasn't prepared for the 200m butterfly final. Most finals began with an announcement about the race and the swimmers would be led out to their lanes. However, the 200 fly started with about 4 minutes of the announcer getting the crowd going.
ANNOUNCER: Who did you come to see tonight?
CROWD: Phelps!
A: Who is the most famous sportsman in the world?
C: Phelps!
Then followed an entire exchange between A and C about P not hearing everyone, until finally, the 1000 or so Russians in attendance all yelled
C: МАЙКЛ ФЕЛПС!*
And the Phelpanator came out with the rest of his crew, and proceeded to get third in the 200m fly, much to the chagrin of the Russians around me.
Phelps later came out for the 100 IM, still with some fanfare, but far less than the first time. The Russians were on their feet again, cheering for him. They showed enthusiasm throughout the night for their swimmers (Russians love sport), but I didn't see the same kind of enthusiasm as they gave for Phelps. Being the only American in the natatorium, I was very humbled.
In the 100IM, Phelps did his country (and 2-day adopted country) proud. Kenneth To of Australia gave him a run for his money, leading until the breast leg. Phelps really put on the gas during the free to win easily, in :52.19.
Phelps in lane 4, To in 5
Phelps, To and Zhilin (RUS), 1-2-3 in the 100IM
Like I said, the Russians love their sport, and the Russians who usually swim after work on a Tuesday were not to be stopped, and kudos to the Olympic pool center, for letting them continue to swim in the "free" end of the pool.
Now these guys can say "I swam with Michael Phelps."
*Do you really need a translation?
Great story - and well told.
Posted by: Evan | 19 October 2011 at 12:08
Nice dude... that Prenot kid is local to me, his coach is one of my swim buddies
Posted by: Rob D. | 19 October 2011 at 19:42
AWESOME that they let the average Borises get on with their swim practice.
Love the pics.
Posted by: Katie | 20 October 2011 at 10:22