University of Minnesota Athletics
Olympians/US Champs to Swim at Minnesota Grand Prix
11/10/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming & Diving
The 2010-11 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series kicks off with the Minnesota Grand Prix, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 12-14, at the University Aquatic Center. Top American swimmers, including multiple Olympians and USA Swimming national champions are scheduled to compete. Prelims will begin each day at 9 a.m. Finals will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 per session or $50 for an all-session pass.
Michael Phelps is entered in the event, but has announced that he will not be attending the Minnesota Grand Prix this weekend.
The list of Olympians who will be in action this weekend included Ryan Lochte, Ricky Behrens, Chloe Sutton and Christina Magnuson. Two Golden Gopher alumni who are reigning U.S. champions are competing in David Plummer (100 back) and Christine Jennings (5K open water).
Grand Prix Day-by-Day Preview
Friday, Nov. 12
Events: 200 free, 100 breast, 100 fly, 400 IM, 400 free relay
The top events to watch on Friday are the 100 fly and the 100 breast. The 100 fly will feature a matchup between Olympians Lochte and Behrens. Plummer is also entered in the event. Gopher freshman sensation Kyler Van Swol is seeded 16th in the event and should get the opportunity to swim against at least one Olympian in his preliminary heat.
The 100 breast will also be a very interesting race. Lochte and Plummer are in the field. Gopher senior Ivan Gutesa is off to a great start to the season and is seeded 12th in the event.
Saturday, Nov. 13
Events: 200 fly, 50 free, 100 back, 500 free, 200 breast, 800 free relay
The 100 back will give Gopher fan the chance to cheer on their own U.S. champion and Gopher alum Plummer. Behrens is also entered in this event.
The 50 free is always a fan favorite. Two of Minnesota’s top swimmers in All-Americans Curt Carlson and Michael Richards will swim in this event.
Sunday, Nov. 14
Events: 1,650 free, 200 IM, 200 back, 100 free, 400 medley relay
The 100 free will see Locte and Behrens square off once again. The Olympians were both on the U.S. gold medal 4x200 free relay. Carlson will hit the water for the Gophers.
