Just a Quick Dip in the Pool

So, I read an article earlier this summer making a case for 2008 being the greatest sports year of all time. The writer made some valid points, mostly consisting of a tremendous Super Bowl, Final Four, US Open and Wimbeldon. He mentioned the Olympics helping the cause... but surely he didn't foresee last night's 4x100 freestyle relay contributing to the cause quite like it did.

First, I was in awe watching this event live Sunday evening around 11pm. You forget how astonishing an event like this is to watch since we're only given a dose every four years.

But, here are a few tidbits about the race that I've come across so far:

Five (count them, five... as in two teams that don't even get a medal) surpassed the previous world record. At one point in the race, as many as seven of the eight teams were at or above world record pace.

American hero and anchorman Jason Lezak swam the fastest 100 split ever, almost three-quarters of a second faster than the previous record. Lezak, who was already six-tenths of a second behind when he entered the pool, actually lost ground during the first 50 meters. After the turn, there's a brief moment where Lezak is almost a full body length behind the French swimmer.

Michael Phelps, who miracuously still has his shot at eight golds, swam the opening leg of the relay. His time of 47.51 was actually the fast American split ever... a record that stood, well for about 2 minutes until Lezak punched in at 46.06!