Sophomore Evan Hill putting in his share to the 400 Yard Medley Relay. - Lisa Humes
All time records became a successful habit for Michael Phelps at this year's Olympics. His success came from a number of things, but the one that is commonly over looked is his swimming gear- a really expensive and sleek swimming suit.
FAHS Girls' Swim Relay Team that went to state put up quite a performance at the state meet on November 14.
They placed 12th while seeded 15th in the 200 relay with a time of 1:42.72 seconds included Makenzie Foerster, Alli Scott, Hannah Johnson and Hillary Hancy, beating the previous team record set just last year of 1:43.77 set by Makenzie Foerster, Meghann Green, Abbey Spata and Hilary Hancy.
Many factors contributed to this season's success, some more interesting than others. Practices seemed longer and harder than normal, with increased yardage and frequently swimming butterfly in practice to strengthen the abdominal muscles.
Though extraneous work contributed to the record breaking time, their swimming attire may have also contributed to the one and five one hundredths of second that helped them to earn their spot on the record board.
Controversial full body swimming suits have generated questions of concern all the way from the Olympics to high school swimming meets. Made of similar puncture resistant material used in rubber gloves, they're designed to keep muscles and cores locked up tighter.
"This year at state, there was definitely a noticeable change in the suits worn compared to previous meets. It seemed as if everyone who competed was wearing full body swimsuits," Junior Ashley Jensen said.
The majority of swimmers were wearing these suits, and three state records were set.
The first included Monona Grove's 200 free relay team with a time of 1:38.95 seconds, and the record previously being 1:39.08.
Second was Berlin/Green Lake Sophomore Siri Smits who broke the state record by nearly seven tenths of a second with a time of 55.83 seconds.
The record set last was one of the most competitive swims of the night. Set by Plymouth Freshman Katie Criter with a time of 1:03.31 seconds, it beat the previous record by more than two seconds in the 100 Yard Breaststroke.
Second through fifth places in this event also swam faster than the previous record, though only Criter receives credit for placing first.
Many state records were narrowly missed, most notably by Brookfield Academy Sophomore Kelsey Hojan-Clark. Hojan-Clark received two first place finishes in the 200 freestyle record by thirty-three one hundredths of a second, and the 500 freestyle twenty four one hundredths of a second.
"Well, I guess I just have something to shoot for next year," Hojan-Clark told http:jsonline.com
The suits proved to be not only physically helpful, but also mentally. Sports are a huge mental game that athletes must learn to play with themselves. The suits are playing a big roll in the physique of swimmer from Olympic gold medalists to youth alike.