All in all, Richard had a great time. He broke 2 of his own American Records (800 Free & 200 Back), lost one (400 free...now he ranks 9th in the World Rankings), and defended 5 of his American Records (200, 1500 Free; 100 Back; 100, 200 FLY). Until next year...Minneapolis, MN June 19-21, 2003.

This has been a tough competition. But Richard has hung in there determined to keep his records and do his best against the 6'3" giant (Jess) that came into the picture and is here to stay. Richard swam the 100 FLY (Prelim), 100 FREE (Prelim) and the 1500 FREE (Final) in the morning. Determined not to lose his record to Jess Gruenke on the 1500, Richard went all out and took the lead right off in the beginning. Richard never lost his edge and the gape grew wider. Jess could not catch up. Richard finished strong with a 21:29.28, only 8 seconds slower then his recent best of 21:21.37 American Record on April 21 (that time was achieved when that was all he swam that weekend). Richard finished 10 seconds ahead of Jess and 2 minutes ahead of the 3rd place winner. He kept his record and won the GOLD. Back at night for finals in the 100 fly and 100 free. Richard maintained his American Record in the 100 fly and won the GOLD. He did his best on the last event of the grueling 3 days of competition...the 100 free. Richard came in third and won the bronze. Jess won the GOLD and new record formerly held by Acey Body. Jess swam it in 1:03.99.

DAY 1 -- 3 events and the results are 3 medals and 1 new American record.
Event 1 was the 200-meter freestyle Richard lost the gold by 1.06 seconds but maintains the American record of 2:32.56. There was excellent competition and a wonderful race. Rich accepted the defeat (and the Silver) graciously congratulating the Gold medallist, knowing he still holds the American record.
The 200-meter fly was the next event for this guy and he keeps the American record and wins the Gold. Although he did not better his time he knew he was in fist place and was saving his energy for the 800-meter freestyle, which was yet to come.
The 800-meter free promised to provide the excitement that all of us knew existed. You see there is a new guy in town with some incredible times and he is also the young man that took the 800 meter record away from Rich over this past Memorial Day weekend. So it promised to be a fantastic race. Rich was determined to regain the record and improve his time.
Well, it was a great race with Richard gaining an early lead and really never relinquishing it thru to victory. He dropped 5 seconds and beat the recently acquired record by 2 seconds for a finish of 11:16.65. Most us can't walk that distance in that time!!!! (see USA Swimming link, last paragraph of
article:
main site
(Richard receives Gold)

DAY 2 -- 1 GOLD/NEW AMERICAN RECORD AND 1 SILVER
It was a gruling day. Richard (15) had to swim the 400 meter free and compete against almost 17 year old Jess Gruenke (the new guy in town). Richard lost his American record on the 400 meter to the 6'3" Jess and accepted the Silver still smiling. The picture (attached) depicts the difference between Rich and Jess (Jess has the red cap on and Richard is next to him with the black suite). Jess took Richard's record with a 5:14.77. It reminds me of David and Goliath. Richard received the Silver and said ....next year! Richard went on to break his own American record on the 200 meter backstroke, swimming against Andy Miyares. He dropped his time by over 8 seconds and brought home the Gold. It was an exciting day and tomorrow (FRIDAY) PROVES TO BE THE MOST DIFFICULT. Rich has the 100 free, 100 fly and the 1500 free in the morning. He will go back in the PM to repeat the 100 free and trhe 100 fly.