Olympic Voice from Beijing

Olympian Mark Warkentin writes on his first day in Beijing.

"I’m having an incredible time so far. I don’t know what you’ve heard or read about this Olympics, but I can assure you that this place is about ready to burst with excitement. Everything is huge, everything is organized, everything is planned and prepared and just in case there’s a problem there’s 50 Chinese standing on every street corner willing to help. The people are motivated, friendly and well-spoken. The facilities are state-of-the-art. The food is spectacular.

We arrived in Beijing in the afternoon, and hundreds of people were waiting for us at the airport. We were hurried onto buses and taken by police escort through Beijing. In preparation for the Olympics, Beijing did a bit of an environmental makeover. Thousands of trees line the sides of the freeway from the airport, so much so that it felt like we were going away from a city rather than towards the city. A thick blanket of greenery was our only view until we were in the middle of Beijing.

The Olympics dominate every aspect of Beijing and for a tourist coming to the city you’d probably miss out on the typical cultural experience. The city in clean as a whistle and the streets are free of congestion. The planning for this event is obvious at every turn, and, with the barricades, high-tech name tags, and general security presence."

Arriving at the Water Cube

Matt Zimmer arrived in Beijing just days ago. He met with Team TYR USA swimmers Mark Warkentin, Eric Shanteau, Matt Grevers and TYR coaches for the first time on Monday at the Water Cube. The athletes are on a tight schedule with very little access. They are all in good spirits and health.

Just 3 DAYS until the Opening Ceremonies of the greatest sports event for swimming in the last four years. Remember on 8-8-08 the grand spectacle kicks off with TYR athletes from around the world at the same place at the same time.

Singapore Training Trip

Mark took time from his busy training session to visit the local culture in Singapore. He visited the Raffles Hotel, a famous historic landmark in the city. With a strict dress code for visitors, Mark ran back to the hotel to wear his finest attire.

Mark talks about the experience...

"Unfortunately I arrived too late to participate in the afternoon tea, but I wandered around the hotel lobby and courtyard and got a picture taken in the historic Billiard Room.  I also went to the Long Bar (located in the Raffles Hotel), site for the creation of the Singapore Sling.  As a member of the USA Swimming Swim Team I am bound by an honor code not to consume any alcoholic beverage until after the Olympics, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity completely, so I ordered the famous drink virgin style. This may be my only time in Singapore and as the local saying goes: “Where else should one partake of the Singapore Sling but at the Raffles Hotel.”

Singapore Training Trip

Mark Warkentin trained for the last two weeks with the rest of members of the USA Swimming Team in Singapore.

Mark tells about the young children eager for autographs at the pool.

"The autograph books themselves are incredibly impressive. Many of the people would take a picture one day then return with the developed photo the next day. All the athlete photos would be organized alphabetically and next to each photo was an accompanying athlete biography. It’s not hard to see why Singapore is an incredibly successful country."

Olympic Trials: Olympian Eric Shanteau

Olympian Eric Shanteau's solid performance and drive secured him a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team in the 200m Breaststroke. At the last Olympic Trials, Eric came in 3rd in two events. Now he did it! We know his hard work and determination paid off.

Olympic Trials: New Olympian Matt Grevers

Matt Grevers discovers he reached his lifelong goal to be an Olympian. Way to go Matt! We are so proud of you!

Olympic Trials: Matt Grevers

Matt Grevers prepares for the most important race of his life. Under the radar, Matt earned a spot beating some of the fastest backstrokers in the sport. That's our guy!

Olympic Trials: Mark Warkentin

Olympian Mark Warkentin was honored by Swimming World TV with a special plaque. Mark is at the Olympic team training camp with team members in Palo Alto for the next two weeks.

Olympic Trials: Queen Mary in Tracer Rise

There's no doubt when you watch Queen Mary that she puts a smile on your face. Her energy spreads across the pool deck. She was at the Olympic Trials to enjoy the moment and swim her heart out.

Olympic Trials: Go Queen Mary!

Mary DeScenza had a full cheering squad with Mr. DeScenza, Mrs. DeScenza and Katie DeScenza.

Olympic Trials: Associated Press

World Record Holder Doug Van Wie took time from his busy swimming schedule to chat with the Associated Press TV about Tracer Rise. The black and gold looked incredible.

Olympic Trials: Swimming into the Lobby

Filled with swimmers, the Hilton Garden Inn in Omaha was decked out in full TYR down to the hotel key cards and elevator pictures.

Olympic Trials: Full Size Banners

60 foot banners of Olympians Matt Grevers and Amanda Weir captured the eyes of anyone passing by.

Chrissie Wellington To Race in Australia

The reining IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPION Chrissie Wellington will compete in her first Ironman race since Kona this weekend in Australia. She has been training in the Philipines with her team, TEAM TBB. She'll be wearing our new 2008 Triathlon Collection. Good luck Chrissie!

Ohio Grand Prix

Stay tuned for fast swims from Eric Shanteau, David Cromwell, Scott Usher and Jacqueline Fessel at the Ohio Grand Prix. All will sport Tracer Technology. Check back next week for a report. Go TYR Swimmers

Stanford Grand Prix

This weekend is full of races. Amanda Weir, Hongzhe Sun and Pat Cary will compete this weekend at the Stanford Grand Prix.

TriFest 2008

Triathletes love TYR goggles and accessories. The new Nest Pro Metallized goggle was huge hit at TriFest.

TriFest 2008

The new face at TYR is Ben Bigglestone (the gentleman on the left). Ben comes from a strong triathlon background. He will serve as the TYR representative at all TYR sponsored North America Ironman competitions and Lifetime Fitness Triathlons.

TriFest 2008

Mark Van Akkerern and Kristen Hilger hang out at the TYR booth. At the 2007 Ironman World Championship, Mark was the fastest swimmer and he was still an amauter. He beat the top professional by more than 2 minutes. Kristen enters the professional realm of triathlon after winning the 25-29 age group at the 2007 Ironman 70.3 California. When she's not training, she is a exercise physiologist.

Welcome to the team!

TriFest 2008

TriFest 2008 took place this last weekend in Tuscon, Arizona. TYR Triathletes slipped away from training for a few days to support TYR. Mark Van Akkerern (new TYR triathlete), Pip Taylor, TJ Tollakson and Kristen Hilger (new TYR triathlete) participated in a speakers panel in which they passed on their multi-sport knowledge to attendees. (athletes left to right)