United States Swims the Gambit

On Sunday, the United States endured agony, astonishment, and ecstasy. Two achievers floundered. An afterthought exceeded expectations. Four men rebuked their antagonists. They recovered victory.

In the women’s one hundred meter freestyle, Libby Trickett garnered gold. Christine Magnuson scored silver. Jessicah Schipper bagged bronze. In the men’s one hundred meter breaststroke, Kosuke Kitajima garnered gold. Brendan Hanson did not medal. Hanson’s collapse was stunning. His performance was wretched. From commencement to conclusion, he was invisible. Magnuson’s silence was also disheartening. She may have swiped second. However, Trickett was unchallenged.

In the women’s four hundred meter freestyle, Laure Manaudou and Federica Pellegrini were the story. Their saga included innuendo, love, and pornography. Their showdown was anticipated. Instead, Pellegrini finished fifth. Manaudou finished eighth. Katie Hoff assumed command. With twenty meters remaining, she led. Ultimately, she scored silver. Rebecca Adlington garnered gold.

Prior to men’s four man, four hundred meter relay, France assailed America. They guaranteed victory. With fifty meters remaining, they were dominating. Unfortunately, Jason Lezak would not relent. He closed and conquered. Michael Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones, and Lezak garnered gold. They obliterated the world record.