I will be the first to say that Australia has some excellent swimmers. I've followed Grant Hackett for years, and was pleased, as were all the Americans that surrounded me, that he set a new world record last night in 800 free. At least an American came in second

We love the Australians so much, we're taking them on in Irvine on August 2, before they head back down under, one on one (will be televised on NBC in the U.S. the following weekend over 2 days). We did this last in 2003 in Indianapolis (U.S. won, Thorpe didn't show for that one either), but this one is really a tossup as to who will win. This event is already sold out (but I have my ticket, as do the Coughlins). I don't know if Australian television will be broadcasting this or not.

Went to prelims this a.m. and about 90 swimmers competed for the top 16 slots in 100 free semis tonight. Natalie made the cut (she took a bronze in this in Athens), but there is some tough competition, including Jodie Henry (think she won this in Athens) and Alice Mills, both from Australia, and another American, Amanda Weir. I hope she makes it into finals for Friday night (top 16 advance to semis tonight, then top 8 from there go onto finals on Friday), and it will be a very exciting race seeing all these swimmers in the pool together.

Gorgeous weather in Montreal today, with cool temps and bright sun. Just back from lunch at the Casino, and a quick walk across the park there to Metro, and back to the hotel. A lot nicer than yesterday, when it pretty much rained the whole day, and stopped just as finals were starting at 6pm.