Duel in the Pool

The Duel in the Pool is a swimming event that began in 2003. The competition pits swimming stars from two nations to see which is the best across a series of events.

The concept was revealed by USA Swimming in 2003 as a way to develop the rivalry between the world's two largest swimming powerhouse nations: Australia and the United States. Following the dominance of the Americans in the first three editions, Australia hosted a Duel in the Pool against Japan in 2009, with the USA Swimming hoping to take on Europe at some time in the future.

2003 Duel in the Pool

Main article: 2003 Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool

The first edition of the Mutual of Omaha/Fujitsu Duel in the Pool was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States on April 6, 2003 with a points score of 196–74 to the home team deciding the title holder.^{[clarification needed]}

2005 Duel in the Pool

The 2005 event was held in Irvine, California August 2, 2005 with the United States once again winning 190–74 against Team Australia.

2006

There was rumoured to be a Duel in 2006 where the USA would compete against a team from China.^{[citation needed]} This followed an earlier report stating that the event would pit the U.S. against a team of European swimmers, like golf's Ryder Cup.^{[citation needed]} Neither event was held.

2007 Duel in the Pool

The 2007 Duel in the Pool between the US and Australia took place in Sydney, Australia on April 3, 2007. The United States won their third straight Duel in the Pool, with a score of 181.5 points to Australia's 129.5.^{[citation needed]}

Libby Lenton became the first woman to beat the 53 second mark in the 100 metre freestyle, beating the previous world record by 0.31 seconds with a time of 52.99. At the time she was racing against American Michael Phelps, who clocked in at 48.72 seconds. However, due to the nature of the relay in question not being recognised as an official by the world governing body (FINA), her time was not ratified as a world record.^[1]

2009 Duel in the Pool (Australia v Japan)

The 2009 Duel in the Pool (Australia v Japan) took place at the Australian Institute of Sport Pool in Canberra, Australia on 9–10 May 2009.^[2]

Australia won the event 167 points to 162, with the highlight being a world record in the men's 200 m backstroke by Ryosuke Irie of Japan.^[3]

2010 Duel in the Pool (USA vs E-Stars)

For more details on this topic, see 2010 Duel in the Pool.

The event took place December 19–20, 2010 between the USA and a combined British, German and Italian team swimming under the team name E-Stars. The final score was a 185–78 victory for the USA with eight world records set during the competition: three on Saturday from Rebecca Soni in the 200 m breaststroke, Julia Smit in the 200 m individual medley and the men's 4×100 m freestyle, including Phelps. This meet marks the last major competition where polyurethane suits were worn, with the required use of textile suits being reinstated January 1, 2010.

2011 Duel in the Pool (USA vs E-Stars)

In December 2011 the USA and E-Stars will meet for a rematch in Atlanta, USA. ^[4]

References

1. ^ "Libby Lenton's 52.99 Not Ratified as World Record by FINA". Swimming World Magazine. http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/14597.asp. 
2. ^ "2009 Duel in the Pool (Australia v Japan)". Swimming Australia. http://www.clubsonline.com.au/customdata/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_main&ItemID=17726&OrgID=2075. Retrieved 2009-05-12. 
3. ^ Lord, Craig (2009-05-10). "Irie Hacks 1.08sec Off 200m Back WR". SwimNews.com. http://www.swimnews.com/News/view/6852. Retrieved 2009-05-12. 
4. ^ http://www.mutualofomaha.com/usa-swimming/duel-in-the-pool/