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25 May 2008 09:38 AM

Focus on the Olympics: Eric Vendt (2008 Swimming Hopeful)

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

Welcome to our Focus on the Olympics articles that introduces you to our Olympic athletes and hopefuls that will be competing in Beijing this summer. Eric was the first American to break the 15 minute barrier in the 1500 Freestyle.

Meet Eric Vendt

Eric returned to the pool in April 2006 after retiring from competitive swimming after the 2004 Olympic Games. He spent four months backpacking in Europe after the 2004 Games before moving to New York, where he taught swimming lessons to beginners. His time spent working with kids gave him a new outlook on swimming. Eric majored in international relations at USC.

Why Root for Him?

Eric holds records at the University of Southern California in the 400yd IM., 1000yd freestyle and the 1650yd freestyle. He has also owned American records in the 1500m freestyle, 400m IM, 400m freestyle and the 800m freestyle. In 2000, Eric captured a silver medal in the 400m IM. at the 2000 Olympic Games. That same year, he became the first American swimmer to break the 15 minute barrier in the 1500m freestyle at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Eric repeated his Olympic success at the 2004 Olympic Games when he won his second silver medal in the 400m IM.

Known for his tenacious approach to the sport, Eric's passion for the 'ironman' races in swimming has helped revitalize interest in distance swimming in the United States. His legendary work ethic has always been larger than his 5-foot-9-inch frame. In 2006, Eric came out of retirement with four months of training to a dominant win in the 1500m freestyle at the U.S. World Championship Trials. The swimming community recognized Eric unique drive and dedication with the Perseverance Award at the 2006 Golden Goggle Awards.

Performance Record

• 2007 U.S. National Champion - 1500m freestyle & 800m freestyle
• 2006 Golden Goggle Perseverance Award
• 2006 Pan Pacific Championships silver in the 1500 free
• 2004, '00 Olympic Games silver medalist in the 400m IM

The U.S. Swim team trials take place from June 29th to July 6th in Omaha, Nebraska.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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