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29 May 2008 08:40 AM

Focus on the Olympics: Larsen Jensen (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. Larsen, a 2004 Olympic silver medalist, calls his dad the most influential person in his life because of his toughness and integrity.

Meet Larsen Jensen

Larsen Jensen is the son of Alan and Barbara Jensen, almond farmers in Bakersfield, California. His mother, Barbara, was a competitive swimmer and his younger sister Lindsey is a diver. He graduated from Mission Viejo High School in 2003. In May 2007, Jensen graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in political science. Larsen enjoys driving, socializing and sleeping. Like his potential teammate Margaret Hoelzer, Larsen cites a parent as the most influential person in his life. Larsen also has something in common with potential teammate Jessica Hardy, his mother was also a competitive swimmer.

Why Root for Him?

Jensen finished fourth in the 1500m freestyle at the 2007 World Championships in Melbourne, Australia; he made the team by finishing second in the 1500m free at the 2006 U.S. Nationals. In 2004, he captured silver in American record time (14:45:29) in the 1500m free at the Olympic Games in Athens, and narrowly missed an Olympic medal in the 400m free, finishing fourth. At the 2005 World Championships, he earned two silver medals, setting an American record in the 800m free and taking second in the 1500m free. He holds six career U.S. National titles.

Performance Record

• 2007 ConocoPhillips Nationals 400m & 1500m freestyle silver medalist, 800m freestyle bronze medalist
• 2007 NCAA 500y & 1650y freestyle champion
• 2006 Short Course World Championships 800m freestyle relay bronze medalist
• 2005 World Championships 800m & 1500m freestyle silver medalist
• 2004 Olympic 1500m freestyle silver medalist & American record-holder

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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