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23.49 - Sean Spiegel Has A Certain Number In Mind

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

Sebring’s Sean Spiegel, 25, has six chances this weekend to break 23.49 seconds in the 50-meter freestyle and qualify for the USA Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb.

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By Christopher  Hoffman | Highlands Today

Published: June 20, 2008

AVON PARK — Sean Spiegel was just inches from the wall during his 50-meter freestyle swim at last weekend's Sunshine Games at Rowdy Gaines Pool in Winter Haven.

His hand extended to the wall, and as the race finished, Spiegel checked out his time — 23.82.
He'd just finished with a personal-best swim, but Spiegel knew immediately that it wasn't quite quick enough.

"I was happy with my time and breaking the 24-second barrier for the first time ever," Spiegel said. "But on the other hand, I was just a fraction away from my goal."

That goal of the 25-year old Sebring swimmer is to realize his dream of competing against the best swimmers in the country at the USA Olympic Trials, which take place June 29-July 6 in Omaha, Neb.

"That's been a goal of mine since I was a kid," Spiegel said. "I would watch the Olympics and see all the great swimmers, and I wanted to be in the same pool with them, even if it was just once."

To realize this dream, Spiegel will have to swim 50 meters in 23.49 or under, a mark the former Blue Streak standout will have six chances to break at various competition sites this weekend.

Trimming 0.33 seconds off his time is something Spiegel is completely focused on as he works out twice a day at the Avon Park High School pool with coach Marvin Wolfe and AP assistant swim coach Quinlan Wolfe. It's the tapering portion of his training schedule that will effectively build the speed he'll need to qualify.

"Sean has worked really hard and really wants this," Quinlan Wolfe said. "We've fixed a few minor flaws with his arm positioning, and that's translated into much faster times."

The flaw was with Spiegel's hands when they went into the water during his swim.

Marvin Wolfe attached a paddle to a Total Gym machine to adjust Spiegel's arm position and prevent him from pushing his hand into the water. The idea is to almost "grab" the water and push back to give Spiegel more speed and less drag.

Another workout procedure Spiegel has employed is to mark off 50 meters at a spot in Lake Jackson and swim every day during his lunch break, in order to simulate the exact distance he faces in competition.

This exercise gives Spiegel a chance to work on timing of his breathing and strokes.

"Swimming in Lake Jackson just gives me a better opportunity to swim without turning and allows me to fine-tune my run," he said. "I'm in the best possible position I can be in, and I'm ready for this weekend."

Quinlan Wolfe, a former state champion in the 200-medley relay for Sebring, has acted as a "swim buddy" to give Spiegel someone to race against leading up to this weekend.

"Sean needed someone to chase down," Quinlan Wolfe said. "Chasing me down allowed him to build up speed and made him work that much harder.
"Right now, it's all about speed."

Four years ago, Spiegel attempted to qualify for the Olympic Trials, but came up short in his quest. That experience has motivated him to not repeat that disappointment.

"It was upsetting when I didn't do as well as I know I could've," Spiegel said. "I know this is a lofty goal, but I should've done better."

Spiegel finished with a low-24-second time four years ago and has taken the steps necessary to break through not only the physical, but mental barriers that are in his path to his ultimate finish.

"I know mentally I'm more prepared than I was four years ago," Spiegel said. "I think going through what I did at my last attempt has put me in a better frame of mind this go-around. I'm more comfortable in the pool, and I know exactly what to expect and what's expected of me."

Quinlan Wolfe believes there will be a celebration this weekend, as Spiegel is in outstanding shape and totally focused on the goal.

"I think if Sean stays positive and doesn't get down on himself, he'll be fine," Quinlan Wolfe said. "He just needs to listen to the right music and not over-think the races.
"Just go out and swim."

Spiegel is set to compete in the Coral Springs Swim Club Invitational today in the first of his possible six chances to make it to the trials.

"I've done all the work and preparation for this moment," Spiegel said. "This has been four years of total dedication, and it all comes down to this weekend."

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