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Spiegel Blazes Into Olympic Trials

SEBRING SWIMMER, 25, SHATTERS PERSONAL BEST

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

Sean Spiegel of Sebring swam a 23.15 in the 50-meter freestyle at the Coral Springs Swim Club Invitational on Friday, punching his ticket to the USA Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb.

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By Christopher  Hoffman | Highlands Today

Published: June 21, 2008

CORAL SPRINGS — Sean Spiegel was just hoping one of his six swims this weekend would be quick enough to qualify him for the USA Olympic Trials.

But the 25-year-old Sebring native didn't need that many chances to realize his dream: He torched his personal best on his first attempt, blazing through the pool in a time of 23.15 in the 50-meter freestyle at the Coral Springs Swim Club Invitational and punching his ticket to the USA Olympic Trials, which will be held June 29 to July 6 at Quest Center in Omaha, Neb.

Spiegel was still awash in wonderment hours after knocking 0.67 seconds off his personal best.

"I was totally shocked when I saw the time on the board," said Spiegel during a phone interview during a break at the invitational. "I kind of doubted the time and didn't think it was me. I waited until Quinlan (Wolfe) finished his race to ask if that was my lane.
"It's an awesome feeling, and I can't believe I finally made it."

Spiegel will compete in the men's 50-meter freestyle preliminary. Semifinals will be held July 4 with the finals are set for July 5.

To qualify for the finals, a swimmer must be in the top eight from the semifinals and only the top two swimmers will represent the United States at the Summer Games in Beijing, China beginning in August.

Spiegel, a former Blue Streak standout and Highlands Today Swimmer of the Year recipient, has been training with Marvin Wolfe as a member of the Highlands Hurricanes and credits Wolfe with fine-tuning his swimming style that has him where he wants to be.

"Marvin helped me tremendously," Spiegel said. "He helped adjust little things in the way I swim that get the most speed out of every run.

When asked about his magnificent race, Spiegel could only pinpoint his start as being the difference in this race.

"I changed my start for this race," Spiegel said. "I normally use a track start with my right leg in front of my left, but this time I put both feet at the edge of the block. That start gave me a lot more distance.

"I felt smooth through the whole race, but I didn't think I was that much faster until I saw the time."
Spiegel will have a rearrangement in his summer plans, as he'll be taking a trek to Omaha.

"My legs were still shaking when I walked back to the car after the race," Spiegel said. "It's quite a feeling to know that all my hard work has paid off."

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