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 three consecutive American victories, the format was discontinued in favor of a matchup between Americans and an all-star team from various European nations.

The event has been compared to golf's Ryder Cup.[1][2]

2003-2007: United States vs. Australia

2003

At the inaugural event Mutual of Omaha/Fujitsu Duel in the Pool in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 6, 2003, the Americans overwhelmed the Australians, 196-74, winning 21 of the 26 events. This result set the stage for Team USA's dominant performance at both the 2003 World Championships and later the 2004 Olympics in Athens.[3]

2005

On August 2, 2005, the United States captured victories in 18 of the 28 events in front of the sold-out crowd of 2,600 in Irvine, California. The US won 190-102, although the Australians rode a wave of talent on the women's side, outscoring the American women 76-70.[3]

2007

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.[3]

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.[4]

2009-Present: United States vs. Europe

2009

The event took place December 19–20, 2009 between the USA and a combined British, German and Italian team swimming under the team name E-Stars in Manchester, England. The final score was a 185–78 victory for the USA with eight world records set during the competition. This meet marked the last major competition where polyurethane suits were worn, with the required use of textile suits being reinstated January 1, 2010.[5]

2011

The 2011 Duel in the Pool was held December 16–17, 2011, in Atlanta, using venues from the 1996 Olympic Games. The Americans defeated a European All-Star team from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Poland, Belarus, Denmark, Austria, Ireland, Lithuania and Hungary, 181.5-80.5.[6]

2013

The 2013 Duel in the Pool was held December 20–21, 2013. Glasgow, Scotland served as host in advance of hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Like previous editions, the competition took place in a short course pool. The US team defeated the European All-Stars in the closest meet of its history. Resulting in a tie between the two teams, they had to have a tie-breaker mixed 200 medley relay. The team of Eugene Godsoe, Kevin Cordes, Claire Donahue, and Simone Manuel beat the Europeans in a time of 1:31.17. The final score was 132–131.[7]

2015

The 2015 Duel in the Pool was held December 12–13, 2015 at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis.[8] The US defeated Europe for the fourth time in a row, with a score of 155–107.[9] Two world records were broken; in the women's 4×100 m medley relay by the US team, and by American Matt Grevers in the 100 m backstroke. Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands equaled her own world record in the 50 m freestyle. Also, 16 American records were broken.[9]

Results

Duel in the Pool matches
Year Winners Score Runners-up Host city Venue
2003  United States 196–74  Australia United States Indianapolis Indiana University Natatorium
2005  United States 190–102  Australia United States Irvine Woollett Aquatics Center
2007  United States 181.5–129.5  Australia Australia Sydney Sydney International Aquatic Centre
2009  United States 185–78  Europe United Kingdom Manchester Manchester Aquatics Centre
2011  United States 181.5–80.5  Europe United States Atlanta Georgia Tech Aquatic Center
2013  United States 132–131  Europe United Kingdom Glasgow Tollcross International Swimming Centre
2015  United States 155–107  Europe United States Indianapolis Indiana University Natatorium

References

  1. ↑ Zaccardi, Nick (17 September 2013). "Duel in the Pool swimming competition set for December".
  2. ↑ "British Swimming plans 'Ryder Cup' duel in the pool". 12 March 2009 – via The Guardian.
  3. 1 2 3 "Duel in the Pool History- Mutual of Omaha, Official Sponsor of USA Swimming".
  4. ↑ "Libby Lenton's 52.99 Not Ratified as World Record by FINA". Swimming World Magazine.
  5. ↑ "Duel In The Pool 2009: Michael Phelps, US Dominate Europeans". Huffington Post. December 19, 2009.
  6. ↑ "Team USA cruises to victory in Duel in the Pool". USA Today. December 17, 2011.
  7. ↑ "www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/World/35863.asp?q=USA-vs.-European-All-Stars-Duel-in-the-Pool-Set-for-Scotland". Archived from the original on 2013-12-21.
  8. ↑ "USA Swimming - Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool".
  9. 1 2 Lord, Craig (December 12, 2015). "DUEL IN THE POOL OVER BEFORE OVER: WRS FOR GREVERS, KROMOWIDJOJO; USA KEEPS CROWN". Swimvortex. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
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