Alex Meyer prepares for his open water event at the 2012 London Olympic Games – Swimming News
American open water expert, Alex Meyer has already started preparing for his 25km open water event at the upcoming 2012 London Olympic Games.
Meyer is the first American swimmer to confirm his spot for the London Olympic Games. The talented American swimmer has devised an extensive training program, which is spread over hours of hard work.
Meyer, who trains alone, was the friend of late Fran Crippen. Crippen was one of the most astounding open water athletes of USA Swimming, whose career highlights comprised of numerous title claiming efforts. He died due to unbearable water conditions at the 2010 Open Water World Cup in United Arab Emirates (UAE), October 2010.
Meyer, who won the gold medal of 25km race at the 2010 World Open Water Championships in Roberval, was not competing in the UAE leg of the series in which Crippen died. He was on the shoreline to film Crippen’s finish in the race, but Crippen never appeared on the finishing line. Meyer took notice of his friend’s disappearance and after two-hours of exhaustive search, Crippen’s body was found.
While expressing his hopes about the London dream, he said, “I do a lot of training by myself, and when I need something to help push me a little bit, I just imagine Fran swimming in the race, in the lane next to me. I'm pursuing my life-long dream for myself, obviously, but Fran and I shared the same dream. So I'm doing it for him, too.”
While referring towards their friendship, Meyer’s coach, Tim Murphy said, "That relationship has continued to grow. I don't think it stopped when Fran passed. I think it's remained a positive force."
Roberval’s gold medal was Meyer’s first international gold medal and he has gained much confidence after his victory in the 25km event. In addition, the 23-year-old swimmer is determined to make a splash at the next Olympic Games and is training hard to live up the dream for himself and Crippen.
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