Mania Falls in Semifinals; Piper Just Misses Making Relay Squad
October 07, 2004 | Men's Swimming & Diving
The world-record holding 800-meter freestyle relay team that earned a gold in the 2004 Olympics had a different look Thursday at the FINA World Swimming Championships, as University of Wisconsin swimmer Carly Piper (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.) was not chosen to compete.
Piper, who helped her squad break a 17-year-old record back in August, watched as her teammates successfully defended their title. In the morning, Piper missed making the final squad by three-hundredths of a second, as the team staged a swim-off between four of its members for two spots (two already had spots).
Badger teammate Adam Mania (Hickman, Neb.), meanwhile, once again swam for Poland as he did in the Olympic Games, but he was unable to qualify for the finals of the 100-meter backstroke, his only event of the day.
"I was happy with Adam's finish," head coach Eric Hansen said. "As for Carly, it was unfortunate that she didn't get to compete, but we're still looking forward to having her lead the team this season."
In the morning prelims, Mania reeled off a time of 53.72, good enough for 13th place and a spot in the semifinals. The senior swam a bit slower in the next competition, though, and his 53.79 put him in 12th, four places away from a spot in the final round.
Mania will compete again on Saturday when the 50-meter backstroke takes place. He also will compete in Monday's 200-meter backstroke event.
The 800-meter freestyle relay team swam a thrilling race, even without its original Olympic squad members. Through 300 meters Team USA was three seconds behind Australia, but by the 600-meter mark, the Americans found themselves ahead by three seconds.
In the end, Team USA won with a time of 7:47.72. Australia followed at 7:51.39.
