Published: July 12, 2008 12:13 am            

SWIMMING: Hesen plans to try for Olympics again

Failing to qualify for next month’s Summer Olympics in Beijing has not dampened Ben Hesen’s determination to make the United States Olympic men’s swimming squad one bit.

In fact, according to his high school coach, the former Jeffersonville High School standout was already talking about the 2012 Olympics after he fell short of earning a trip to China in the 100-meter backstroke last week at the Olympic trials in Omaha, Neb. Hesen wound up fifth in the event’s championship race.

“Being out there in Omaha with him, it was great to hear him talk about 2012,” Jeff High swim coach Keith Gast said. “Even that night, within an hour of finishing fifth, he was already talking about 2012.”

As of now, Hesen’s plan is continue to train and lower his career-best time, so he can try to make the 2012 Summer Games in London.

“Four years are a long way away. But every time I think about it, I feel I can be the best ever,” the former Indiana University swimmer said. “I’m planning on getting back on the horse and going at it.”

Hesen had to finish in the top two in the 100 back to earn a spot on the Olympic team against an extremely tough field. Race winner Aaron Peirsol, who was the 100 back gold medalist at the 2004 Olympics, snapped his own world record in 52.89, while Matt Grevers finished second in 53.19.

“I was happy, but I was not 100 percent happy,” said Hesen, who swam a personal-best 53.68. “I came a half-second short (of making the Olympics), so I wasn’t thrilled. There is still more in my career that I want to accomplish.

“Coming in, I pretty much knew that the 100 backstroke in the United States is the deepest field in the world. But what’s crazy was my time this year could’ve won the gold medal in 2004 (54.06). It’s just fast and competitive and that’s how it is.”

Gast says Hesen has always had the knack to bounce back after failing to reach a goal. The veteran Red Devil coach thinks Hesen’s focus and determination have been critical in his success over the years.

“Have I ever coached anyone that focused? Not to this point,” Gast said. “He is definitely determined. I can remember many conversations with him at different times in his career when he showed real focus on a goal. Very rarely did he fall short. But when he did, he was always ready to try again.”

Even though Hesen missed the Olympics, he swam personal-best times in each of his 100 back races in Omaha. Hesen posted the third-best time in the preliminaries in 53.88. He then swam a 53.87 to place third in the second semifinal, before posting his current personal record of 53.68 in the final.

“Anytime you swim your best time, it does wonders for your mentality,” Hesen said. “I felt good the whole time. Anytime you swim your best times, it feels good.”

Gast lauded Hesen’s overall performance in the 100 back.

“I thought it was awesome,” Gast said. “He went into the meet with a lifetime best of 54.2, dropped to 53.8 in prelims and semis and went 53.6 in finals. He performed at each level of the meet with best times, improved his place from the original seed and showed that he had the speed to race the top backstrokers in the world.”

Hesen did not exit the Olympic trials without producing some excitement.

Last Friday, he broke an American and U.S. Open record in a 50 backstroke time trial in 24.71. The following day in a 100 backstroke time trial, he snapped Friday’s record by swimming the first 50 meters in 24.70. It was the second-fastest time in the world this year, which was .23 of a second off the world record.

“I wanted to come away with something like that,” Hesen said. “I was pretty confident I could do it. I went for the world record, but fell short. But it was nice to come away with that.”

Hesen liked the laid-back atmosphere of the time trial, where he was not racing against competitors for position.

“It is a fun thing, the time trial,” Hesen said. “It is all individual-based. You’re not swimming for place. It’s pretty relaxed.”

Hesen will return to IU next semester to finish up his general studies degree. Even though his college eligibility has expired, he will continue to work out with his former Hoosier teammates.

Hesen appreciates the support he has gotten from his family and friends.

“I want to say thank you to a lot of people who I don’t see a lot. I’ve gotten a lot of support from them,” Hesen said.



OLYMPIC TRIALS MEN’S 100 BACK

July 1 in Omaha, Neb.

1. Aaron Peirsol 52.89

2. Matt Grevers 53.19

3. Ryan Lochte 53.37

4. Randall Bal 53.45

5. Ben Hesen 53.68

6. Nick Thoman 53.79

7. David Plummer 54.27

8. Patrick Schirk 54.96

Note: The top two finishers earned spots on the United States Olympic team.

        

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