Event: The University of Texas at Austin hosts the Austin Grand Prix, at which more than 10 Olympic swimmers and numerous national record holders will compete.
When: March 5-7. Preliminaries begin at 9:30 a.m., and finals start at 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, 1900 Robert Dedman Drive.
Background: The University of Texas at Austin is hosting the Austin Grand Prix, the fourth stop of the USA Swimming Grand Prix Series. Ten members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Swim Team and members of the U.S. National Team will compete in the event.
The event will feature five-time Olympian Dara Torres’ first return to the pool since she made history in Beijing as the oldest Olympic medalist in swimming ever. She will be joined by Olympic teammates, Katie Hoff, Elizabeth Beisel, Lacey Nymeyer, Kara Lynn Joyce, Kathleen Hersey and Peter Vanderkaay, as well as Longhorn Aquatics Olympians Garrett Weber-Gale, Eric Shanteau and Aaron Peirsol. Cesar Cielo of Brazil and Kristy Coventry of Zimbabwe will be among the international Olympic champions competing.
Twelve current and former National Team members will also compete at the event, including American record holders Dagny Knutson, Mary DeScenza and Hayley McGregory.
Tickets for the meet can be purchased at the door or online in advance at the Texas Box Office. Tickets are $10 for final sessions and $6 for preliminary sessions. An all-session pass is available for $30.
