A whole new water world to see (and cheer)

KAREN WIGHT

The Wight house is always wet and wild, but this summer is wetter and

wilder than usual. One of the reasons for the escalated activity is

the inordinate amount of time we’ve spent in Long Beach, watching

water polo matches and the U.S. Olympic swim trials.

The events are taking place at a newly-constructed, temporary pool

complex, a joint venture between the City of Long Beach and the Long

Beach Sports Council. The complex is located next to the Long Beach

Arena, which is down the street from the Queen Mary and has a

breathtaking view of the harbor and Catalina Island. There are two

Olympic-sized pools and the entire venue is constructed above ground

with grandstands that seat 10,000 spectators. The facility, albeit

temporary, is world class in every aspect.

The pool construction boasts the latest in aqua dynamics. Many

expect that new records will be set during the Olympic trials. The

complex cost $2.5 million to build -- considerably less than new pool

construction -- and was completed in a fraction of the time of

building an in-ground pool. When the Aquatic Festival is over, both

pools will be taken down and find permanent homes -- one in Yucaipa

and the other at the Berkeley Aquatic Club in New Jersey.

The venue is being used for international exhibition matches in

men’s and women’s water polo, national age group water polo

championships, synchronized swimming and the U.S. Olympic swim

trials. The U.S. Olympic women’s water polo team recently finished a

five-day international competition, and the men will play July 16 to

18 against the world’s top six teams. It’s a preview of Athens right

in our own backyard.

Trials for the U.S. swim team began yesterday and will continue

through July 14. More than 700 young athletes have qualified to

compete in the eight-day selection process. A few local names you

might recognize are Aaron Peirsol, Hayley Peirsol, Nicole Mackey,

Stephanie Gabert, Kaitlyn Sandeno and Amanda Beard. Other marquee

swimmers include Jenny Thompson, Natalie Coughlin, Gary Hall Jr. and

Michael Phelps. Many more young, hopeful athletes are waiting for the

breakthrough performance that will put their names in the spotlight.

Cheer on Aaron in the backstroke July 9 and 12, Hayley in the long

distance freestyle July 13, Nicole in the butterfly July 8 and 11 and

Stephanie in the breaststroke July 9 and 11. Think about it,

homegrown talent vying for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team in the

world’s best Doughboy pool only 30 minutes from your front door. Not

bad.

It doesn’t take much to figure out that Long Beach is a lot closer

than Athens. If you love watching water sports, you have an

incredible opportunity to see some of the world’s finest athletes and

get a personal preview of the Olympic games -- along with an ocean

view. For more information, check out: www.longbeach2004.com.

* KAREN WIGHT is a Newport Beach resident. Her column runs

Thursdays.