In another thrilling duel Ryan Lochte/Michael Phelps, the 14-time gold medallist lost again, this time in the men’s 200m individual medley. Lochte, the world record holder in this event (he had clocked 1:54.10 when he won the world title in Rome 2009), improved his own best work mark and touched home in 1:54.00, setting the first World Record of these championships. It was also the first 50m World Record since the change of the FINA rules concerning the swimwear in the beginning of 2010. Lochte, winner of the 200m free, also in a close fight with Phelps, confirmed his status of main challenger of the greatest swimmer in history. Before Shanghai, the 26-year-old swimmer from Florida, had already an impressive roll of honour of 13 medals at FINA World Championships. With his two gold already in the Chinese metropolis, he is the third best in history in this competition, after Phelps and legendary Australian Grant Hackett. (Source: FINA, read more on www.fina.org)

You can also improve your training and swim style. Our swim expert Blythe Lucero give you helpful hints and a huge package of training exercises and workouts in her books. Look also out for more water sports books in the Meyer & Meyer list.

The 100 Best Swimming Drills
by Blythe Lucero

In The 100 Best Swimming Drills, Blythe Lucero has compiled the most effective swimming drills gathered from more than 20 years of working with swimmers. The book is organized into sections covering the four competitive strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. Each drill is explained step by step and accompanied by comprehensive diagrams. Drill feedback charts are included to help swimmers identify problems and make modifications. Underwater and surface photographs give swimmers optimal images to emulate as they practice. The 100 Best Swimming Drills is an excellent resource for swimmers at any level in the quest for better swimming. more

Technique Swim Workouts
by Blythe Lucero

The first book in the 3-book-series, called "Technique Swim Workouts" contains 100 workouts that focus on improving general swimming efficiency, with specific workouts for each of the competitive swimming strokes. The workouts in this book blend swimming drills and conditioning sets that total up to 2,000 yards/meters. Each workout is accompanied by a "Focus Point" to help swimmers zero in on stroke improvements by eliminating drag, improving feel for the water, and swimming in a core-centered manner. more

Shape Up! - 100 Conditioning Swim Workouts
by Blythe Lucero

This is the second in a three book series of swim workouts by Coach Blythe Lucero. This book contains 100 swim workouts designed to generate full body fitness through a conditioning routine focused on building endurance, versatility and applicable power. The workouts in this book use established training methods including interval training, benchmark swims and speed play to build conditioning and improve fitness. The workouts total up to 3,500 yards/meters. Each workout is accompanied by a "Tip of the Day" to help swimmers get the most from their conditioning routine. A Progress Log is included for swimmers to track their improvement. more

Strength Training for Faster Swimming
by Blythe Lucero - Available in November 2011

Swimming-specific strength training gives competitive swimmers an edge. By strategically incorporating strength training into the swimming routine, better and quicker improvement can be expected. In order to enhance your performance, swimming alone is not enough. An effective strength training is crucial if you want to improve your swimming times. This book shows you what types of strength training benefit swimming and how to develop a winning routine. It includes swimspecific strength-training and lots of sample workouts. more