A Dip into the joys of swimming with Lynn Sherr

Hour 2

Yesterday, sixteen year-old Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen won her second gold, this time in the 200 meter individual medley.  On Saturday, she swam a world record breaking 4:28:43 in the  400IM, blowing away the competition and swimming her last 50 meter lap faster than Ryan Lochte’s gold-winning performance in the men’s IM.  But her wins have been clouded by questions of  doping even though the International Olympic Committee has said she tested clean.  Meanwhile, the U.S. team has won five gold medals in the swimming — Allison Schmitt for the 200 freestyle, Missy Franklin in the 100 meter backstroke, Matt Grevers in 100 meter back, Ryan Lochte in the 400 individual medley, and the men’s 4×200 meter freestyle relay.  Of course, most of us don’t come close to the speed, power or grace of the elite Olympic swimmers when we plunge into the water but that doesn’t stop us.  On a hot day – like the many we’ve had this summer – there’s nothing like taking a dip in a pool, lake, ocean or bay to cool down, goof around or get a little exercise. Broadcast journalist LYNN SHERR has been an avid swimmer since she first learned how at a summer camp in the Poconos.  Now she’s written a book, “Swim: Why We Love the Water,” that explains the joys, health benefits and interesting history behind the sport.

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[audio: 080112_110630.mp3]