Gary Hall Jr.

I have mixed feelings about Gary Hall, Jr., but it's interesting to note that his prelim time of 21.89 is faster than his 2004 Olympic Gold time of 21.93, his 2000 Olympic Gold time of 21.98 (but not his 2000 Olympic Trials AR of 21.76), and his 1996 Olympic Silver time of 22.26.

I love this guy.

Classy response, it's sad that he's going to be out of the olympics this year, he's probably the best thing for the sport of swimming. A great character and he'll be missed if this was his last race.

i will miss gary in the olympics this year!!:-( definitely the godfather of swimming. he should loan the cape to dara for her to wear in the olympics. it's pretty badass.

he is the godfather of swimming

he is the godfather of swimming

The Olympics won't be the same without Gary. No matter if you like him or didn't agree with what he said, he definitely gave swimming some well deserved personality. And come on, he posted the BEST times he has since 2000, and at 33. So 2012, London, I wouldn't put it past him to go for it again. Gary is one of the big reasons I still follow swimming, and it's going to be tough watching that 50 free final in Beijing without him there, on the deck, sporting some sort of crazy outfit, blowing kisses to the crowd, or flexing those biceps. :)

Last night at finals we sat next to a family from Iowa who traveled here specifically to see Gary Hall, Jr. swim. They have a diabetic daughter, who is a swimmer, and met Gary at some kind of information session for diabetic athletes. Gary took the daughter under his wing, discussed strategies for training and racing with the disease, and otherwise proved himself to be a first class guy to these folks. They were thrilled to see him, and disappointed that he didn't make the team. Aren't we all, just a little bit?

he's awesome!!!