Over the next few days we will be previewing the races that will take place at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials.Women's 400 Meter Freestyle
What to watch for: Athletes who strategically attack the middle 200 meters and hang on to the end will have a better chance at an Olympic berth than athletes who come out of the start too fast, or save up for the end. Watch for a long, smooth stroke as opposed to a lot of splash.
What it takes: Katie Hoff, who has already set one world record this Olympic Trials, is again a top contender for this event. Two seconds separate Hoff from second seed Kate Ziegler and five seconds separate Ziegler from the third seed. This being the case, in order to knock off either Hoff or Ziegler, any other swimmer is going to have to have the meet of her life.
Unlikely underdogs: Look for Kaitlin Sandeno in this event. Although Sandeno has yet to make an Olympic berth this year, she has enough experience and talent to pull of an upset.
My prediction: Hoff and Ziegler are just too far ahead of the rest of the field to not snag two spots to the Olympics in August. Hoff might even smash another world record while she's at it.
