long-course

It's no surprise Ryan Lochte was the first swimmer to break a long-course world record since the high-tech buoyancy suit era ended nearly two years ago; during that time, records fell so hard and so fast that people thought it would take decades for anyone to touch them.

SI.com 2011

Of the world records set this year, 15 have come in Olympic long-course (contested in a 50-meter pool) events.

Swimming's changing fabric with new scientific suit 2008

In addition to the world records set in Manchester, which top the 15 set at short-course worlds before the 2000 Olympics, 19 long-course (50-meter) world marks have fallen since the LZR was introduced in February.

Final count at swim worlds: 18 international records 2008

Perhaps most impressive is that America is winning medals in traditional sports often dominated by Europeans, such as alpine skiing, figure skating and long-course speedskating.

America's Surprise Olympics Rout Matthew Futterman 2010

Perhaps most impressive is that America is winning medals in traditional sports often dominated by Europeans, such as alpine skiing, figure skating and long-course speedskating.

America's Surprise Olympics Rout Matthew Futterman 2010

Irvine also hosted the Summer Nationals, where Klete Keller won three titles, including the 400-meter freestyle in a long-course nationals record 3: 46.20.

USATODAY.com - Athlete of the Week Nelson finds gold at last 2005

Finished 15th in 2004 World Cross Country long-course race.

USATODAY.com 2005

Only woman in the world to break 1: 00 in 100 long-course backstroke.

USATODAY.com 2005

She's only swum the long-course 400 IM less than 20 times.

USATODAY.com - Hoff's nerves get the better of her 2004

Still, there were two memorable dope-testing moments in my career, one long-course and the other from a world-record-breaking short-course performance.

An Autobiography Heyns, Penny & Lemke, Gary 2002