Jenny Thompson training at the International Aquatic Centre. But at the head of the swimming sisterhood is American Jenny Thompson, poised to make one last lunge at an elusive individual gold medal, dressed in star-spangled shorts with her hands positioned over her breasts.
Strong bodies are a beautiful thing to look at.
It is conceivable that Thompson, among the Olympians to have posed for Sports Illustrated and one of the most successful swimmers in US history, could finish her Olympic career in Sydney without ever having won individual gold. It is not a particular point of frustration for Thompson, for it became clear yesterday that, at 27, she was at peace not only with her body but also her career. But I think it was a bit of a blessing in disguise because I've had the best four years that I've had in my career these last four years. I'm much more mature than I was at the last two Olympics. I'm in a much more comfortable place.