First Stonewall Swim Raises $100K for Community Foundation

The first-ever Stonewall Swim took place over the weekend despite a hurricane whipping up the East Coast.

Waters were calmer on the Great South Bay between Sayville and Fire Island Pines where the 3.5-mile swim took place. Thirty-four swimmers took part and through sponsors raised $100,000 for the Stonewall Community Foundation, which contributes grants to various LGBT organizations throughout NYC's five boroughs in the areas of health care, mental health, social service, substance abuse, community organizing, advocacy, arts, culture and the media.

The group plans to hold the swim annually.

A few more shots of participants (sorry I don't have IDs), AFTER THE JUMP...

 

Ricky Berens Suffers Splitting Swimsuit Malfunction

U.S. swimmer Ricky Berens swimsuit tore open shortly before a race on Sunday at the FINA World Championships in Rome, but he swam anyway:

"As Ricky Berens, scheduled to swim third for the U.S. morning swim squad, bent over on the pool deck for a drink of water moments before the race, his suit — a Jaked01 — split significantly in the back, exposing his rear end. There was no time to change the suit,  so U.S. anchor leg Cullen Jones urged Berens to forget the gaping hole and swim. Berens dived in and contested his third leg as scheduled, helping the U.S. team to a fourth-place finish in its heat in 3 minutes, 11.64 seconds — and securing a critical slot in the night’s final for Phelps and his teammates...Berens, the 2009 Big 12 Swimmer of the Year from Texas, was not available to comment on the suit problem. Jones, though, said tears were becoming increasingly common as swimmers sought the tightest-fitting suits possible for the greatest performance-enhancement. 'They’re all splitting,' Jones said. 'We’re all having problems. We want to get it as tight as possible as sprinters.'”

A photo of the wardrobe malfunction, AFTER THE JUMP...

A few weeks ago, a female Italian swimmer had the same issue a few weeks ago.

In related news, six records have already been broken at the championships.

Michael Phelps' Pornstache Gives Him the Edge

It must be good luck.

Kelloggs, USA Swimming Punish Michael Phelps Over Bong Photo

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was suspended for three months by USA Swimming as punishment for a photo of the gold medal-winner smoking from a bong published in Brit tabloid News of the World over the weekend:

"The organization's board of directors voted on the decision, saying the intent was to send Phelps a 'strong message' that it did not approve of his behavior. USA Swimming also said it is withdrawing financial support from Phelps during the suspension, a mostly symbolic punishment. The sport provides stipends for Olympic-caliber athletes in case they cannot afford to train and work at the same time. 'This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated,' the organization said in a statement, 'but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero. Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust.'"

Kelloggs also announced they would let their contract with the athlete expire at the end of the month, saying: "We originally built the relationship with Michael, as well as the other Olympic athletes, to support our association with the U.S. Olympic team. Michael's most recent behavior is not consistent with the image of Kellogg. His contract expires at the end of February and we have made a decision not to extend his contract."

Meanwhile, cooler heads prevailed at watchmaker Omega and Speedo: "Luxury Swiss watchmaker Omega termed Phelps' actions a private matter and 'nonissue.' Swim wear manufacturer Speedo called the 23-year-old American a 'valued member of the Speedo team.'"

Phelps publicly commented about the photo's publication. Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

(photo by Ryan McGinley)

Michael Phelps Issues Apology After Bong Hit Photo Surfaces

Michael Phelps was compelled to issue an apology after a photograph surfaced in tabloid News of the World which showed the 14-time Olympic gold-medaller using a bong.

The NYT: "In a statement, the United States Olympic Committee said it was 'disappointed in the behavior recently exhibited by Michael Phelps,' describing him as a role model who was 'well aware of the responsibilities and accountability that come with setting a positive example for others, particularly young people.' ... Under the current World Anti-Doping Agency code, cannabis is not considered a banned substance during out-of-competition testing. Athletes face suspension only if they test positive for it at a competition."

Said Phelps in a statement: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I’m 23 years old and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

Aussie Swimmer Ian Thorpe: I'm Not Gay

Former Olympic swimming champ Ian Thorpe today responded to insinuations by the Australian media that Daniel Mendes, another swimmer who has been his housemate for the past three years and traveled extensively with Thorpe, is more than just a friend.

Said Thorpe today: "Over the last few days there have been a series of press articles published speculating about my friendship with Daniel Mendes. I am still friends with many of the people I competed and trained with during my swimming career. Daniel is one such good friend whom I have known for many years. I have only commented on this issue at this time because I draw a line when innuendo implicates people like my family and my friends. I find this kind of inaccurate speculation tiresome and I am annoyed by the hurt it has caused those closest to me. In the past, on several separate occasions, I have openly and honestly with the media. My situation in this regard has not changed. I look forward to myself and those around me receiving the respect and privacy afforded others."

Previously
Australian Media Focused on Ian Thorpe's Close 'Mate' [tr]
Ian Thorpe is Still Not Gay [tr]
Ian Thorpe: Gay Rumors No Big Deal [tr]