Go, Mary, Go!

In her last stop on the 2008-2009 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series, American Record Holder Mary DeScenza will secure her win as the competition’s high-point scorer, taking home the $20,000 grand prize. The Santa Clara International Grand Prix will set the stage for DeScenza’s crowning, scheduled to begin on June 11th. As last year’s Grand Prix Series runner-up to Michael Phelps, DeScenza’s feat this season has been inspirational. DeScenza captured 10 more gold than last year, and mathematically secured the championship before this final leg of the series with a total of 19 gold, 7 silver, and 2 bronze. Suiting up against numerous Olympic and National Team members, she sits with more than double the points over the closest competitor, two-time Olympian Ryan Lochte. “To be the leader of the series at this point is a great honor,” says DeScenza. “I’m just going to keep on doing what I’m doing and know that there are so many great swimmers out there and I can be a part of it and at the top. It’s an honor to be leading such a great field of athletes.” DeScenza’s road to triumph over the six-meet series was highlighted at the Southern California Grand Prix on January 19th where she lowered Olympian Natalie Coughlin’s American Record in the 200-yard butterfly, clocking in at 1:51.28. This race capped off the meet, where she was awarded the High-Point Award on the women’s side with 6 gold medals. Scheduled to compete in six events, DeScenza plans to focus on each at a time. Remaining undefeated throughout the series in the 200 butterfly, her signature event in which she is a 4-time NCAA champion in, DeScenza recognizes the chance to sweep the event, as well as the talent that she will be against. “I am looking forward to going out and racing,” she says. “I always love doing butterfly events and I know there is going to be some good competition there. I think it would be a great accomplishment if I can win it all but I am not going to put any pressure on myself. I am just going to go out there and swim my best, and have fun too.” To follow DeScenza and receive a recap of finals each night, visit TYR.com