DeScenza Wins 2008-2009 Grand Prix Series

For Mary DeScenza, hard work pays off. DeScenza finished racing at the 42nd Annual Santa Clara International Grand Prix in Santa Clara, CA in true champion fashion with a first place finish in the 200 butterfly. Thanks to her strong back half speed, she touched the wall at 2:08.78- over a second and a half in front of the next finisher. DeScenza has won the event in every stop on the tour, and finishes the series with 20 gold medals. The meet proved to be a highlight in DeScenza career, where she accepted her $20,000 check and title as the USA Swimming Grand Prix Series high-point scorer in front of a packed stand the night before. After placing second last year to three-time Olympian Michael Phelps, DeScenza distinguished herself again as one of the most versatile and dominant USA females in the sport. Competing in 8 different events throughout the series, DeScenza has topped the leader board since her first race and never let up. “I am happy I was able to stay consistent this whole series,” DeScenza said. “I have always had fun when I race, and it’s really great to be rewarded for racing so much. It will be one of the highlights of my career.” The series started for DeScenza and the rest of the field at the Minnesota Grand Prix in November, where she would leave the meet with a perfect six for six gold medals. Her wins in the 100 and 500 freestyle, as well as both the 100 and 200 backstroke and butterfly events foreshadowed the success she would continue to repeat. With the spotlight firmly planted on her the entire series, DeScenza started 2009 at the Southern California Grand Prix, where she received high-point honors with five gold. It was there that DeScenza rewrote the American short course record books in the 200 yard butterfly, clocking in at 1:51.28. “I was really excited with the record,” said DeScenza. “Being the fastest American at that point was a pretty big accomplishment. It definitely adds a boost of confidence for me to keep on dropping time.” “It was also one of the first meets I wore the Tracer Rise technology and it really worked well for me. That’s my suit now.” Despite her point advantage on the field, DeScenza did not slow down. Building from the momentum of her record breaking performance in Southern California, she took yet another five medals at the Missouri Grand Prix in February. On her last two stops before her Santa Clara appearance, she would capture two gold at the Austin Grand Prix, and yet another at the Charlotte UltraSwim. “I feel like I have been swimming and racing like I know I’m capable of,” DeScenza shared on her performances throughout the series. “I have been getting out there and racing harder and going to the grand prix meets with the goal of winning the High-Point Award in mind. I am more confident in myself.” DeScenza will look to use that confidence as she prepares for the World Championship Trials, scheduled to begin on July 7th at the IUPUI pool in Indianapolis, IN. Like many athletes of her caliber, DeScenza viewed this final stop on the series circuit as a dress rehearsal for trials where they will race to represent the USA in Rome, Italy. “I don’t mind training, but I do love taper time, to know that there is a big finish ahead. I am looking forward to the meet,” DeScenza explained her on preparation for the trials. “I am swimming a lot of races and I think it is going to go well. I am just going to do my best, and have fun every race like always.” Meanwhile, she’ll be figuring out how to cash that oversized check she received this evening.