Brent Hayden was one of the big revelations at the Olympic trials in July as he qualified for two events, the 100 and 200 freestyles. He set personal bests and posted world top-eight times in both races and bettered his Canadian record in the 100. He is a strong candidate to anchor Canada's 4X100 freestyle relay and also be on the 4X200 relay, two of Canada's best medal hopes in Athens.
"I've been trying to get this kind of time since I set the record two years ago in the 100," said Hayden. "I really want to get Canada back in the picture in this event internationally."
Hayden grew up in Mission, B.C., and moved to Vancouver in 2001 to train with the powerful UBC Dolphins Club under Tom Johnson. There he has made giant strides in making Canada respectable internationally in the sprint freestyles.
His success has also spurred on his compatriots. At trials, two other Canadians went under 50 seconds in the 100 freestyle, the first time that has ever happened.
