Olympic Chances:  Although her world record in the 400m IM was broken briefly by Stephanie Rice (in March 2008), Hoff reclaimed it in her Olympic trials at Omaha and is expected to claim gold in this event and the 200m IM in Beijing. 

Her real challenge will be in the 400m and 800m freestyle events with strong competition from French swimmer Laure Manaudou and fellow American Kate Ziegler. Manaudou won gold for the 400m freestyle in Athens and at the 2007 World Swimming Championships, where Ziegler claimed the gold in the 800m freestyle.

Hoff however, has been working hard on her freestyle swimming and is expected to challenge for gold and achieve at least a podium finish in each of these events.  

To find out about Strength Training for Swimmers click here

Related links:

Swimming Stroke Technique Training - an overview of the basics and specific training needs

Check out Katie Hoff at the 2008 US Women's Olympic Swim Trials, where she broke the world record in the 400m Individual Medley, in the video below: