Swimming Grand Prix Schedule Announced

The six-meet schedule for the 2008-09 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series was announced today. Swimmers receive points for medals earned at the meets, and $20,000 will be awarded the swimmer with the most points at the end of the series.

"We are thrilled to continue the scoring element of the USA Swimming Grand Prix Series, and we look forward to another exciting year of competition, especially following the success of the U.S. Swim Team at the 2008 Olympic Games," said Mark Schubert, USA Swimming's National Team head coach and general manager.

Many of the top swimmers in the country participated in the Grand Prix last year, including eventual winner Michael Phelps. Mary DeScenza was second and Katie Hoff third.

Here is this schedule:

Nov. 14-16, 2008: Minnesota Grand Prix, Minneapolis
Jan. 16-19, 2009: Long Beach Grand Prix
Feb. 13-16, 2009: Missouri Grand Prix, Columbia
March 4-7, 2009: Texas Grand Prix, Austin
May 14-17, 2009: Charlotte UltraSwim
June 11-14, 2009: Santa Clara International Grand Prix