Ed Moses was one of the best male breaststrokers in America the past couple years.  He finished first in the 100 breast at the Trials, leaving him eager for Sydney.  While he did not finish first as he'd hoped, or break the world record, he helped keep alive an amazing streak by the American men.  He swam the breaststroke leg of the 400 Medley relay.  (This relay has been won by the US team every time is has been raced, and every time it has set a world record.)  Ed made up for his disappointment earlier in the games with a 59.84, to be the first man to break 1:00 in the 100 breaststroke.

Maggie Bowen is a fantastic Individual Medley swimmer.  She broke the world record for the 200 I.M. in 2001.  In addition to being amazing in the I.M., she is also a breaststroker.  In fact, in the past NCAA Championships, breaststroke has been where she has gotten her leads.  There, she unexpectedly placed second in the 100 breaststroke.  In her I.M., she gained two seconds on her lead going from backstroke to breaststroke.  Maggie was a great contribution to Auburn's Division I Championship team this year, and she will continue to add to the teams of the United States in years to come. 

Megan Quann walked into the Aquatic Center a very confident person on the night of the 100 breaststroke in Sydney.  The sixteen-year-old had told people that she was going to win the gold medal, and she did.  While she did not beat the world record time, set by Penny Heyns in 1996, she set a new American record.  (Penny won a bronze medal in 2000.)  Quann's time landed her a spot as the second fastest woman in history in this event.  Megan's confidence helped her become the leader of women's breaststroke, passing Penny Heyns and amazing the crowds.