Fanexperiences
November 15th, 2004
Before I move onto ridiculous, completely useless details, let me state that all future references to the “red carpet” are being used ironically since it was definitely small by red carpet standards. Also missing were a zillion paparazzi and throngs of screaming, short of breathe fans. But there were a solid group of loyal fans, a few photographers, friendly swimmers with attractive entourages, creating an overall affect of a well organized, classy event – especially for its debut into the cutthroat award ceremony realm!
Overall, the swimmers looked fab all glammed up and were extremely gracious. Personally though, I’ll take half-naked swim wear over tuxes any day – especially Aaron who look great tuxed out, but makes me actually flashback to middleschool when I see those damn plaid shirts! However, the girlies looked way hotter in designer dresses than those wetsuit looking things (as most people would).
Before I go on, I should warn that most of this info was first posted to the fab Aaron website (http://www.aaronpeirsol.us), so it may be a repeat to many. My apologies to anyone bored with the repetition, but that’s the price paid for syndication.
And yes, I’m having über-fun feigning seriousness about my special report! Clearly, I’m expecting this world changing piece to be Pulitzer deserving. J ************************
Aaron Peirsol: Aaron (and date) arrived earlier than some of the other swimmers Aaron cleaned up quite nicely, sporting your general black tux with a silk/satin(ish) black tie. (Fortunately for all there was no plaid in sight, but knowing how he loves his plaid, my money’s on the boxers…) His hair was pretty crazy, curly, big (think a blonde Willy Wonka), but overall, he looked hot!
When he arrived, he started talking to some friend who was right next to the “fan” area… I won’t go into details (since I feel guilty for overhearing the conversation), but I thought all the Texas gals would be happy to hear that Aaron told the guy that he was heading back there in January. (Note: I didn’t hear the question the friend asked and Aaron never said Texas in his response, but I’m assuming that’s what he meant… sorry, I know a better “reporter” would have requested clarification!)
After talking to the friend, Aaron saw that I had a magazine out with his picture (Swimming World) and came over to sign. Right as he was taking my purple sharpie (told you I like details), the event woman came over and said there were to be no autographs… but Aaron took the pen and signed anyway. Such the rebel. In fact, maybe the media could add that to their totally overused “laid back 21-year old surfer guy from California” Aaron description sound bite! Then he signed a few of the other girls things and moved on to the photo area with his date.
Now onto his date (sorry, as a Piersol girl, I’m obliged to discuss this in depth…) It pains me to say this, but she was really pretty. And I’m totally catty (hey, at least I’m honest about it), so I would definitely let you know if there was anything bad to mention (chubby ankles perhaps?), but she was gorgeous! Totally channeling Gabrielle from Desperate Housewives (in looks, not the slutty part). Originally, I thought it could be the same girl he took to the National Treasures premiere since they have the same coloring. But upon further review of pictures, I’m not so sure anymore. Either way though, perhaps our Aaron is a fan of olive skin, brunettes (plus for me, not like it really matters though!)… however, thinking that most likely don’t have enough info to determine a real pattern here!
Anyway, back to the girl… She wore a long orange dress, which while not a color I would pick, with her coloring she pulled off fabulously! Personally though, I stand by opinion that the color and fabric (sateen-ish) was more senior prom vs. “red carpet.” But will also grudgingly admit that my catty side is grasping for straws (you had fair warning!) I mean, when you look like a freaking runway model, it’s hard to find any flaws. But as your typical cynical, insecure NYC gal, looking for the negative is a sad/depressing, but realistic coping mechanism. (Okay, hopefully, you’ve learned by now to take anything I write with a zillion grains of salt!)
The hair was silky, shiny hair. Blinding, in fact. I’d SO love to know what product these chicks uses. Although, my money is on Fédéric Fekkai Glossing Cream with Olive Oil – it’s a magical gift from the hair gods. Physique-wise, she was medium to tall in height and was model skinny. Sorry girls, I hate writing it (esp. the skinny part!), but it’s the truth!
Also, my gut says they’re not just friends. They weren’t all over each other or anything gross, but they were touchy enough to be more than friends… and honestly, they were actually kinda cute! Although they did seem somewhat awkward together, which would lead me to read into the body language that the relationship may be in the early stages. And yes, I totally feel like one of those ridiculous “behavior experts” in US magazine drawing insane inferences from nothing. But as a Piersol girl, I’ve got to comfort myself somehow. ************************
Also, effective immediately, at the (relative) old age of 25, I’m retiring from the swimmer fan reporting game. Future plans include getting a life and not being the poster child for craziness to all my normal friends J
Signing off as your special, one-time-only correspondent, Marin ************************
An now for everybody else…
Ian Crocker: Wins my award in the “Damn!” category! Previously, I’ve always written him off in the seemingly nice, shy guy category (boyishly cute, really). He’s much taller than I expected with a lean build. And for the record, I was definitely a fan of the facial hair. Overall he seemed more quiet and unassuming and generally a likeable guy. He was there with his girlfriend who looked really pretty also. She had brunette hair, was tall (I’d guess 5’8”ish) and had a thin/toned build (which in my book is way better than model skinny). She was wearing a long, tasteful black dress and pretty jewelry. Overall they flew under the radar for their “red carpet” cameo. As a couple, they appeared really cute and comfortable together (which makes sense since I think I heard they’ve been together a while). Ian was also super sweet signing autographs, taking pictures, etc.
Brendan Hansen: Brendan arrived towards on the later side of the “red carpet” ceremony. His date appeared to be Amanda Beard. But before anyone gets all worked up, it looked completely platonic. Personally though, I think he should have brought his own date since he proceeded to be completely overshadowed by Amanda. At first, I totally did a double take when Brendan arrived due to the facial hair. Again, damn! And this from a normal anti-facial hair chicky He was shorter than I expected and looked great killer in a dark gray 3-piece tux with a lighter gray tie. Definitely another hottie here. Again, he was super sweet and gracious with autographs, pictures, etc. And since everyone was nice and I’m getting tres sick of repeating myself, heretofore in my review “Ditto” means fan-friendly.
Jason Lezak: I’ll give him first billing due to relay anchoring spot. He looked very cute all tuxed out. The hair is still short and he was one of the few who appeared in person exactly as on camera! He brought his wife as his date and she was a pretty brunette wearing a long black dress (I think – she had a wrap/coat thing on while they were waiting for the “red carpet” so I’m not totally positive). He gets a “ditto” on the autograph front.
Lenny Krayzelburg:
He looked good, really tall with kinda longish hair slicked back (think Sawyer from Lost – am clearly loving the new ABC programming!) I wasn’t in the “fan” area at the time, but I don’t think the girls recognized him or got autographs! Sad side effect of being an older swimmer in a flock of Phelps preteens. The only thing I’m recalling about the date was super blondeness. Clearly, my reporting skills need honing.
Ryan Lochte:
The hair was definitely way more controlled than normal – it looked shorted and gelled (v. cute)! Assuming he and Kaitlin were both going for sleek, glam, red carpet hair vs. the indoor pool humidity look! Honestly, Aaron was the only person I looked at and thought “whoa, what’s going on there?” regarding the hair! Autograph summary as “Ditto,” but he and Kaitlin do deserve the distinction as the most friendly, relatable swimmer. I also have a great picture of Ryan and Kaitlin signing autographs (to be posted this evening).
Kaitlin Sandeno:
She looked really pretty and also super cold! Her hair was blown out and really long – it was pulled up into a sophisticated ponytail (hmmm, oxymoron?) style. She was wearing a super fitted black Gucci skirt and top. I’m a designer shoe freak, so I actually noticed them first – stiletto heels with a hot fabric crisscross thing going. When I complimented them she said that her best friend was wearing the same pair! I was guessing she was referring to Amanda since I’d heard they’re close, but Amanda had on different shoes (perhaps she changed to not cause the big red carpet faux pas of being seen wearing the same thing!) But they did have an entourage of friends around, so she was probably referring to someone else!
Also, Kaitlin and Lochte arrived right after Phelps and had to wait a while for him to move on before their turn (hence why Kaitlin was so freezing!) Kaitlin and one of her friends were laughing at how no one wants to be behind Phelps at this kinda thing! But they were great chatting to the fans while waiting!
Amanda Beard:
She looked pretty in an emerald green dress (not sure of the designer, but it looked along the lines of Gucci, Luca Luca or YSL). Her hair was down and styled in a messy (think hot bed hair), layery look. Autograph summary of “Ditto,” which I must admit was pleasantly surprising. I didn’t ask for autographs from anyone but Aaron, but the girls said that Amanda was really nice and friendly (they were surprised at that since she’s a bit – okay, totally – intimidating).
Michael Phelps:
Again, way better looking in person, really tall with a nice build – his tux was way more styling than the other guys. But he wasn’t as friendly as the other swimmers and I’m not sure he gave autographs (no “Ditto” for him) . He took a few pictures, but appeared like it was more of a chore than something he was enjoying (totally understandable since he’d been doing press events all day). His mom more than made up for it though. She was super sweet and spent a while talking to the girlies. They told her that they thought her son was amazing and she replied that she thought they were amazing – causing one girl to almost faint (v. adorable!) He took pictures on the red carpet with his mom and 2 sisters then the news guy interviewed him (also, the news report in NYC last night only showed Phelps – shocker, huh?).
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