Swim Shorts

There is little chance of building an Olympic dynasty these days -- newcomers shave world records with every shot of the starting gun. One notable exception: East Germany's women's swimming teams. Since they captured 17 gold and silver Olympic medals in 1976, they have ruled the sport thanks to a combination of Prussian precision and phenomenal dedication. But in Seoul their dynasty will be on the line.

The women from the G.D.R. have not lost their stuff -- they should go home with a sizable medal count -- but the rest of the world just seems to be swimming faster these days. Challenges will come from China, Italy and Rumania as well as from old nemeses like Canada, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.

Women swimmers usually peak at age 15 to 17, and the East Germans are nearly geriatric by that standard. One of the squad's golden oldies, Kristin Otto, 22, is still a formidable all-around sprinter. But in order to take the gold in the 100-meter freestyle event, she may have to better her world-record 54.73-second time, which has stood, amazingly, since 1986. Says Otto: "I know I haven't reached my limits."

Middle-Distance Freestyler Heike Friedrich, 18, who learned to swim at age three and has competed since she was ten, will probably be matched in the 400 meter by Janet Evans, 17. And venerable Breaststroker Silke Horner, 23, may lose her Olympic dominance to Canada's powerful Allison Higson, 15. Predicts Friedrich: "Records will wobble in Seoul." The question is: Will the G.D.R. wobble too?