The inaugural edition of the Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool took place on April 6, 2003, at the Indiana University Natatorium on the campus of IUPUI in Indianapolis. The event pitted the United States' top swimmers against those of Australia.
The event featured 26 races — four relay events and 22 individual races — in an Olympic-sized pool. There were 270 total points up for grabs in the event, with the U.S. smashing Australia in the end 196-74.
The event was broadcast in the United States by the NBC television network, who taped the event, then showed it over two days the next weekend on April 12 and April 13, 2003. Ted Robinson handled stroke-by-stroke duties, with Rowdy Gaines as the analyst. Craig Hummer was the poolside reporter and interviewer.
The Australian team had many noticeable absences:
Of the 26 events held, the U.S. won 21.
Events are listed in chronological order.
WR=World Record; USOR=U.S. Open Record; AR=American Record
Phelps' world record in the 400 IM, the only one set that day, earned him a $25,000 bonus.
Reasons for DQs: