Kosuke Kitajima zoomed to a pair of first-place finishes at last weekend's Japan Open, reminding everyone that he's still this nation's undisputed king of the pool.
Kitajima didn't set any world records in the process, but the reigning Olympic champion in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke races still has time to put his name in the history books again and add another chapter to his storied legacy.
What's next will prepare him for the big challenge that lies ahead: The Japan Olympic Trials will be held in mid-April, followed by the 2008 Beijing Games in August.