2020 US Open: Torri Huske Scares NAG Record in the 100 Butterfly; Comerford Tops in 200 Freestyle
Riding the momentum of an impressive performance in the 200 individual medley from the morning session of the U.S. Open in Richmond, Torri Huske nearly took down a National Age Group (NAG) standard in the evening session. Bound for Stanford University, Huske delivered a time of 57.36 in the 100-meter butterfly, an effort that missed Regan Smith’s NAG record in the 17-18 category by only .02.
Huske needed every bit of the speed she showed to defeat Katie Douglass, who was just behind in 57.43. Huske went out in 26.55 and owned a .60 advantage on Douglass at the turn, only to have the University of Virginia standout narrow that deficit down the final lap. Huske’s swim took .07 off her previous personal best, while Douglass continued an impressive day that included a win in the 50 freestyle behind a time of 24.99.
Huske has firmly established herself as a contender to qualify for next summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, with the field in the 100 butterfly at the U.S. Trials looking more dangerous by the day. In addition to the presence of Kelsi Dahlia, Huske and Douglass, the event will also feature rising teenager Claire Curzan and could also include Smith, depending on what schedule she will adopt for the meet in Omaha.
Douglass’ Virginia teammate Paige Madden went 1:57.64 to win the 200 freestyle in impressive fashion. Madden was the only swimmer under 2:00. Grace Sheble won the 400 individual medley in 4:45.23. Other wins were earned by Jaycee Yegher in the 100 breaststroke (1:09.12) and Marie Schobel (1:02.31) in the 100 backstroke.
In Indianapolis…
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Former world-record holder Kathleen Baker was the only swimmer to break 1:00, as her time of 59.82 handed her a convincing, three-second win. It was Baker’s second victory of the day, complementing an early first-place showing in the 200 individual medley.
Former Louisville standout Mallory Comerford made a run at a sub-2:00 performance in the 200-meter freestyle and while she came up a little short, her time of 2:00.34 was quick enough to hand the 23-year-old a victory. Comerford went out in 58.59 and was able to hold off Gabby DeLoof (2:00.72). Rachel Stege was third in 2:00.79.
Canada’s Maggie MacNeil secured her second win of the day when she cruised to a two-second decision over Olivia Carter in the 100 butterfly. The reigning world champion, MacNeil was timed in 57.75, with Carter (59.77) the only other athlete to break the minute barrier. In the morning session, the University of Michigan star topped the field in the 50 freestyle.
Ally McHugh followed her win in the 800 freestyle from the opening night with a victory in the 400 individual medley on Friday. McHugh, who was sixth in the event at the 2019 World Championships, registered a time of 4:43.00 to distance herself from Mariah Denigan (4:46.57). Emily Weiss, racing in her home state, claimed first place in the 100 breaststroke in 1:09.55.
