Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
GREENSBORO – Threatening Austin Staab’s American record at the 50-yard mark, Giles Smith continued to lay down the hammer on the field, winning by a body length with a 44.99.
It wasn’t his lifetime best, falling just two tenths shy of that, but still a statement-making swim for the former University of Arizona standout who wins his first national title. Smith turned at 20.55, and to his credit, continued to show power through the finish. Club Wolverine’s Geoffrey Cheah’s 45.71 was a strong swim as well, good enough for second place over Sean Fletcher, who represents the Mason Makos but trains with Cheah at Club Wolverine, was third with a 45.82, just off his personal best. Fletcher is a former national high school record holder in the event and is continuing to excel as a college postgrad.
Matthew Josa, the star of Division II swimming representing Queens University of Charlotte, finished fourth in 46.20. Louisville’s Pedro Coutinho (46.46), Josh Quallen (46.70) and Aaron Young (46.90) were fifth through seventh, while Michigan’s Pete Brumm rounded out the top eight with a 47.27.
Tim Phillips, a member of Team USA’s world championship team in the 100 fly, made a statement by winning the B final with a 46.78 after qualifying with a 47.61. That was well ahead of Evan White, who was second with a 47.36, and Andrew Marsh, who touched third with a 47.49.
Max Irwin and Kourosh Ahani both broke 48 seconds in the C final, with Irwin taking the win in 47.69 to Ahani’s 47.90. Kyle Lukens just missed joining them under the barrier with a third-place time of 48.03.
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Congrats to Giles and his coach Herbie Behm of Phoenix Swim Club!