Ally McHugh opened the 2021 TYR Pro Swim Series in Indianapolis with a very quick 15:59.54 in the 1500 freestyle for her first swim under 16:00 in the event. McHugh is now the second fastest American in 2021 behind Katie Ledecky (15:40.55) as she is now ranked eighth in the world for 2021. McHugh was pushed by Emma Nordin of Arizona State, who has flown under the radar this season after redshirting this year at ASU, as she finished second here at 16:01.37.
Nordin is now the third fastest American for 2021 and tenth in the world for 2021.
Sierra Schmidt, who just moved across the country to Arizona, finished third with a solid time of 16:06.85. The women’s 1500 freestyle field is looking to be a very interesting race ahead of next month’s Olympic Trials as McHugh has launched herself into medal contention in this event with her swim tonight. Nordin should have a strong showing in the 200 and 400 free this weekend as she has steadily risen as one of the top distance freestylers in the country.
2021 World Rankings Women’s 1500 Freestyle
- 15:40.55, Katie Ledecky, USA
- 15:49.07, Wang Jianjiahe, CHN
- 15:52.20, Sarah Kohler, GER
- 15:57.03, Simona Quadarella, ITA
- 15:58.35, Li Bingjie, CHN
- 15:58.98, Anastasia Kirpichnikova, RUS
- 15:59.13, Martina Caramignoli, ITA
- 15:59.54, Ally McHugh, USA
- 16:00.18, Maddy Gough, AUS
- 16:01.37, Emma Nordin, USA
Zane Grothe won the men’s race with a 15:20.96 ahead of Charlie Clark (15:21.30) as he was off his season best of 15:10 from earlier this year while Clark swam a new best time. In the national rankings this year, Grothe’s season best puts him second while Clark is now fifth. It’s going to take much faster to potentially reach the final in Tokyo as it should take around a sub-14:50 in Tokyo to make the final where a sub-14:40 may be required to make the podium.
Ricardo Vargas, who swims at the University of Michigan and also represents Mexico internationally, finished in third at 15:23.13.
