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Cal’s Andrew Seliskar held onto the #1 spot in tonight’s final, using an impressive back half to come from behind and take the win in a tight field. Seliskar was only fifth at the 100 before turning on the jets to flip first at the 150 and hold on for the win in 1:45.70. That continues his huge progression in this event this year. Prior to this season, Seliskar’s best time in the 200 free was a 1:50.22 from 2014. That time also moves up to #3 in the world rankings for 2018.
Finishing in second was Indiana’s Blake Pieroni, who was out first at the 50 before fading to fourth by the 150. But Pieroni turned on the jets down the stretch, delivering a strong final 50 to move up to second and finish in 1:45.93. Right behind him in third was veteran Conor Dwyer (1:46.08), followed by Texas’ Townley Haas in fourth (1:46.15).
18-year old Jack LeVant nearly replicated his impressive time from the morning to finish fifth in 1:46.46, while the rest of the final featured Jack Conger (1:47.45), Jay Litherland (1:47.70), and Trey Freeman (1:48.20). Grant House won the B-final in 1:46.95.
Augurs well for the U.S A. 4*200 relay at next years world championships. Both Haas and Dwyer are capable of going 1:45 point so to have four swimners capable oc gojng under 1:46 is awsone for their relay.