Atlanta Classic: Trenton Julian Heads Strong 200 Butterfly Field In Day Two Prelims
One month out from the United States Olympic Trials, the Atlanta Classic is serving as a final tuneup opportunity for some of the biggest names in the American arsenal. As preliminary action continued on Saturday morning, the 200-meter butterfly is shaping up as an enticing event for the evening finals session.
Three athletes produced morning performances in the 1:57-range, led by Trenton Julian. The Cal standout claimed the top seed for the final behind an effort of 1:57.14, which was slightly quicker than the 1:57.21 of Luca Urlando. In the third position was Chase Kalisz, who touched the wall in 1:57.67. Kalisz is coming off a strong showing in the 400 individual medley from Friday night, as he won the event with a 4:13 mark.
Bruno Fratus and Caeleb Dressel are set to duel in the final of the 50 freestyle as the Brazilian and American picked up the top-two seeds in the 50 freestyle. Fratus led the way through prelims with a swim of 22.21 while Dressel, the two-time defending world champion, was timed in 22.41. Dressel won the 100 butterfly on Friday in 51-low.
The Cal men dominated morning action in the 100 backstroke, taking the top-four spots for the final. Daniel Carr was quickest in prelims, going 54.54, with reigning Olympic champion Ryan Murphy checking in at 55.22. The third and fourth slots went to Cal’s Destin Lasco (55.41) and Bryce Mefford (55.48).
Josh Prenot will be the top seed in the 200 breaststroke after a mark of 2:12.31 in prelims. He was followed by Kevin Cordes (2:12.55) and Nic Fink (2:13.20), with Fink coming off a 59-mid performance that yielded a victory in the 100 breaststroke on Friday night.
Kieran Smith was the top qualifier in the 400 freestyle, as he went sub-3:50 with a mark of 3:49.32.