Commonwealth Games – Day Five Prelims: Ben Proud on the Hunt For Three-Peat in 50 Freestyle
Four days into competition at the Commonwealth Games at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Birmingham, Australian domination has been a leading storyline. The Aussies have enjoyed several podium sweeps and have the potential for more, and the lone world record of the meet was supplied by the Dolphins in the women’s 800-meter freestyle relay. A major reason for the success has been the Aussie athletes’ ability to maneuver comfortably through the prelims, exerting just enough energy to advance.
Australia will look to continue that approach during the Day Five prelims, which will include racing in the men’s 200 backstroke, women’s 200 butterfly, men’s 50 freestyle, women’s 50 backstroke and the mixed 400 medley relay. After the relay, heats will be held in the men’s 1500 freestyle.
Here is what unfolded during the Day Five prelims session.
Men’s 200 Backstroke
Olympic bronze medalist Luke Greenbank of England showed that he is the class of the field and will be tough to deny in the evening final. Greenbank clocked in at 1:56.33 and led a one-two by England, as Brodie Williams followed in second place in 1:57.88. Australia’s Bradley Woodward was third in 1:57.99 while South African Pieter Coetze, the winner of the 50 back and silver medalist in the 100 back, will try for another podium spot after going 1:58.08 for fourth.
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Women’s 200 Butterfly
With reigning world champion Summer McIntosh skipping the event due to an already packed schedule, the door to the gold medal has been opened. Australia Elizabeth Dekkers was the easy No. 1 qualifier, going 2:07.62. That effort was nearly two seconds quicker than the 2:09.60 turned in by England’s Laura Stephens. Abbey Connor of Australia was also under 2:10, finishing third in 2:09.69.
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Men’s 50 Freestyle
A gold medal in the 50 butterfly neatly secured earlier in the meet, Ben Proud is now seeking a three-peat in the 50 freestyle. The Englishman cruised through his heat of the sprint in 22.42, which was good for the third-fastest time of the morning. Countryman Lewis Burras was quickest in 22.09, followed by Australia’s Tom Nowakowski (22.42).
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Women’s 50 Backstroke
Aussie Kaylee McKeown started her march toward a backstroke sweep by qualifying fourth in the 50 distance at 28.09. McKeown has already won titles in the 100 back and 200 back, with Canadian Kylie Masse the silver medalist on both occasions. Masse was easily swiftest in prelims of the 50 back, going 27.57. Aussie Bronte Job went 27.65 for second place and third was grabbed by Wales’ Medi Harris in 28.03.
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Mixed Medley Relay
Australia had no trouble posting the top time of the morning, as the quartet of Mitch Larkin, Sam Williamson, Alex Perkins and Madison Wilson checked in at 3:45.34. That swim was more than five seconds ahead of the 3:51.08 by England, which placed just ahead of Canada (3:51.43) and South Africa (3:51.56). Major lineup changes are on the way for the final.
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Men’s 1500 Freestyle
The top seed for tomorrow’s final was secured by Australia’s Sam Short, who posted a time of 15:02.66. He was followed in qualifying by countryman Kieran Pollard, who stopped the clock in 15:23.46.
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