THE WOODLANDS, Texas, August 1. DAVID Guthrie is preparing for next week’s Masters nationals in the most exciting fashion, once again breaking his world record in the 200 breaststroke in the 50-54 age group last night at the Speedo sectional championships in Texas.
Going into the meet, Guthrie, 53, had posted a 2:29.78 at the Texas Senior Circuit meet three weeks ago to become the first man over 50 years old under 2:30. Yesterday in prelims, Guthrie uncorked a 2:28.96 to lower his record further under the magical 2:30 barrier.
His prelim splits: 34.18, 38.26, 38.39, 38.13
In the B final last night, Guthrie went faster, with his 2:27.91 taking the record into unfathomable territory. Guthrie placed 13th overall against swimmers more than half his age.
His finals splits: 34.27, 37.22, 38.66, 37.76.
Guthrie manages his fast swims with an extremely low stroke count, similar to that of NCAA champion Kevin Cordes. In prelims, his stroke count per 50 meters was 15, 16, 17, and 20. In finals, the stroke count plummeted to 13, 15, 16 and 18.
Guthrie will be one of the main headlines of next week’s U.S. Masters nationals in Mission Viejo, Calif., where he’ll be in a league of his own when racing others in his age group.
Video of Guthrie’s finals swim (racing in lane two):