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Devon Nowicki made the national team last year as a relatively unknown swimmer.
He knew he belonged in the nation’s elite, but felt he needed to prove it to everyone else.
Nowicki did that on Saturday night.
The Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics swimmer held off a strong field to win the national championship in the 100-meter breaststroke at the 2019 Phillips 66 U.S. National Championships.
Photo Courtesy: Connor Trimble
“It is all about getting your hand to the wall first, and that happened to be me this time. I was actually in a daze when I touched the wall, so I didn’t notice. The announcer said ‘Devon Nowicki,’ and that is when I reacted,” Nowicki said. “Then I saw my time.”
Nowicki won the race in 59.69 to hold off Craig Benson (59.79) and Reece Whitley (1:00.05).
“It feels good. I wanted to go a little faster to get my spot on the national team, but where I am at right now, I am happy with,” he said. “I was happy to have that and share it with my teammates.”
Nowicki was seeded first going into the meet, but took the fourth seed during prelims with a 1:00.67.
“I was a little mad after my morning swim because I could do that at my home pool without shaving, but improving off of that into finals was big,” he said.
Devon Nowicki; Photo Courtesy: Connor Trimble
His national title solidified that he belongs in the elite group — and isn’t going anywhere.
“It is really surreal going to the pro meets and being able to have lunch with someone like Matt Grevers, just casually and talk non-swimming,” he said. “No shop talk. Being with all of these guys is really cool. National teamers know who you are, and that is really cool. Being in this group is what I shot for my whole career. To be a part of it last year, but solidify it this year feels really good.”
Now, Nowicki has some momentum heading into the Olympic year with big goals.
“Andrew Wilson’s 58.9 is kind of nuts right now, but that is the goal,” Nowicki said. “I can’t wait for next season. I am ready to get back training and be ready to put the hammer down.”
LIVE RESULTS for 2019 Phillips 66 US National Championships
SWIMMING WORLD’S MEET PAGE FOR 2019 Phillips 66 US National Championships
