Distance Free Day Closes Out Speedo Arizona Invitational
MESA, Arizona, May 26. WITH Darian Townsend, who pulled the top headlines each night at the Speedo Arizona Invitational, taking distance night off, plenty of other swimmers had the chance to shine in Mesa this evening.
Paulinta Watson, 16, took home the women’s 800-meter free title in 9:19.23 with Kira Thomas finishing second in 9:23.62. Cecelia Kowalski rounded out the top three in the event with a 9:30.70. Kyle Ewoldt, who has regularly finished behind Darian Townsend this meet, finally had an event to himself as he clocked an 8:49.45 to win the men’s 800-meter free. Drew Eisen (8:55.74) and Josh Vedder (9:04.64) wound up second and third in the finale.
Sarah Gulbranson raced to victory in the women’s 1500-meter free in 19:18.40, while Cheyenne McLaws took second in 19:32.91. Hannah Herbst finished third in 19:35.31. Cason Flygare cruised to victory in the men’s 1500-meter free with a 17:48.47, while Zachary Grebert took second in 19:04.83. Dallin Furner finishing third in 19:40.10.
Allison Bernier topped the 12-and-under 800-meter free amongst the girls with a 10:28.48 with Tanner Falls earning the boys 12-and-under 800-meter free victory in 9:47.51. In the 10-and-under events, Loren Connors won the girls 400-meter free in 5:24.93, while Justin Kereszturi took home the boys 400-meter free in 5:13.80.