GREENSBORO – Tonight’s competition at the USA Swimming nationals will be one of the most exciting yet, with records and NCAA qualifying times on notice.
Kelsi Worrell swam under the NCAA automatic time in the 100 butterfly in this morning’s prelims, and will look to swim faster than the 51.54 she posted this morning. Will she break 51 seconds and threaten her lifetime best of 50.95?
A pair of Katies, Ledecky and Meili, are on pace to win their second individual events of the meet. Ledecky will be in charge quickly in the 200 freestyle final, and after last night’s 500 freestyle, we are in for another special swim. As for Meili, she looks to be the class of the 100 breaststroke field, posting the only swim under 59 seconds this morning. Meili won the 200 IM last night, and could be on the top of the medal stand once again.
Nathan Adrian will have a tougher time earning a second gold medal, as the 200 freestyle is a little bit longer than his specialty events. But he’ll put up a challenge in the final, which is led by Michael Wynalda. Wynalda could threaten Simon Burnett’s U.S. Open record of 1:31.20, similar to what he did earlier this year at the Big Ten championships.
Another Club Wolverine teammate, Kyle Whitaker, will likely win the 400 IM but will have Michigan’s Dylan Bosch and Louisville’s Nolan Tesone on his heels. Whitaker won the 200 IM last night on the strength of a strong breaststroke leg, and could use his last 200 yards to win convincingly.
Giles Smith is racing in his first short course yards meet since ending his collegiate career at the University of Arizona, and will be the class of the 100 fly field. Look for Sean Fletcher and Geoffrey Cheah to put pressure on in the early stages of the race.
The backstroke events will be fairly quite in terms of noise made in the water, as most will spend more than half the race underwater. Linnea Mack and Clara Smiddy will use their underwater talents to battle for the win in the women’s event, while 50 back U.S. Open record breaker Junya Koga will try to chase Nick Thoman’s 100 back U.S. Open record of 44.70.
The 200 freestyle relays will conclude the session. Look for Louisville to continue their strong performances, though UCLA and Michigan will be tough on the women’s side and SwimMAC Carolina will be a challenge in the men’s race.
