Kieran Smith and Olivia Smoliga Dominate 200 Freestyle at Atlanta Classic
Earlier this year, through what he produced for the University of Florida in NCAA competition, Kieran Smith generated considerable hype for what he might manage during an Olympic summer. Well, an indication came in impressive fashion on Friday night, as Smith raced at the Atlanta Classic, a final tuneup for next month’s Olympic Trials in Omaha.
Competing against a stacked field, Smith prevailed in the 200-meter freestyle, thanks to a time of 1:46.46. Smith was slightly quicker during the morning prelims, where he went 1:46.30. Smith figures to be the favorite at the Olympic Trials, although the United States is looking stronger the closer the calendar comes to mid-June and Omaha.
While Smith cracked 1:47 to claim victory, three Americans were in the 1:47 range, including Andrew Seliskar. The Cal product touched the wall in 1:47.07, followed by Jake Magahey in 1:47.30 and Caeleb Dressel in 1:47.42. Dressel is an X-factor in the event, as he could be a valuable contributor to the United States’ 800 freestyle relay, which will face daunting challenges from Great Britain and Australia.
On the women’s side, Olivia Smoliga registered a decisive triumph, as she was timed in 1:57.04. A contender for an Olympic berth in the 100 backstroke, Smoliga has elevated her status as a contender for an 800 freestyle relay nod. Smoliga won the event by nearly two seconds, with Melanie Margalis earning runnerup honors in 1:58.85.