Regan Smith Scorches Swift Time in 200 Backstroke As Arizona State Pro Group Shines
During breaks of the Arizona State-Wisconsin dual meet on Saturday, several members of the Arizona State pro group stepped to the blocks for time trials. Leading the way was Regan Smith, the world-record holder in the 200-meter backstroke who passed on her final years of eligibility at Stanford to turn professional and train under the watch of Bob Bowman.
Racing the 200-yard backstroke, Smith put together a sterling time of 1:49.43, evidence that her work in Tempe is clocking. Smith made the announcement that she was moving her training base to Arizona in August, shortly after she claimed a gold medal in the 100 backstroke at the World Championships in Budapest. Smith stated she made the move to fully invest herself for the push toward the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
While Smith produced a strong time in the 200 backstroke, multi-time Olympian Chase Kalisz recorded a time of 1:53.83 in the 200 breaststroke. Kalisz is the reigning Olympic champion in the 400 individual medley and won bronze in that event over the summer at the World Championships. Throughout his career, he has excelled in the 200 breaststroke, the area of his medley that has frequently been a game-changer on the international stage.
In the 100 freestyle, Simone Manuel was timed in 48.40. Prior to announcing her decision to train with Bowman at Arizona State, Manuel took significant time away from the sport following the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Her return is promising for an American squad that could use a boost in the sprint-freestyle events and relay action.
None suited.
First Break
100 Free Xander Skinner :43.98 (:21.16)
Simone Manuel :48.40 (:22.98)
100 Fly Regan Smith ;51.02 (:24.40)
100 Back Olivia Smoliga :51.94 (:24.87)
Anastasia Klyarovskaya :55.70 (:26.90)
200 Fly Chase Kalisz 1:42.44 (:49.18) (:23.09; :26.09; :26.50; :26.76)
Jay Litherland 1:48.06 (:52.11) (:24.48; :27.63; :27.87; :28.08)
Second Break
50 Free Xander Skinner :20.24
Simone Manuel :22.18
Olivia Smoliga :22,23
200 Back Regan Smith 1:49.43 (54.11)(:26.21; :27,90; :27.89; :27,43)
Anastasia Klyarovskaya 2:02.91 (:58.65)
200 Free Jay Litherland 1:39.44 (:47.59) (:22.73; :24.86; :25.76; :26.09)
200 Breast Chase Kalisz 1:53.83 (54.56)(:25.73; :28.83; :29.33; :29.94