By Delaney Lanker, Swimming World College Intern
The Richmond Speedo Sectional Championship competition began today. The four day long course meter meet is taking place at the Collegiate School Aquatics Center and is being hosted by Virginia Swimming & Poseidon Swimming. Over 50 different teams and a plethora of unattached swimmers will be competing in this event.
The women’s 800 meter free and men’s 1500 meter free were swam as finals only events. And as Olympic trials continues to grow near, the meet is a great opportunity for many fast swims and lifetime bests for swimmers of all ages.
Women’s Meet
Starting the short first session off strong was 14-year-old Madelyn Donohoe from Fish. Donohoe finished first in the event with the time of 8:40.73 and took the gold medal. This is over five seconds faster than her entry time and also is an Olympic trials qualifying standard.
Finishing in second place was 17-year-old Amanda Nunan from Egg Harbor Township Seahawks. She secured the silver medal with the time of 8:44.53. With the time of 8:53.89 was Donohoe’s teammate form Fish, Michelle Owens, taking third place on the podium tonight.
Men’s Meet
Big time drops happened today in the men’s 1500 freestyle. Ridley Area YMCA’s Matthew Haigh won the event in the time of 15:53.74. He dropped almost eight second from his entry time for the gold medal. Arthur Markley of Lancaster Aquatic Club dropped over 14 seconds from his seed time for the silver. He touched the wall second tonight with a 15:57.06. Zachary Washart of the Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club also bested his entry time in the event. He went a 16:01.59 for the bronze medal.
The Championship meet will continue tomorrow, with prelims beginning at 9 am (EST) and finals starting at 6 pm (EST). The men’s and women’s 200 free, 100 breaststroke, 100 butterfly, 400 IM and 800 freestyle relay will be swam.
Full results are available on Meet Mobile.
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