ATHENS, Georgia, July 13. THE final night of the Bulldog Grand Slam will provide the final test for Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte heading into the all-important 2014 U.S. Nationals.
SwimMAC’s Ryan Lochte shook off some of the doubters regarding the integrity of his knee when he scorched his way to a 1:58.65 to win the men’s 200-meter IM tonight. That swim, which included a breaststroke leg to truly test out his knee, jumped him to 10th in the world rankings. He is now the top American in the event this year.
Then, in the highest-profile finale of the night, NBAC’s Yannick Agnel took down training partner Michael Phelps, 49.37 to 49.42, in the men’s 100-meter free. NBAC’s Conor Dwyer made it a 1-2-3 for the North Baltimore boys by clipping Lochte for third, 49.54 to 49.64. NBAC picked up four of the top five finishes with Matt McLean earning fifth in 50.03.
NBAC’s Chase Kalisz leapfrogged Conor Dwyer (1:59.49) for the second-best American time of the year with a 1:59.38. That moved Kalisz from 19th in the world to 17th overall. SwimMAC’s Tyler Clary, meanwhile, grabbed third-place honors in the finale with a 2:01.32. Notably, Dynamo’s Mick Litherland rocked a 2:01.95 in the B final for the win.
NBAC’s Becca Mann, who is ranked 10th in the world with an 8:26.43 from the Charlotte stop of the Arena Grand Prix, blasted the field in the distance event with an 8:30.28 for the win. Her teammate Sierra Schmidt finished second in 8:39.28, while Bulldog Amber McDermott rounded out the top three in the timed final with an 8:47.52.
SPA’s Melanie Margalis smashed her lifetime best in the women’s 200-meter IM with a time of 2:10.71 for the win tonight. Her previous best had been a 2:12.34 from last year’s U.S. Nationals, with her time tonight jumping her up to ninth in the world rankings. She is currently the only American in the top 20, and could be looking to make some serious noise on the National Team next month in Irvine. SwimMAC’s Kathleen Baker took second in 2:14.20, while Bulldog Emily Cameron claimed third in 2:16.00.
With Connor Jaeger electing to swim the 100 free today instead of the 1500 free, Michael Klueh cruised right through the open door to win the 1500 in 15:36.26. Bulldog Garrett Powell claimed second in the metric mile with a 16:02.85, while ASL’s Brennan Day picked up third overall in 16:09.72.
In a close battle, Dynamo’s Kylie Stewart edged Bulldog Jordan Mattern, 2:11.25 to 2:11.42, for the women’s 200-meter backstroke title. Amber McDermott, swimming for Athens Bulldog, claimed her second podium of the night with a third-place effor tof 2:17.20.
SwimMAC’s Tyler Clary powered his way to victory in the men’s 200-meter back with a 2:00.92. NBAC’s Drew Cosagarea touched second in 2:02.07 with Dynamo’s Jay Litherland third in 2:02.59. Notably, NBAC’s Chase Kalisz took down another personal best with a 2:02.33 to win the B final. He’s been setting lifetime bests left and right here in Athens, which bodes well for his IM at Nationals next month.
A pair of Georgia Bulldogs turned up the heat in the women’s 100-meter free with Allison Schmitt topping the finale in 54.64. Former Bulldog teammate Megan Romano checked in with a second-place time of 54.93, while SwimAtlanta’s Amanda Weir wrapped up the top three in 55.17.
Full results available on Meet Mobile.
