Before the Pan American Games started last week in Toronto, the name Santo Condorelli didn’t register much of a blip on the global sprint freestyle radar. Those who follow American high school and college swimming were aware of his potential from his days at the Bolles School and now at the University of Southern California. But now, the Canadian’s name is on the minds of the top sprinters on Earth as the world championships approaches.
Condorelli swam a 47.98 as the leadoff swimmer for Canada’s 400 freestyle relay at Pan Ams, tying him with Vlad Morozov as the fastest swimmer in the world right now and only the second man under 48 seconds this year. It marked yet another major time drop for Condorelli, who started 2015 with a lifetime best of 49.38. He won the Canadian nationals in April with a 48.83, then placed second in the 100 free at Pan Ams with a 48.57.
About an hour after he swam in the 100 free final, Condorelli was back for another 100 free in the relay, and he exploded from the blocks to post his barrier-breaking swim and join an exclusive club of swimmers who first broke 48 seconds in a textile suit when they were just 20 years old. James Magnussen did it 2011 at the world championships in 47.49 seconds, while Yannick Agnel broke the barrier at the 2012 Olympics with a 47.84. In winning the 2014 Pan Pacific title, Cameron McEvoy was 20 years old when he posted a 47.65.
Santo Condorelli’s 47.98 100 freestyle
A little more than a dozen athletes have broken 48 seconds since 2010 when polyurethane suits were banned, showing how difficult it is to call yourself a 47-second 10 freestyler. Condorelli is now part of that group, and heads for the world championships as a potential medal favorite, if he can perform well on a second taper.
Congratulations to Santo Condorelli on earning the Swimming World Performance of the Week!
Cool
Condorelli at best 14T all time performer.
Meili 6th alltime performer.
If you use age to evaluate Condorelli performance quality, Miriam Sheehan better; 4 NAGS with two from World Champion (Beisel) and Olympic Gold Medalist (Neal).
Meili best choice.
SwimmingWorld– Santo is currently training with Coley Stickels at Canyons Aquatic Club, not USC.
Amazing swim by Santo. This guy will be in the mix for major international medals for years to come. Congrats. Not sure he is still with USC however.
Jonathan Minier un canadien sur le podium au 100 libre ?
Ya des bonnes chances mais jpense pas que 47.9 ca va etre assez
Va falloir qui sameliore encore un peu
On va voir ca men 1,5 sec des best deja cet annee
Va falloir qui soit a son 100%, c dur a son niveeau passer de 49.3 a 47.9, entk jlui souhaite
Ca va remettre canada sur la map
Pi ta vu le split a funk sur le relay IM au pan ams
59.3
Va p-e battre morozov
Santo is a great guy with a great heart. A real class act.
We wish him all the best.