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The Dean Farris record-breaking relay leadoff but not entering the individual 200 free, the talk of Townley Haas vs. Andrew Seliskar, the not-so-quiet whispers about the possibility of someone breaking 1:29 altogether—the prospect of a Haas four-peat—all of that was leading up to a climactic finish, when the stars of NCAA swimming would meet in a historically fast 200 free final.
Only for the race to turn into a flop.
Yes, Seliskar put on another outstanding performance, winning in 1:30.14 that matched his lifetime best from Wednesday’s relay leadoff that made him the fourth-fastest performer in history. Zach Apple swam a full second slower than his relay leadoff, but he had enough to get second.
Texas freshman Drew Kibler swam an outstanding race out of lane eight to get under 1:32 for the first time and secure third place. Just behind him, Haas. The three-time defending champion, the pioneer of the 200-yard free, saw his four-peat hopes vanish in a flash. His final time of 1:31.80 was more than two seconds off his lifetime best.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
After taking out his 200 free relay anchor Wednesday and his 500 free Thursday in unimaginably fast splits, Haas didn’t go out all that fast this time. He never led. As Seliskar opened up a massive lead on the third 50, splitting 22.85, Haas couldn’t go with him, ending up with the sixth-best split in the field at 23.73.
In the stands, the massive crowd of fans decked out in burnt orange had their hands on their heads. A rowdy crowd through the first two events of the night when Texas was totally absent, the silence was stunning.
After about 30 seconds, one Texas fan restarted the “TEXAS! FIGHT!” cheer. Haas put on a smile and flashed the hook ‘em horns for the awards podium, when former Longhorn great Ricky Berens presented the trophies. Vibes inside the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center returned to the rowdy normal.
But this wasn’t standard by any means. For the first time in four years, Haas did not pull off something remarkable in the 200 free. Yes, Haas’ journey with the 200 free will continue in long course, likely with his best work still ahead, but the era of his NCAA exploits ended with a whimper as Texas fans scratched their heads and wondered, “What if?”
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Amazing. Great coverage by SW!
UNREAL!!!!
The pressure to always swim a PB to win a major meet separates swimming from so many sports. No accoladedes for being successful .400 of the time or shooting 50% behind the line. Touch the wall first or not. A flop? Not at all
Jim, not calling Townley a flop. Far from it. I’m saying the hyped-up race didn’t turn out to be that exciting, and the feeling afterwards when Townley wasn’t close was eerie.
I know you didn’t . And capturing the “eerie” aspect is great reporting. I just wanted to point out, as you have, that the level of competition and pressure makes this race exciting. Big fan of what you do for the sport.