TYR Pro Series: Bobby Finke Cruises to Victory in 1500 Freestyle; Paige Madden Tops Women’s Event
Reigning Olympic champion Bobby Finke put together a solid performance en route to victory in the 1500-meter freestyle during Wednesday night’s opening session of the USA Swimming TYR Pro Series stop in Antonio. Representing Gator Swim Club, Finke registered a time of 15:05.96 to easily finish ahead of Austrian Felix Aubock (15:13.62).
Finke has never been known to produce quick in-season times, so his effort slightly over the 15-minute mark bodes well for his preparation ahead of June’s United States Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. Finke built an immediate lead over Aubock and went through 400 meters in 3:58.56. He was timed in 8:02.07 through the 800-meter checkpoint.
In the women’s race, Team USA veteran Paige Madden emerged victorious behind a time of 16:19.77. The swim by Madden was good for a comfortable win over runnerup Deniz Ertan (16:33.20). At last month’s Pro Series stop in Illinois, Madden won the 1500 freestyle, was second in the 400 freestyle and finished third in the 800 freestyle.
Originally slated to race on the opening night of competition, top-seeded Katie Ledecky scratched the event. The reigning Olympic champion and world-record holder remains scheduled to compete in San Antonio in the 200 freestyle, 400 freestyle and 800 freestyle. Ledecky became the first woman to claim Olympic gold in the 1500 freestyle when it was added to the program at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.
Competition will continue on Thursday at the Northside Swim Center with men’s and women’s action in the 100 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 200 butterfly and 400 freestyle.