U.S. Nationals: Abbey Weitzeil Chasing Title as Top Seed in 50 Free
Abbey Weitzeil is hoping to cap her week at the Phillips 66 National Championships with a title in the women’s 50 freestyle, and she’s put herself in position after a strong prelims swim.
Weitzeil set the pace Saturday morning with a time of 24.24 seconds. She’s within shouting distance of the U.S. Open record set in 2019 by Pernille Blume at 24.08.
Weitzeil was clearly ahead of the field. Gretchen Walsh turned in the second-best time in 24.53. Her former UVA teammate Kate Douglass was third in 24.57, with her NYAC mate Catie DeLoof fourth in 24.71.
Erika Brown, Olivia Smoliga and Gabi Albiero all cracked 25 seconds to make the A final. Torri Huske scraped into the last spot in 25.02. That leaves Claire Curzan on the outside looking in, having tied Grace Cooper for ninth in 25.13.
On the meet’s opening day, Weitzeil had set the pace in prelims of the 100 free with a time of 52.92, .06 up on Douglass. Douglass, however, rallied in the final with a torrid final 50 to get her by .54 seconds, Weitzeil getting the second individual spot. Walsh, Smoliga and Huske followed, all secure in their Worlds spots for the relays.
Weitzeil is looking to return to the international stage after not being a part of last year’s World Championship team. The four-time Olympic medalist has four all-time medals at Worlds, all in relays. She won bronze in the 100 free at Short-Course Worlds in 2021. She’s qualified for the Olympics in the 50 and 100 each of the last two Games.