U.S. Nationals: Kaitlyn Dobler, Jake Mitchell, Erin Gemmell Aiming for First National Titles (Heat Sheets)
The fourth night of finals at the U.S. Nationals in Irvine, Calif., will see action in the women’s and men’s 400 freestyle, 100 breaststroke and 100 backstroke. The session begins at 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET).
First up, in the women’s 400 free, Erin Gemmell will aim for her first national title after an impressive runnerup finish in Wednesday’s 200 free. Gemmell finished just ahead of Kensey McMahon and Cavan Gormsen in prelims. After that, Jake Mitchell will be the top seed in the men’s 400 free, with a deep field including Kieran Smith, Jake Magahey and Luke Hobson joining him as main contenders.
Kaitlyn Dobler, another swimmer aiming for national crown No. 1, is the heavy favorite in the women’s 100 breast after she dominated the event in prelims. Josh Matheny was the only swimmer to break 1:00 in the men’s 100 breast heats, with Caspar Corbeau and Max McHugh looming as his primary competition in the final.
The women’s 100 back will see 200 back winner Isabelle Stadden contending against Rhyan White, Gretchen Walsh and Amy Fulmer, all of whom broke 1:00 in prelims, while Claire Curzan scratched out of the final after initially qualifying fifth. Justin Ress, the world champion in the men’s 50 back, is the highlighted swimmer in the men’s 100 back final after he was the top swimmer by almost a half-second in the morning.
Click here to view the full heat sheet.
