U.S. Nationals: Kate Douglass Dominates for Top Seed in 200 Breaststroke Ahead of King, Lazor
The women’s 200 breaststroke was one of the most anticipated battles at the U.S. National Championships with Lilly King, Kate Douglass and Annie Lazor all fighting for the top two spots.
The trio was clearly ahead of the rest of the field and set up a fast final with their prelims performances.
Douglass, fresh off her win in the 100 freestyle, took the top seed at 2:23.87, nearly two seconds ahead of King, who was at 2:25.81. Lazor was has the third seed in 2:26.51.
In the second circle-seeded heat, Douglass was out in 33.04 with her long stroke to open up an early lead. She turned at 1:09.66 and built a second lead at the halfway point of the race. She touched the wall in 2:23.87.
In the final heat, King built a small lead on the first 50 and was at 1:09.83 at the 100 mark. She kept the lead in the heat the entire race and touched in 2:25.81.
Lazor opened the circle-seeded heats at U.S. Nationals with a strong morning swim. Lazor got to the wall in 2:26.51, ahead of Piper Enge (2:27.86).
Former USC NCAA champion in the 100 breast Kaitlyn Dobler tied with Anna Keating for the fourth seed in 2:27.24, followed by Emma Weber (2:27.34), Enge and Trojan Swim Club’s Isabelle Odgers (2:27.99).
Olympian and defending NCAA champion Lydia Jacoby was not on the heat sheets for the 200 breaststroke, withdrawing for unknown reasons. She was the fourth seed in the event heading into the meet. She is the second seed in both the 50 and 100 breaststroke events later in the week.
