U.S. Olympic Trials: Naval Academy Teammates Sweep Wave I 800 Freestyle; Hayden Miller Off to Wave II

Photo Courtesy: Luke Jamroz Photography

U.S. Olympic Trials: Naval Academy Teammates Sweep Wave I 800 Freestyle; Hayden Miller Off to Wave II

When Garrett McGovern and Luke Johnson head to Wave II of the U.S. Olympic Trials next week, they will know a thing or two about each other. The Naval Academy teammates went one-two on Friday night in the 800-meter freestyle at the Wave I meet of Trials, held at the CHI Health Center in Omaha.

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Training partners in Annapolis and NCAA qualifiers, McGovern and Johnson entered the race with the goal of advancing to the Wave II competition together. It didn’t take long to realize that target would be reached, as McGovern and Johnson were in command for the duration of the race. McGovern prevailed in 8:11.25, with Johnson touching second in 8:12.13.

Johnson led McGovern through the first 450 meters, but it was McGovern who was stronger over the back half of the race. Really, though, the finishing order did not matter, as long as the teammates occupied the top-two spots. Third place went to Joshua Brown in 8:15.07.

Results:

1. Garrett McGovern, 8:11.25
2. Luke Johnson, 8:12.13
3. Joshua Brown, 8:15.07
4. Curtis Wiltsey, 8:15.29
5. Noah Brune, 8:21.22
6. Matthew Hillmer, 8:23.68
7. Zach Kohm, 8:25.69
8. Parker Reynolds, 8:26.03

In the women’s race, Cypress Fairbanks’ Hayden Miller secured her ticket to the Wave II meet when she dipped under 8:40 with a winning mark of 8:39.81. A University of Florida recruit, Miller took the lead by the 150-meter mark and never looked back, earning a chance to race next week. She was followed in second place by Abigail McCulloh, who turned in an effort of 8:42.17.

Results:

1. Hayden Miller, 8:39.81
2. Abigail McCulloh, 8:42.17
3. Elle Braun, 8:43.53
4. Sally Tafuto, 8:49.18
5. Sarah Dimeco, 8:50.31
6. Kristin Cornish, 8:52.44
7. Emma Hastings, 8:55.74
8. Claire Dafoe, 8:58.44

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