Photo by Griffin Scott
Editorial coverage for U.S. Senior Nationals proudly sponsored by Master Spas!
IRVINE, California, August 8.
A day after an unfortunate slip on her 200 backstroke finale start, BlueFish’s Elizabeth Beisel put together a world-class swim in the 400-meter IM A final to win the national title. Beisel charged to a 4:32.98 for the win, moving up to fourth in the world. Only Ye Shiwen (4:30.84), Hannah Miley (4:31.76) and Mireia Belmonte (4:32.92) have been faster this year. That gave Beisel her fourth long course title in the event, and locked her position on the Pan Pacific Championships squad.
Defending champion Maya DiRado of Stanford turned in a sizzling time of 4:35.75 for second to move to ninth in the world and earn a berth on the Pan Pac roster as well. Saint Petersburg’s Melanie Margalis wound up third in the finale with a 4:37.84 for 15th in the world.
NBAC’s Becca Mann could not replicate her season best 4:39.78 as she took fourth in 4:41.44, while SwimMAC’s Cammile Adams took fifth in 4:42.00. Aggies’ Sarah Henry (4:42.31), California’s Caitlin Leverenz (4:43.23) and SwimMAC’s Kate Mills (4:44.41) rounded out the heat.
Bulldogs’ Hali Flickinger dominated the B final with a sterling time of 4:39.26. That time shot her up to 17th in the world rankings, while smashing her previous personal best of 4:43.08 from last year’s U.S. Open. Kansas’ Chelsie Miller touched second in the consolation heat with a 4:44.12, while Flickinger’s teammate Emily Cameron earned third in 4:44.64.
Brooke Zeiger hit the wall in 4:46.05 to win the C final of the distance medley. She was much faster a year ago at the 2013 U.S. Open with a lifetime best 4:42.89, but still managed to top the bonus heat tonight. SoCal’s Ella Eastin popped a 4:48.34 for second, while FAST’s Lauren Edelman earned third in 4:49.57.
Proof again that the best swimmers and programs in the country train. Good luck USRPT try holding on that last 25 meters…