Photo by Griffin Scott
Editorial coverage for U.S. Senior Nationals proudly sponsored by Master Spas!
IRVINE, California, August 7.
SwimMAC’s Tyler Clary won his first title of the meet as he threw down a 1:54.73 to move to third in the world rankings. That swim returns the long course national title to Clary, who previously won the winter title in 2011 before watching Ryan Lochte win in 2012 and 2013. Clary is just the third swimmer in the 1:54s this year, behind Ryosuke Irie (1:53.91) and Kosuke Hagino (1:54.23) from the Japanese Nationals.
California’s Ryan Murphy earned second tonight in 1:55.99, just off his personal best of 1:55.87, but more than enough to skyrocket to seventh in the world rankings as the second-fastest American. Ryan Lochte, who scratched the 200 free to focus on this event had led through 150 meters, but fell apart down the stretch with a 1:56.47 for third. That still moved him to 12th in the world rankings, and after already making the Pan Pacs squad, will have another chance at the swim later this month.
California’s Jacob Pebley (1:56.68), BlueFish’s Connor Green (1:57.60), TOPS’ Carter Griffin (1:58.87), Tennessee’s Sean Lehane (1:59.01) and North Texas’ Jonathan Roberts (1:59.78) comprised the rest of the A final.
Crimson’s Robert Owen emerged from a trio of 1:59s to win the B final in 1:59.78. Machine’s Jack Conger (1:59.90) and Wisconsin’s Drew teDuits (1:59.96) also broke the 2:00 barrier in the consolation heat.
In an exciting battle, PASA’s Curtis Ogren overtook Aquazot’s Corey Okubo, 2:00.86 to 2:00.97, for the C final win. FAST’s Joey Reilman wound up third in 2:01.99.
