This week’s ZUMO Performance of the Week goes to Florida sophomore Bobby Finke for his 14:12.08 in the 1650 at the SEC Swimming and Diving Championships where he absolutely smashed the American and NCAA records. Finke wiped off Zane Grothe’s American record of 14:18 that he set in December 2017, and took over ten seconds off the NCAA record that Clark Smith set at NCAAs three years ago.
Bobby Finke saved his best swim for last at SECs as he was third in the 500 (4:10.86) and 400 IM (3:41.56) earlier in the meet. He was a part of a 1-2-3 finish for the Florida Gators in the 400 IM that was won by fellow sophomore Kieran Smith, who also joined Finke in breaking an American record this week in Auburn. Smith won the 500 free with a 4:06 on Wednesday night with Finke in third as both guys now sit as the fastest all-time in their respective events with 29 days until NCAAs in Indianapolis.
Finke edges Smith for the ZUMO Performance of the Week based on how much he broke the record by.
Last year, Finke was a disappointing 12th place in the 1650 at NCAAs after he came in with the top seed after SECs, adding nearly 20 seconds to his time at nationals. This past summer he won three national titles at US Nationals in August as he touched first in the 400 IM, 800 free and 1500 free. He had the fastest time in the nation this past summer in both the 800 and 1500 as he is pushing to make his first Olympic team this summer.
Finke swam at the 2017 World Championships where he placed 21st in the 1500. He has success in the long course pool, but how will his recent 14:12 translate to the big show at the Olympic Trials? Obviously, NCAAs and yards are the main focus, but coach Anthony Nesty knows a thing or two about preparing guys for the Olympics, having coached side by side with the legendary Gregg Troy for many years.
Congrats to Bobby Finke on winning the ZUMO Performance of the Week!
Previous ZUMO Performances of the Week
ZUMO Performance of the Week: Duncan Scott Swims Routine 48.5 100 Free at BUCS Nationals
ZUMO Performance of the Week: Kathleen Baker Back on Track With 2:08 200 IM
ZUMO Performance of the Week: Coleman Stewart Looking to Grab NCAA Title Back With 45.5 100 Back
Congratulations
Congrats!