U.S. Nationals: Torri Huske Dominates in the Competitive 100 Butterfly Field
On the third morning of preliminary action at U.S. Nationals, a series of exciting events will take place including the highly anticipated 400 individual medley, 100 butterfly, 50 breaststroke, and 50 backstroke. The session will kick off at 10 a.m. ET in Indianapolis.
If you’re looking for the full heat sheet, click here.
400 Individual Medley
The session commences with the nail-biting 400 IM event, where Katie Grimes takes the top seed. Grimes, who secured silver at the World Championships last year and made a strong impression earlier this year, is not yet on the team due to disappointing results in the 800 free and 200 free. However, she remains the top seed in the event, boasting a five-second lead. In the final heat, Grimes will be joined by Leah Hayes, Emma Weyant (Olympic silver medalist), and Alex Walsh (NCAA 400-yard IM champion), among other strong contenders. Notably, both Leah Smith and Hali Flickinger have withdrawn from the event.
100 Butterfly
The women’s 100 fly event promises an exhilarating showdown with reigning world champion and American-record holder Torri Huske as the star competitor in the final heat. Huske is widely expected to secure a spot on the Worlds team, given her remarkable fifth-place finish in the 100 free. However, she can solidify her position by securing an individual spot here. Swimming alongside Huske in the final heat will be Kate Douglass, who has already triumphed in the 100 free and 200 breast. In the second-to-last heat, watch out for exceptional athletes such as Claire Curzan, Gretchen Walsh, Regan Smith, and Alex Shackell, who are set to compete fiercely for victory.
Men’s 100 Butterfly
In contrast, the men’s 100 fly event has become wide open with top contenders such as Caeleb Dressel, Shaine Casas, and Trenton Julian experiencing difficulties in this meet. Now, the stage is set for athletes like Michael Andrew, Aiden Hayes, and teenage Worlds team member Thomas Heilman to make their mark in the first circle-seeded heat. In the second heat, keep an eye on Dare Rose and backstroke specialist Ryan Murphy, as they strive to showcase their prowess in this exciting event.
50 Breaststroke and 50 Backstroke
For the 50 breaststroke, the top seeds are none other than American-record holder Lilly King and world champion Nic Fink. Both athletes have dominated this event and are expected to put on a thrilling performance. Similarly, in the women’s 50 back, three strong contenders emerge as heat leaders: Katharine Berkoff, Regan Smith, and Olivia Smoliga. Each of them possesses the skills and determination to snag a remarkable victory. Lastly, prepare for an intense match-up in the men’s 50 back between Hunter Armstrong and Justin Ress. Separated into different heats, these two powerhouses will undoubtedly strive to outdo each other and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
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