2023 Winter Juniors – East: Day 4 Prelims Live Recap

2023 SPEEDO WINTER JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – EAST

• December 6-9, 2023
• McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion, Columbus, OH
• Prelims: 9:00 am (EST)/ Finals: 5:00 pm (EST)
  • Wednesday finals (relays only): 6:00 pm (EST)
• SCY (25 yards)
• Meet Central (USA Swimming)
• How To Watch
• Psych Sheet
• Live Results (Also available on MeetMobile)
• Day 1 Finals Live Recap
• Day 2 Prelims Live Recap
• Day 2 Finals Live Recap
• Day 3 Prelims Live Recap
• Day 3 Finals Recap

Saturday Prelims & Distance Heat Sheet

The final preliminary session of the 2023 Winter Junior Championships (East) will feature the 200 backstroke, 100 freestyle, 200 breaststroke, and the 200 butterfly. Timed finals of the 1650 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay will take place later today.

Carmel Swim Club’s Alex Shackell is the top seed in the 200 butterfly prelims, coming off breaking the 100 fly meet record (49.49) last night. Shackell has also been apart of three winning Carmel Swim Club relays here in Columbus, as they’ve come away with the 200 free, 800 free, and 400 medley relay titles.

Thomas Heilman of Cavalier Aquatics-Piedmont YMCA is the top seed in the same two events as Shackell, and has entry times of 42.61 and 1:40.86. His entry time in the 200 butterfly represents the current 15-16 NAG record in the event, and also stands as the current meet record.

Charlotte Crush (1:50.95) and Leah Shackley (1:51.27) are the top two entries in the first event of the morning, the 200 backstroke, after going 1-2 in the 100 backstroke last night.

Girls Pool Livestream, Courtesy of USA Swimming:

Boys Pool Livestream, Courtesy of USA Swimming:

GIRLS 200 BACKSTROKE – PRELIMS

• Meet Record: 1:48.32, Bella Sims (2022)
• 13-14 NAG Record: 1:50.95, Charlotte Crush (2023)
• 15-16 NAG Record: 1:48.30, Regan Smith (2018)
• 17-18 NAG Record: 1:47.16, Regan Smith (2019)

Top 8 Advancing to the Championship Final:

1. Charlotte Crush (LAK) – 1:51.74
2. Leah Shackley (BRY) – 1:53.46
3. Audrey Derivaux (JW) – 1:53.66
4. Haley McDonald (LAK) – 1:54.30
5. Sarah Rodrigues (JAC) – 1:54.83
6. Kayman Neal (MAC) – 1:55.97
7. Lillie Nesty (GSC) – 1:56.32
8. Roos Rottink (MTAC) – 1:56.38

Lucero Mejia Arce of the Bolles School posted a swift 1:57.07 to win heat six. Her time would hold up to rank 15th after coming into the meet seeded 56th.

Ellie Clarke of Carmel recorded a time of 1:56.95 to win heat seven, dropping 2.33 from her entry time. She will earn a second swim, as her time would hold up for 11th fastest this morning.

KC Braeger of Lakeside won the final non-circle seeded heat, clocking 1:56.84 en route to the win. She lowered her entry time of 1:58.68 by 1.84 seconds. Braeger will feature in tonight’s B-final.

The first of the circle-seeded heats featured Audrey Derivaux, the 14-year-old from the Jersey Wahoos. Derivaux, who placed 3rd in the 400 IM with a big best time last night, touched in 1:53.66 for the win. Her outing comes in just 0.10 shy of her 1:53.56 best time from March.

Leah Shackley was victiorious in the penultimate heat, touching in 1:53.46 to overtake Derivaux for the top time with one heat remaining. Shackley, who made two podium appearances last night, has been as quick as 1:50.99 in the event.

Charlotte Crush, who shattered the 15-16 NAG record in the 100 back (49.53) on day two, posted the top time of the morning to win the final heat, Crush stopped the clock in 1:51.74, checking in less than second shy of her 1:50.95 entry time.

BOYS 200 BACKSTROKE – PRELIMS

• Meet Record: 1:39.62, Daniel Diehl (2022)
• 13-14 NAG Record: 1:43.15, Michael Andrew (2014)
• 15-16 NAG Record: 1:40.88, Maximus Williamson (2022)
• 17-18 NAG Record: 1:37.35, Ryan Murphy (2014)

Top 8 Advancing to the Championship Final:

1. Baylor Stanton (GA) – 1:41.14
2. David King (CAV-Y) – 1:43.35
3. James Bennison (WAVE) – 1:43.75
4. Kyle Peck (RAYS-VA) – 1:43.81
5. Ethan Ekk (ATAC) – 1:43.81
6. Kenneth Barnicle (GSCY) – 1:43.88
7. Crash Ackerly (NOVA) – 1:43.98
8. Johnny Crush (LAK) – 1:44.50

16-year-old Baylor Stanton was this morning’s top qualifier in the 200 backstroke, as he made a big drop of 2.57 seconds to secure the top seed. Notably, his time of 1:41.14 is just shy of the 1:40.88 15-16 NAG record, which is held by Maximus Williamson.

David King of Cavalier Aquatics-Piedmont YMCA touched in 1:43.35 to win heat 13, qualifying 2nd into tonight’s championship final. King touched just off his entry time of 1:42.89, but will have another shot to challenge that mark tonight.

Kyle Peck, the Texas commit who took 2nd in last night’s 100 back, will advance through to the A-final with the 4th fastest time of the morning (1:43.81).

Seven of the eight ‘A’ final qualifiers posted a sub-1:44 effort, with 1:44.50 being the time it took to qualify. Johnny Crush, who won the 100 backstroke title last night, will feature in lane 8 tonight.

GIRLS 100 FREESTYLE – PRELIMS

• Meet Record: 46.29, Abbey Weitzeil (2014)
• 13-14 NAG Record: 47.67, Claire Curzan (2019)
• 15-16 NAG Record: 47.23, Claire Curzan (2020)
• 17-18 NAG Record: 46.09, Simone Manuel (2015)

Top 8 Advancing to the Championship Final:

1. Jillian Crooks (TAC) – 48.50
2. Rylee Erisman (LAKR) – 48.62
3. Lily King (MPAC) – 48.83
4. Annie Jia (UDAC) – 48.92
5. Katie Belle Sikes (ECA) – 49.02
6. Charlotte Crush (LAK) – 49.27
7. Lila Higgo (BSS) – 49.29
8. Lily Christianson (IA) – 49.41

The first of the circle-seeded heats was a scorcher, as 16-year-old Lily King ripped through the first 50 in 23.31. She ultimately took the heat win in 48.83 with Charlotte Crush grabbing 2nd (49.27). Crush just qualified 1st for the 200 back final about 15 minutes ago.

Jillian Crooks of the TAC Titans, who broke the 22-second barrier for the first time last night in the 50 free, took the win in heat 13 (48.50). Rylee Erisman, who scared Missy Franklin’s 13-14 200 free NAG a night ago, touched in a swift 48.62. The time by Erisman eclipsed her entry time by exactly one second.

The final heat was won in 48.92, with Annie Jia grabbing the win. Lila Higgo touched in 2nd, posting a time of 49.29 to advance in 7th.

Alex Shackell, who had the top entry time of 47.44, scratched this event in favor of the 200 butterfly.

BOYS 100 FREESTYLE – PRELIMS

• Meet Record: 41.23, Ryan Hoffer (2015)
• 13-14 NAG Record: 43.51, Thomas Heilman (2021)
• 15-16 NAG Record: 41.96, Kaii Winkler (2023)
• 17-18 NAG Record: 41.23, Ryan Hoffer (2015)

Top 8 Advancing to the Championship Final:

1. Devin Dilger (OLY) – 43.09
2. Thomas Heilman (CA-Y) – 43.14
3. Lucca Battaglini (ECA) – 43.38
4. Jason Zhao (RAYS) – 43.73
5. Spencer Nicholas (NAC) – 43.77
6. Johnny Crush (LAK) – 43.87
7. Jacob Johsnon (SSC) – 44.04
8. Luke Bedsole (HSA) – 44.08

Jason Zhao, who won the 100 freestyle in 1:33.51 yesterday, placed 3rd in heat 15 (43.73) Winning the heat was Devin Dilger, who touched in the fastest time of the morning (43.09). 50 Free champion Lucca Battaglini touched the wall in 43.38 to book his ticket to the ‘A’ final tonight.

Thomas Heilman showcased a strong final 50 to win the last 100 free heat of the morning, hitting the wall in 43.14.

After sneaking into the 200 back A-final in 8th earlier, Johnny Crush qualified 6th here in the 100 free to secure to appearances tonight. His time of 43.87 was just 0.01 shy of his entry time, which is quite impressive given he just swam the 200 back about 20 minutes ago.

It took a time of 44.08 to guarantee a swim in tonight’s A-final, as a pair of 44.11s missed out on qualifying.

GIRLS 200 BREASTSTROKE – PRELIMS

• Meet Record: 2:06.02, Alex Walsh (2018)
• 13-14 NAG Record: 2:10.22, Allie Szekely (2012)
• 15-16 NAG Record: 2:06.45, Alex Walsh (2018)
• 17-18 NAG Record: 2:05.68, Ella Nelson (2020)

Top 8 Advancing to the Championship Final:

1. Addie Robillard (RAYS) – 2:09.72
2. Molly Sweeney (CSC) – 2:09.77
3. Emily Santos Silva (MVAC) – 2:12.42
4. Avery Klamfoth (MAC) – 2:12.60
5. Stella Chapman (CW) – 2:13.19
6. Sofia Plaza (MAC) – 2:13.31
7. Molly Yacoviello (YY) – 2:13.71
8. Elle Scott (MAC) – 2:14.15

Addie Robillard of the Mason Manta Rays, who placed 2nd in the 100 breast yesterday, took the first circle-seeded heat out fast and never looked back. Robillard hit the wall in 2:09.72 to take a decisive win. The time is shy of her 2:08.40 best time, but after clocking a best time of 59.33 in the 100 breast yesterday, look for her to challenge that mark tonight.

Carmel’s Molly Sweeney, who won the 200 IM on day two, secured the penultimate heat victory in 2:09.77.

The final heat was taken by Emily Santos Silva, hitting the touchpad in 2:12.43. Her time ranks 3rd going into the final tonight, and represents a 2.79 drop from her entry time. She was 5th in last night’s 100 breast final, hitting a 1:00.74 in the heats before clocking 1:01.30 in the final.

Swim Atlanta’s Katie Christopherson, who had the top entry time into the event (2:07.81) scratched the event this morning.

BOYS 200 BREASTSTROKE – PRELIMS

• Meet Record: 1:52.12, Josh Matheny (2019)
• 13-14 NAG Record: 1:55.52, Reece Whitley (2014)
• 15-16 NAG Record: 1:52.37, Reece Whitley (2016)
• 17-18 NAG Record: 1:51.38, Josh Matheny (2020)

Top 8 Advancing to the Championship Final:

1. Jordan Willis (MAC) – 1:56.57
2. Noah Cakir (TS) – 1:56.63
3. Grayson Nye (TAC) – 1:57.08
4. Xavier Ruiz (RAC) – 1:58.27
5. Gabe Nunziata (ODAC) – 1:58.28
6. Javier Colmenares (SOFL) – 1:58.68
7. Breno Santana (AZFL) – 1:58.78
8. Norvy Clontz (MSA) – 1:58.97

Jordan Willis of SwimMAC will be the top qualifier for the 200 breast tonight, as he won heat 13 in 1:56.57. The swim by Willis lowers his previous best of 1:57.45.

Noah Cakir, who was seeded 7th in 1:59.41, dropped 2.78 seconds to secure the 2nd fastest time of the morning (1:56.63). Cakir, 16, was 2nd in last night’s 100 breast (53.28).

It took a time of 1:58.97 to make the A-final this year, as 1:59.05 just missed out in 9th place.

Jake Wang, who won the 100 breaststroke yesterday, did not contest this event. Instead, he swam the 100 freestyle (44.32) and advanced to the B-final in 13th.

GIRLS 200 BUTTERFLY – PRELIMS

• Meet Record: 1:51.06, Bella Sims (2022)
• 13-14 NAG Record: 1:55.29, Tess Howley (2019)
• 15-16 NAG Record: 1:51.24, Regan Smith (2018)
• 17-18 NAG Record: 1:50.85, Claire Curzan (2022)

Top 8 Advancing to the Championship Final:

1. Alex Shackell (CSC) – 1:51.33
2. Annie Jia (UDAC) – 1:57.44 & Emily Brown (DCST) – 1:57.44
3. –
4. Leah Shackley (BRY) & Audrey Derivaux (JW) – 1:57.47
5. –
6. Emily Wolf (FAST) – 1:57.81
7. Hazel Mouhidin (CRIM) – 1:58.43
8. Tori Abruzzo (PWAC) – 1:58.73

Leah Shackley secured an early lead through the first 50 yards of heat seven and never relinquished it. She stopped the clock in 1:57.47, a bit off her best time of 1:54.63. Shackley also qualified for the 200 back A-final earlier, where she recorded a time of 1:53.46 for 2nd this morning.

Alex Shackell was front and center in the final heat, leading from the start. She got her hands on the wall in 1:51.33, demolishing the 1:53.52 best time she set last year. Shackell just missed both the meet record (1:51.06) and 17-18 NAG record (1:50.85), but will get another chance at those benchmarks later today.

Annie Jia will move through to the championship final with the 2nd fastest time of the morning (1:57.44), tied with Emily Brown.

After qualifying 3rd for the 200 back about an hour ago, Audrey Derivaux of the Jersey Wahoos posted the 4th fastest marker of the morning in the 200 fly (1:57.47).

It took a time of 1:58.73 to advance to the ‘A’ final, as Tori Abruzzo of PWAC hit that marker en route to winning heat two. She knocked 3.90 seconds off her entry time to secure her A-final spot.

BOYS 200 BUTTERFLY – PRELIMS

• Meet Record: 1:40.86, Thomas Heilman (2022)
• 13-14 NAG Record: 1:42.77, Thomas Heilman (2021)
• 15-16 NAG Record: 1:40.86, Thomas Heilman (2022)
• 17-18 NAG Record: 1:51.38, 1:40.39, Aiden Hayes (2022)

Top 8 Advancing to the Championship Final:

1. Thomas Heilman (CAV-Y) – 1:44.34
2. Drew Hitchcock (BAY) – 1:45.10
3. Gregg Enoch (CSC) – 1:45.30
4. Jacob Johnson (SSC) – 1:45.34
5. Landon D’Ariano (GAAC) – 1:46.06
6. Baylor Stanton (GA) – 1:46.23
7. Sam Marsteiner (WAVE) – 1:46.51
8. Thomas Mercer (LAK) – 1:46.53

After booking his ticket to the 100 free final earlier in the morning, Thomas Heilman posted the top time in the 200 fly (1:44.34). He is slated to swim in both finals tonight, and should have about 30 minutes between them.

Drew Hitchcock posted the 2nd fastest time of the morning (1:45.10), and Gregg Enoch the 3rd fastest (1:45.30). Enoch won the 500 freestyle on day two.

Baylor Stanton qualified 6th for the final, after scaring the 15-16 NAG in the 200 back to open the day.

It took a time of 1:46.53 to get a swim in the championship final, as Thomas Mercer rounds out the top 8 in 1:46.53.