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Harting Wins Swim Off Over Smachlo to Make 100 Fly A-Final

2017 U.S. NATIONALS/WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TRIALS

Updating an earlier story, Batman-themed showman Zach Harting beat out Miles Smachlo in a swim-off this morning to resolve a tie for 8th place, and a chance to swim in tonight’s A-final of the 100 fly.

Both men went 53.16 this morning to tie for 8th place – lifetime-bests in both cases.

At first, it looked like the swim-off might result in yet another tie, as Harting and Smachlo both hit the 50m wall in exactly 25.17 seconds.  But Harting pulled ahead down the home stretch, outsplitting Smachlo 27.46 to 27.91.  Both men lowered their times from this morning, with Harting winning in 52.63 and Smachlo touching in 53.08.

Harting will swim in lane 8 tonight for the A-final, where he will line up against top seeds Jack Conger and Caeleb Dressel, among others.  Smachlo will get lane four in the B-final, and both will be competing for spots on the World University Games team, although now Harting also has an outside chance at making the World Championships squad.

 

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Billy
7 years ago

I think the kid is funny and I like it. What the heck is wrong with a little bit of fun?

Sccoach
7 years ago

I like it. It would be cool if he got even more into it and got a more legit costume. One of his opponents in finals should dress up as Joker

marklewis
7 years ago

And it’s Batman in lane 8, swimming for Gotham City Aquatics!

Hello DB
7 years ago

Zach is a great kid. Socially fun and as humble as can be. He is a great teammate and was voted captain by his fellow swimmers. It actually started with yellow crocs that seemed to bring success.

Cartman
7 years ago

Plz batman use ur cloaking tech on that swim suit i need this

Dan Smith
7 years ago

Honestly…saw him at OTrials last year. He was interviewed later. Said he is having some fun with it, and if I can paraphrase him correctly, “we’re all kind of entertainers.” A good/great swimmer; he has some fun, no harm as the people that paid to see him and the meet are entertained, and smile. The crowd enjoyed him and his costume thoroughly, even the announcer played it up. After a half-century plus of competitive swimming, I do not see the harm in it. He is swimming for fun.

Josh
7 years ago

Batman is probably the 8th best superhero, so, it’s fitting!

Midwest Madness
7 years ago

Who else can’t stand this kid?

I’m sure he’s a great kid but turn down the antics and let people appreciate your swimming talent and save the costumes for Halloween

Swim Mom
Reply to  Midwest Madness
7 years ago

No congratulations to the young man he beat either, it was all about him and pumping himself up. Can’t stand to see that in swimming.

Sarcastic
Reply to  Midwest Madness
7 years ago

Do away with the batman cape and mask. You’re not 6 yrs old anymore!!

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Sarcastic
7 years ago

dont follow swimming if u dont like unique beings to be part of it

Ex Quaker
Reply to  Midwest Madness
7 years ago

Darn those people that aren’t afraid to stand out! They should all live inside the little mental box I’ve formed for them!

Rocket Bay
Reply to  Ex Quaker
7 years ago

Reminds me of Gary Hall Jr.

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Rocket Bay
7 years ago

Gary was a great swimmer nonetheless – i dont keep his frescos in memory

Coach John
Reply to  Midwest Madness
7 years ago

I think it adds to the swimming personally. Sports can be so rigid and rife with rules regulations. in a pool full of conformists one man chooses to stand alone…. BATMAN!

and wow on a stellar 52point 100FLY… hope the kids makes WUGS

Sir Swimsalot
Reply to  Midwest Madness
7 years ago

Just let the guy have some fun…

sven
Reply to  Midwest Madness
7 years ago

Nah. I want more antics. The answer to making swimming entertaining is not 50’s of stroke or mixed medley relays. It’s interesting athletes.

Uberfan
Reply to  sven
7 years ago

Swimmers should have entrance themes like pro wrestlers. Michael Andrew would get Here to Show the World, Dolph Zigglers theme

Westco
Reply to  Midwest Madness
7 years ago

He seems to love swimming and love having fun. Not sure how you can hate on that.

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Westco
7 years ago

yeah , haters are loosers in my book of values

Sccoach
Reply to  Midwest Madness
7 years ago

You hate Batman but I bet you love Sierra Schmidt’s dancing!!!

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Midwest Madness
7 years ago

Funny how u just turned up for this comment section – didnt see u comment on actual swimming …..something is wrong with this picture , dont think ?

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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