2019 MEL ZAJAC JR. INTERNATIONAL MEET
- May 24-26, 2019
- Vancouver, Canada (University of British Columbia)
- Meet website
- Estimated timeline
- Psych sheet
- Live Stream
- Live Results
After going 2-2 in lifetime bests as well as event wins on day one of the 56th annual Mel Zajac Jr. International Meet in the 200 free and 50 fly, Luca Urlando earned yet another personal best time during the preliminary heats of day two. The 17-year-old dropped a scorching 52.12 in the 100 fly, shaving nearly three-tenths off his former best time and handily qualifying first going into tonight’s finals.
Here’s a look at his new best time in comparison to his previous best:
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Urlando – Mel Zajac
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Urlando – Jr Pan Pacs
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| 1st 50 split | 24.55 | 24.66 |
| 2nd 50 split | 27.57 | 27.74 |
| FINAL TIME: | 52.12 New PB | 52.40 |
Although he’s taken the 100 fly out faster before (he was out 24.49 at 2018 Summer Nationals), when you consider his winning time in the 50 fly of 24.15, Urlando took it out very fast. The lack of a significant difference between his first 50 in the 100 fly and his individual 50 fly likely bodes very well for the 200 fly he’s set to swim tomorrow night.
Now that he’s aged up into the 17-18 age group, Urlando’s time makes him the second fastest performer in the 17-18 age group in history. Sitting well ahead of him on the ranks is none other than Michael Phelps, whose NAG sits at a mind-boggling 51.10 from 2003. Though he’s over a second off the current record, Urlando not only has another year after aging up but also has the chance to lower his time tonight – we could possibly see the second-ever 51 second 100 fly from an American 17-18 year old.
This man wants all the smoke
That picture — he has Kawhi-esque fingers. Can’t hurt.
Luca has a butterfly stroke that is almost ideal for the 200 butterfly. He’s right on top of the water and maintains a good rhythm throughout the race.
He’s not Michael Phelps, but he’s got the talent to make the 2020 Olympic team.
Mel wrote up some commentary on his stroke, particularly his kick cadence. His technique is off the charts ideal for the 2 fly.
Fun to read that. I’m a former 200 flyer, but not a champion like Mel. I just watched Urlando swim his 1:55 on Youtube and thought “I think that looks like an ideal stroke for the 200.”
Article link please? Thanks
That 51.10 puts into perspective how good Milak has been… 50.6 as a junior, and in only his secondary event.
Yes, but in 2017, 14 years later, that in Swimming is another era.
Just to give some data: 14 years before that 2003, the 100 fly WR was the 52.84 swum by the great Pablo Morales; before Worlds2003 the WR was the 51.81 swum by Klim, and was improved 3 times: by Serdinov in the first semifinal, then Phelps in the second semifinal and finally Crocker (and Phelps) in the final till 50.98, really a crazy time for that period.
Crocker took it down to 50.4 only two years later too, incredible drops in a short period by multiple guys.
To think that that mind-boggling 51.10 “only” earned him the silver medal … Crocker went 50.98 in that final.
That’s right! Ian has never been below 52 and went 50.98 in finals. Wasn’t his quote something like “I still have never swam my goal of a 51 😜
Crocker was ridiculously good.
He just went 2:00.94 in the IM
It’s amazing that the 51.10 From Phelps was done after 2 200 IM world records, a 100 fly record from semifinals, and a 200 fly record from semifinals, all without a wedge on the block.
Yes. And what this guy is doing is amazing as well. He’s fast improving, still growing & he has got it all coming together going into an Olympic year.
He did have pretty nifty supersuit leggings though.
And all that prior to the tech suits’ arrival