Texas' Clark Smith made his way to the wall ahead of Michigan's Felix Auboeck, South Carolina's Akaram Mahmoud, and Northwestern's Jordan Wilimovsky, as they became the 4 fastest 1650 freestylers in history. Current photo via Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com
Swimming fans in in Indianapolis, Indiana witnessed the fastest heat of 1650 freestylers in history on the final night the 2017 Men’s NCAA Championships in the IUPUI Natatorium. In what Sam Kendricks described as “the greatest race he’s ever witnessed,” 4 men battled stroke-for-stroke through the final portion of the race. Texas’ Clark Smith made his way to the wall ahead of Michigan’s Felix Auboeck, South Carolina’s Akaram Mahmoud, and Northwestern’s Jordan Wilimovsky, as they became the 4 fastest 1650 freestylers in history.
With that, Smith took down the former American Record of 14:23.52 set by Connor Jaeger and the former NCAA Record of 14:24.08 set by Martin Grodzki.
I hope to see a video of this race. Congratulations gentlemen! You can see the lack of a closing kick from Clark in the final 100 which is more proof of what a stud he is swimming this race with a groin pull. It also shows you what the Austrian, Felix Auboeck has as potential in the future as he kicked just a little late but outsplit Smith in the final 100. Crazy good race.
Grrr
7 years ago
A lot was made of Shoults and Rooney coming into the season. Aubeck is freshman of the year hands down.
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For those asking, here is the full race in all its glory on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZEaFxgPQUM
Still can’t believe how great this race was. Best D race of all time for sure, maybe even the best overall swimming race of all time.
Race video?!?!
Video???
http://www.espn.com/watchespn/player/_/id/3008048/
I hope to see a video of this race. Congratulations gentlemen! You can see the lack of a closing kick from Clark in the final 100 which is more proof of what a stud he is swimming this race with a groin pull. It also shows you what the Austrian, Felix Auboeck has as potential in the future as he kicked just a little late but outsplit Smith in the final 100. Crazy good race.
A lot was made of Shoults and Rooney coming into the season. Aubeck is freshman of the year hands down.
Imagine swimming a 14:35 and getting 8th place.
No kidding. That’s a “maybe I should take up open water swimming” moment if there ever was one.
Clark Smith was so spent from the race he had a teammate accept the award as “Clark Smith” lol.
He injured his groin
Best distance race in history, right there. No words.
Wow. What a race that must have been to watch. I loved watching miles at championship meets just to see the strategy and the guts.