Conor Dwyer: This is a big step in my career (Video)

_{Reported by Mitch Bowmile.}

MEN’S 200M FREESTYLE FINALS

Top seed: Conor Dwyer (1:46.96)
World record: 1:42.00 – Paul Biedermann
American record: 1:42.96 – Michael Phelps
U.S Open record: 1:44.10 – Michael Phelps
U.S Nationals record: 1:44.10 – Michael Phelps
JR World record: 1:47.10 – Maxime Rooney
2012 Winning Time: 1:45.70 – Michael Phelps

For the second time this week, Ryan Lochte failed to qualify for an individual event for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

After 50 meters Lochte was out with the leaders; Townley Haas and Conor Dwyer. A huge first turn put him in front of them as they charged to the halfway point. Dwyer turned first in 51.09, Lochte was right behind him in 51.40.

With 100 meters to go, Townley Haas began to creep up on Dwyer and Lochte. At the 150 meter mark it was Dwyer-Haas-Lochte. A huge last turn once again put Lochte in the hunt for the win, but Dwyer and Haas chased him down. Texas’ Jack Conger began to rev his engines and catch up to the front pack. Heading into the wall it was all too close to call.

Twenty meters to go and Lochte began to fade. Haas passed him, and Conger passed him as they all raced towards the wall chasing down Dwyer.

Ten meters to go, and Haas began to really charge on Dwyer. As they all stretched into the wall Haas got the magic touch with a 1:45.66 to Dwyer’s 1:45.67 to punch in his ticket to Rio. Jack Conger ran out of pool and couldn’t take down the two leaders, ultimately finishing third with a 1:45.77.

Lochte touched fourth in 1:46.62, short of an individual roster spot, but good enough to be a lock for America’s 4x200m freestyle relay.

Gunnar Bentz touched in for fifth, Clark Smith finished right behind him. Both swimmers are going to have to wait to see if they’re added to the Rio roster for the relay.

Tyler Clary finished seventh, outside of a relay position, and has yet to make the team.

For official results click here.