Overall, the first finals session at the 2014 Pan Pac Championships was a bit of a disappointment in terms of pure time, though there was still amazing racing all over the place. The two exceptions, however, were Katie Ledecky, who broke two Pan Pacs Records in the 200 free (1:55.74) and the 800 free (8:11.35); and Emily Seebohm, who broke the Australian All-Comers Record in the 100 meter backstroke.
After Missy Franklin’s back injury, Seebohm became a heavy favorite for the women’s 100 backstroke, and she seized that opportunity with a 58.84. That broke both her own Pan Pac Record set in 2010 at 59.34, as well as the Australian All-Comers Record that she did in April at Australian Nationals in 58.92.
This swim from Seebohm was a very different one from what she swam in April. She didn’t have the same pop on the first 50 – whether that was intentional or due to some outside factor like the weather or the overall lack of buzz in the first finals session – but held on very well coming home.
The comparative splits:
Seebohm, Old All-Comers Record: 28.81/30.11 – 58.92
Seebohm, New All-Comers Record: 28.54/30.30 – 58.84
Seebohm’s overall Australian Record remains a 58.23 from the 2012 Olympics.
Congratulations to Seebohm! To swim that well during what must be the 3rd major meet of her season (Trials, Commonwealth Games, Pan Pac’s), outdoors, in the cold and rain? Very impressive! I don’t know where she lives/trains (Is this her home pool?), but to win in Australia must be nice!
People forget, Emily was the fastest women’s 100 backstroker in London; she just didn’t swim her best time in the final. Maybe her confidence is just catching up with her physical abilities!
She also has a faster best time than Missy and all other active female 100 backstrokers in the world.
I much prefer the saying “All Comers” record as opposed to the “US Open” I think we should adapt that.