5 Big Things From Day 2 of Arena Pro Swim – Santa Clara

2016 ARENA PRO SWIM SERIES AT SANTA CLARA

• Friday, June 3 – Sunday, June 5, 2016
• George F. Haines International Aquatic Center / Santa Clara, CA
• Prelims 9AM / Finals 5PM (U.S. Pacific Time)
• Meet website
• Psych Sheet
• Live Results
• Day 2 Finals Heat Sheets

#1 Ervin Under 22 Again

To call Anthony Ervin a veteran would be an understatement.  Yet, 16 years after he won Olympic gold, Ervin’s 50 free is still world-class.  While fellow former Cal Bear Nathan Adrian won the 50 free tonight, Ervin beat out James Magnussen for 2nd, dipping under 22 for the second time this season.  Ervin is the only USA swimmer besides Adrian to go 21 this year, with  Josh Schneider and Caeleb Dressel having gone 22.05 and 22.06, respectively.  While it’s easy to assume that the two Olympic team spots will go to Adrian because of his dominance and Dressel because of his unprecedented times at NCAA’s, Ervin’s swim tonight reminds fans that it ain’t over till it’s over, and Anthony Ervin cannot be counted out yet.

#2 Seebohm Continues to Dominate 100 Back

Winning by almost a full second, Emily Seebohm broke 59 seconds and continues to look like the favorite in this event come Rio.  Both Natalie Coughlin and Missy Franklin have been 59-high, and Olivia Smoliga just smoked a 59.41, so team USA should be able to keep it close on the medley relay in Rio, but Seebohm’s in-season dominance makes it look increasingly likely that an American may not top the Olympic podium in this event for the first time since 2000.

#3 Loaded 100 Back Field Can’t Top Plummer

American backstroker David Plummer went 52.40 earlier this evening in Indianapolis to record the top time in the world this year.  Reigning world champion Mitch Larkin and the fastest man ever in yards, Ryan Murphy, had a great race here in Santa Clara tonight, with Murphy topping Larkin 52.76 to Larkin’s 53.32.  Meanwhile, Murphy’s Cal teammate Jacob Pebley picked up 3rd in 53.57, a personal best for him.  It’s tough to compare swims in different pools at different times, but what is clear is that this should be an exciting race, both at the USA Olympic Trials and in Rio.

#4 Prenot’s 200 Breast Looking Strong

Tonight, Josh Prenot won the 200 breast in 2:09.44.  That’s about a second off his season-best time, but Nic Fink is the only other swimmer who had been under 2:10 this year (a 2:09.89 from earlier today).  While there’s at least other five or six other men who should be in the mix at Trials (we’ll let you identify your favorites in the comments section), Prenot’s consistency is moving him to the head of the pack three weeks out from the start of competition in Omaha.

#5 Dwyer Goes Lifetime Best in the 400 Free

Conor Dwyer looked very solid yesterday when he placed 2nd in the 200 free.  Today, he won the 400 free in 3:46.09.  That’s a lifetime best for him, and yes, that includes his time from the 2012 Olympic Trials and Olympic Games.  Connor Jaeger and Zane Grothe were both been below 3:46 last year, so Dwyer’s spot in this event is not guaranteed, but he just put the rest of the field on notice that he is going to be ready to go in Omaha.