Men’s 50 Backstroke – 2013 World Championship Trials – as reported by swimswam:
David Plummer won the 50 backstroke in 24.52 and set the third U.S. Open Record of the evening, surpassing Ben Hesen’s 2008 50 backstroke mark of 24.71. Plummer’s time is the top time done in the world so far this year, and he was followed by Matt Grevers in 24.77 (also under the old Meet Record).
Grevers’ last chance at ensuring himself a spot on the World Championships will come in the 100 backstroke on Friday. With Plummer winning the 50 though, and Eugene Godsoe having the meet-of-his-life so far, Grevers will really have to press through that final to feel comfortable. Keep in mind that his 6th-place finish in the 100 free as a relay alternate, though at the moment it looks pretty good, is last in the pecking order as the Americans fill up their 26-man roster.
Shane Ryan finished third in a time of 24.89. He, along with his teammate Nate Savoy who finished 10th overall, are the two biggest weapons on the men’s team for the new Penn State coaching staff that will take over next year.
Randall Bal at 32-years old shows that he’s still one of the best in his specialty the 50 back; he took 4th place in 24.97 and was followed by Bolles’ Ryan Murphy in 25.07.
Gutsy swim by Murphy! He is really gunning for a spot. 52.9 this evening out of someone??..
Grevers, Plummer or Murphy tonight for 2 spots only . Teduits could challenge as well .