Summer McIntosh won the 400 IM much faster than gold in Tokyo but 2nd-8th all were slower in Paris. The women's 200 free podium was also faster. Current photo via Jack Spitser/Spitser Photography
Last night, the men’s 100 breast was the only event where gold was slower, but there is a different story tonight. Only two out of the six events contested tonight were faster than they were in Tokyo in there respective semifinals or final.
Summer McIntosh‘s win in the 400 IM of a 4:27.71 was a huge drop from the 4:32.08 that it took to win in Tokyo. The race fell off a bit after that as places 2-8 were all slower than Tokyo.
The women’s 200 freestyle also saw its top finisher, Mollie O’Callaghan swim faster than the winning time in Tokyo. The whole podium was faster than each of the respective medal-winning times from Tokyo. After the podium finishes though, 4-8th all were slower this time in Paris.
The other four events were slower at the top on the night. The biggest difference was the men’s 200 free where David Popovici won today in a 1:44.72, a time that would have been 5th in Tokyo. The men’s 100 back and women’s 100 breast also saw slower times for gold while the women’s 100 back semifinals had a slower time at the top as well as a slower time that it took to make the final.
Why is the pool so slow. Why is it so shallow. Obviously 2 m deep as opposed to the recommended 3 m. which we had in Indy. No WRs yet. Merchand slower, McIntosh 3 sec slower.. many winning times slow. A great disappointment. I am sure you have noticed the pool does not clear the waves until well after the swimmers have past. A great topic for SWIM SWAM TO research! 🧐
Last-century swimmer
3 months ago
Summer is a really special talent and her poise and grace at a young age are remarkable. Her mother and family are a great support network for her. Etobicoke has been a powerhouse of talent for decades. And of course her current swim team and coach are awesome for her. Hats off to all.
Rev
3 months ago
Both Gold and Bronze 400 IM medalists did high school years on Sarasota Sharks. Congratulations Coach Arkey!
Fast fishes
3 months ago
Kind of need a comparison?
In Tokyo.. how many events were faster.. how many events were WR’s.
Susan
3 months ago
Why did they go for a shallow myrtha pool?? Money? There are usually not a lot of PBs at the Olympics, but we may see the worst improvement rate..ever..
Most likely water polo depth is 2.2 m and they are doing polo in the same pool after swimming. BAD DECISION!
Madge
3 months ago
The only reason those two races were faster, despite this slow pool, were because of the immensely talented swimmers who have moved the bar considerably in those events since Tokyo. The organisers should hang their heads in shame.
Track and field does everything possible to make sure the newest fastest surface is installed at every world championship and Olympic venue. Swimming just accepts anything that was slapped together. It’s one of the reasons it’s imperative that Sebastian Coe becomes IOC president.
We keep comparing to Tokyo..the Olympics where swimmers were training in home pools, lakes, and many had quarantines constantly..and Tokyo was faster???????
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Can someone just go measure the thing and not rely on some document? Borrow the laser measuring tool for javelin perhaps. Show us.
Didn’t realise Hugo got 6th both times.
Also feel for Duncan — 2nd and then 4th. Ouch. So close to gold and then so close to a bronze.
Guys. Please stop. The winner was faster because Summer McIntosh is no longer 14. The rest of the event was considerably slower.
Why is the pool so slow. Why is it so shallow. Obviously 2 m deep as opposed to the recommended 3 m. which we had in Indy. No WRs yet. Merchand slower, McIntosh 3 sec slower.. many winning times slow. A great disappointment. I am sure you have noticed the pool does not clear the waves until well after the swimmers have past. A great topic for SWIM SWAM TO research! 🧐
Summer is a really special talent and her poise and grace at a young age are remarkable. Her mother and family are a great support network for her. Etobicoke has been a powerhouse of talent for decades. And of course her current swim team and coach are awesome for her. Hats off to all.
Both Gold and Bronze 400 IM medalists did high school years on Sarasota Sharks. Congratulations Coach Arkey!
Kind of need a comparison?
In Tokyo.. how many events were faster.. how many events were WR’s.
Why did they go for a shallow myrtha pool?? Money? There are usually not a lot of PBs at the Olympics, but we may see the worst improvement rate..ever..
Most likely water polo depth is 2.2 m and they are doing polo in the same pool after swimming. BAD DECISION!
The only reason those two races were faster, despite this slow pool, were because of the immensely talented swimmers who have moved the bar considerably in those events since Tokyo. The organisers should hang their heads in shame.
it’s like using lochte’s peak to refute the effect of the supersuits
Track and field does everything possible to make sure the newest fastest surface is installed at every world championship and Olympic venue. Swimming just accepts anything that was slapped together. It’s one of the reasons it’s imperative that Sebastian Coe becomes IOC president.
We keep comparing to Tokyo..the Olympics where swimmers were training in home pools, lakes, and many had quarantines constantly..and Tokyo was faster???????