Shane Ryan to Swim for Americans at 2013 Duel in the Pool

Shane Ryan, who is 5th in the U.S. National Team pecking order in the 100 back, has accepted an invitation to join the American team for the 2013 Duel in the Pool. He’s the first team USA backstroker to publicly accept a spot on the team (though, we suspect a few more will be coming).

Among those ahead of the Penn State sophomore include Cal freshman Ryan Murphy, who is unlikely to compete at the meet in December in Glasgow, Scotland because of academic commitments (Cal has a relatively late exam schedule).

Ryan has a long course best of 53.84 and 2:13.78 in the 100 and 200 meter backstrokes, respectively, and perhaps could even fill a spot in the 50 (22.88) or 100 (50.25) freestyles individually, as the Americans have to fill up four lanes for each.

The meet will take place on December 20th and 21st, 2013, in Glasgow, Scotland and feature a team of American All-Stars against a team of European All-Stars.

Ryan has dual Irish citizenship, but has chosen to swim for the Americans internationally instead.

The backstrokes, especially the 100, are an event that the Americans could rightfully expect to dominate at this meet, though France’s Jeremy Stravius committing this week as well could give them some hope of an upset victory. Stravius was the bronze medalist in the event at Worlds.

To keep up with the latest commitments from the Duel in the Pool for 2013, see our event channel here.