This week on the SwimSwam Breakdown, we discuss the 2022 World Champs getting postponed, Katie Ledecky beating Zane Grothe in an exhibition 500 free, and Gretchen Walsh setting a new American record in the 50-yard backstroke. See full list of topics below:
- FINA has postponed the 2022 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, meaning there will be no Long Course World Championship meet in 2022.
- Katie Ledecky, Caeleb Dressel, Natalie Hinds, and Zane Grothe were among the post-grads that raced at the UF-Auburn dual meet. We have race video of a 200 free heat, as well as a tweet from Grothe saying he lost to Ledecky in the 500 free.
- Gretchen Walsh highlighted the UVA-NC State dual, where she broke the American record in the 50 back (23.04)
- Rye Ulett has graduated high school early and is already racing at Louisville AND broke the school record in the 200 back with a 1:53.2
- Michael Andrew was back in action at a local meet in Coronado, swimming the 400 IM, 200 fly, and 100 breast
- Thomas Heilman broke ANOTHER 13-14 NAG, this time in the 400 IM with a 3:51.46
- Holly Barratt, who hasn’t been home to Perth since August, won an event at the South Aussie Championships
- We saw multiple impressive swims in Japan at the Kosuke Kitajima Cup
SINK or SWIM
- David Marsh is stepping in as an assistant for the Cal men – can he help them recapture an NCAA title?
- Matt Sates IS in Georgia – Will his first semester be as impressive as his World Cup performances?
- Ruta Meilutyte is at Lithuanian training camp – Will she compete internationally this summer?
- Claire Curzan is .6 Off of Regan Smith‘s 17-18 100 back NAG – Will she break it before June of 2023 when she turns 19?
Can’t wait to see what G Walsh does at NCAAs!
Gotta say, women’s NCAAs seems much more primed for sensational times than men’s. As usual, both meets will be great to watch.
At least in recent memory, this has got to be the deepest NCAA field talent-wise. And, most of the favorites and big names will be back next year.