2023 RICHMOND SUPER SECTIONAL
- Richmond, VA
- May 18-21, 2023
- LCM (50 meters)
- Meet Mobile: “2023 EZ LC Speedo Super Sectional”
Although most sectional meets are held at the end of July, a Super Sectional is occurring in Richmond. This allows all swimmers from the Eastern Zone with qualifying times to participate.
Highlighting the final night in Richmond was Thomas Heilman. Heilman picked up his first win of the night in the 100 freestyle touching in a final time of 50.05. That was a season best for Heilman as he swam a 50.27 at Pro Swim-Westmont a month ago. That also was his fastest in-season time in the event ever. Heilman finished ahead of Lucas Bureau who touched in a 50.76, about half a second off of his best. 16 year old Joshua Howat was third in a 51.51, a personal best time.
Heilman went on to win the next event, the 200 IM as he touched in a 2:03.32. That was a personal best time by over a second as his previous best stood at a 2:04.61 which he swam in Westmont. NC State commit Simon Bermudez was second in a 2:05.91 and Owen Hoban was third in a 2:10.10.
Winning the 1500 freestyle was 15 year old Nathan Szobota in a 15:54.99. Szobota swept the distance free races at the meet as he also won the 400 and 800 frees earlier in the meet. Finishing behind Szobota was Bryce Rohr who swam a 15:56.75. Coming in third was Brady Begin who touched in a 16:00.89.
16 year old Kenneth Barnicle won the men’s 200 back by almost a full two seconds as he touched in a 2:03.48, a best time by half a second. JT Schmid and Ben Ackerly were second as they both touched the wall in a 2:05.31.
Highlighting the final night on the women’s side was 16 year old Leah Shackley who swam a personal best in the 200 back as she touched in a 2:08.42. Shackley swam a 2:08.65 at the beginning of the month. She has dropped almost six seconds in the event in the last year. Shackley sits as the third fastest American in the event so far this season as only Regan Smith and Claire Curzan have been faster.
Emily Thompson finished behind Shackley in a 2:14.76, a best time by half a second. 15 year old Virginia Hinds was third in a 2:17.80.
Erin Gemmell picked up another win on the final night as she swam a 55.01 in the 100 free. Gemmell has a best time of 54.13 in the event. Anna Moesch was second in a 55.25, and Lauren West was third in a 57.78.
16 year old Elle Scott won the 200 IM in a 2:17.82 earning the win over Camille Spink who touched in a 2:18.12. 15 year old Caroline Agee was third in a 2:20.29, a best by over four seconds.
Andrea Dworak won the 800 free in commanding fashion as she touched in a 8:57.77, a huge best time as her previous best was a 9:51.53 from 2019. She was the only one under the 9 minute mark as Claire Stuhlmacher was second in a 9:02.19. Lauren Tucker rounded out the top 3 in a 9:06.86.
And pretty impressive swim for Ben (crash) Ackerly! Least eepy swim of Sunday
Incredible swim for Nathan Szobota in season! Really setting himself up for a lovely July and august!!
Cannot speak highly enough of this kid, what he’s already done is incredible and he seems to never plateau. His times all the way back to age 10 are mind boggling, he is truly once in a generation talent, I really hope he stays as dedicated as he is now because he has a heck of a future in store. He went a 48.04 100 yard fly in middle school, and his current 100 fly SCY (44.67) would put him 19th in the US for 16U in the 100 free. His long course times are crazy as well I just don’t know them off of the top of my head lol.
Shackley should’ve been the headliner
do some further research on Heilman, he is absolutely mind blowing and has been since about age 8. Heilman also has more of a future than Shackley most likely because guys peak later. She is far closer to her prime than he is.
You are either a proud parent or a naughty child
Stanford women’s top guns looked pretty darned ready to swim fast at TYR Mission. It will be interesting how they swim in six weeks. Shackley has been on fire. Hope she can rock it at trials.
What do we think Heilman is going in the 200 IM by trials in 2024? 👀👀
his main event is 100 fly. also, he’ll only be 17 for trials in ’24. 2028 LA is where he will be dominant, and presumably 2032 as well
1:53.99
Carson Foster
I don’t think he’s gonna do that good in the IM. Maybe 1:59.
I think he could be 1:59 *this* summer if he swims it rested. He went 1:41 in yards last December, not to mention 3:43 in the 400.
Not trying to put him on the Olympic team, but I sure don’t think the A final at trials is out of the question, admittedly pending the event schedule.
1:58