2017 FINA WORLD SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
- Sunday, July 23rd – Sunday, July 30th
- Budapest, Hungary
- LCM (50m)
- Full Competition Schedule
- Meet Info
- Psych Sheets
- Omega Results
- Pick ’em Contest
- Event-by-Event Previews
Being a relatively new event, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that the 4×100 mixed free relay would see a new world record established tonight. What wasn’t clear was just how much it would be lowered by.
The USA trotted out its best possible lineup and took a metaphorical sledgehammer to the previous record of 3:23.05, with Caeleb Dressel, Nathan Adrian, Mallory Comerford, and Simone Manuel knocking a combined 3.45 seconds off the mark to win in 3:19.60.
Dressel, in his third swim of the night, clocked a 47.22, demonstrating an ability to swim 47-low multiple times that’s has no precedent outside of the supersuit era. Adrian followed up with a solid 47.49, at which point the US had almost a two second lead over the rest of the field. Comerford maintained that lead with a very strong 52.72, before Manuel put the thing away with a 52.18.
Comparative Splits
| 2015 Swimmer | 2015 Time | 2017 Time | 2017 Swimmer |
| Lochte | 48.79 | 47.22 | Dressel |
| Adrian | 47.29 | 47.49 | Adrian |
| Manuel | 53.66 | 52.71 | Comerford |
| Franklin | 53.21 | 52.18 | Manuel |
The previous world record swim, set by the US at the 2015 World Championship in Kazan. Comparing today’s splits to those, there was pretty steady improvement across the board. Dressel was 1.57 seconds faster than Lochte on the leadoff leg, Adrian was just two-tenths slower than his time from two years ago, and Comerford and Manuel were nearly two seconds faster combined than Manuel and Missy Franklin were in 2015.
Today, the Dutch squad of Ben Schwietert (49.12), Kyle Stolk (47.80), Femke Hemmskerk (52.33), and Ranomi Kromowidjojo (52.56) combined for a time of 3:21.81, also well under the previous world record. This marks the 2nd straight time that the USA and the Netherlands went 1-2 in this event at worlds.
The USA have won five of six relays so far this week, with the sole loss being in the men’s 4×200 free, where they earned bronze. Given the results of the 100m events, the USA should win gold in both the men’s and the women’s 4×100 medley relays tomorrow, making it seven relay golds total.
whats up with the Aussies
A pro golfer doing what Caleb Dressel has done this week would be taking home $7,500,000.
Everyone keep forgetting that these races are also money. If I’ve figured correctly Caeleb has made 75,000 as of today. Tomorrow another 5,000.
I wondered who that was gaining slightly on Mallory. Hemmskerk quietly had a terrific split, particularly given her age and after not competing in the individual 100. I guess they went with her perhaps as appreciation and also since Van Der Meer didn’t advance out of prelims.
In looking at the 2015 lineup I don’t understand why Lochte swam this race. Seemingly there was always more than one American faster than him at 100. I could understand with 4 males but not 2. It’s like picking Ledecky for this final. I remember Lochte bemoaning that it’s not exactly his specialty in London when some media members blamed him for failing on the anchor leg of the 4 x 100. … Read more »
Awsi Dooger – 2015 selections were based on times from 2014 Nationals and Pan Pans. Long story short – Lochte had a spot in the 100 free, gave it up to Feignen, and got to swim this and the prelims of the medley relay still.
Heemskerk had a nervy 0.00 changeover, compared to .38 for Comerford. Simone chancing it bit as well with a .05.
Mixed freestyle relay. Yawn. Mixed medley relay. Yawn. Did the swimmers ask for more relays? No. Did swimming fans demand these relays be added to the program? Definitely not. There’s a disconnect between what the swimming community wants and what the fat cats / blazers in FINA give us.
Personally, I think the mixed relays are great. The swimmers spend so much time together, it makes sense to put them in a race as a team.
Drop the mixed and bring on the 4×50 relays.
Crazy impressive American mixed free relay. Australia has not played. They have sent a B-team. USA has played with its best team. A dream team. That world record will not be easy to break.
Seriously. Why the heck did they not field McEvoy, Cartwright, McKeon, and Campbell?
Great race but the girls need to get with it. Their splits are abysmal when compared to the men.
Hello new person interested in swimming! Let me start off with saying that like in most sports, men have lest body fat and are physically stronger than women, so they will ALWAYS be much faster. Anything else you need to know about this great sport?
Well done. That’s easily my favorite post in the brief time I’ve been here. Hard to believe there are actually down votes, and a serious reply.
Unbelievable that people couldn’t up the sarcasm dripping off Dawgpaddle’s post. I’m British and we’re always bewildered and amused at how many Americans simply don’t catch on to irony and sarcasm.
That’s weird. I always assumed women were better at splits than men… because, well… you know, er… anatomy.
USA has a great shot at rattling the 2009 Super Suit WR tomorrow night. Flat start times for Grevers, Cordes and Dressel plus Adrian’s 47.25 anchor from night 2 put them at 3:28.07, just a couple good relays starts away from the record of 3:27.28
It will be tough because everyone has to be on point and the big challenge is Adrian matching the 46.80 anchor that Walters put down. Adrian has done that as recently as Rio but hasn’t quite at the point this meet. Should be a fun race to watch
I’d put Murphy on back. Grevers swims the 50 back final before the relay.
USA should first focus on winning the relay before the time. Imagine that GB finds a backstroker in the night. 🙂
GB wont find a 52 or 53.2 Backstroker in one night .
Of course they should, but I’m not swimming so I’m free to dream.
they won’t do that unless Grevers agrees to it. too much at stake….world record, medal, and lots of money