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Why’d Zach Harting Go So Fast? He Drinks From A Gas Can (Video)

2018 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

MEN’S 200 FLY:

  • World Record: 1:51.51- Michael Phelps, 2009
  • American Record: 1:51.51- Michael Phelps, 2009
  • Championship Record: 1:52.20- Michael Phelps, 2008
  • U.S. Open Record: 1:52.20- Michael Phelps, 2008
  1. GOLD: Justin Wright– 1:54.53
  2. SILVER: Zach Harting– 1:55.11
  3. BRONZE: (T-3) Jack Conger– 1:55.21
  4. BRONZE: (T-3) Gianluca Urlando– 1:55.21

Arizona’s Justin Wright, a newly signed pro with A3, brought the thunder tonight. Coming into this meet, he had never been under 1:56. Wright was 7th through the halfway mark and 5th going into the final lap, but he stuck to his race plan and brought it home, dropping another second in 1:54.53. He’s now the 7th fastest American in history, just 6 hundredths behind Jack Conger.

Conger led the way through the 150, but faded on the final 50 as Louisville’s Zach Harting busted out a lifetime best 1:55.11 to take 2nd and 16-year-old phenom Gianluca Urlando ran him down to tie for 3rd in 1:55.21. Urlando is now the 2nd fastest 15-16 year old ever behind only Michael Phelps, who was a 1:54.58 at that age.

Just a hundredth shy of the top 4 was Tom Shields, who put up a 1:55.42. That was his 2nd fastest swim ever. The only time he’s been better was with a 1:55.09 at 2014 nationals. Chase Kalisz touched behind him tonight in 1:55.42.

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dude
6 years ago

Go Zach, Go! I knew he was a character, but now he’s my new fave.

Dad
6 years ago

He’d be faster if he had drank the Texas Tap

rsgnsf
6 years ago

OK, I’m sold. Gonna get me a gas can too.

Becky D
6 years ago

It takes a certain personality type to consider a gas can as a way to stay focused.

Curious Swimma
6 years ago

First of all, hats off to Zach for having a great swim. Second, Avatar is a band from my hometown, so that is awesome. Third I enjoy the concept of having something motivating you to stay consistent with your goals. Again great swim!

About Coleman Hodges

Coleman Hodges

Coleman started his journey in the water at age 1, and although he actually has no memory of that, something must have stuck. A Missouri native, he joined the Columbia Swim Club at age 9, where he is still remembered for his stylish dragon swim trunks. After giving up on …

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