Aussies Break World Record; McKeon Makes History; Peaty Upset In Breaststroke At XXII Commonwealth Games

By Sharon Robb
BIRMINGHAM, England, July 31, 2022—Australia crushed the women’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay world record Sunday at the XXII Commonwealth Games at Sandwell Aquatic Center.

The foursome of Madi Wilson (1:56.27), Kiah Melverton (1:55.40), Mollie O’Callaghan (1:54.80) and Ariarne Titmus (1:52.82) shattered China’s 2021 world record time of 7:40.33 (set at the Olympic Games) in 7:39.29. Canada took the silver in 7:51.98 and England won bronze in 7:57.11.

Titmus’ anchor leg was the fastest 200 freestyle split in history.

Aussie Olympic champion Emma McKeon made history with a record-breaking 11th Commonwealth Games gold medal by winning the 50-meter freestyle in 23.99, second fastest time in the world this year. Aussies swept the top three spots with Meg Harris (24.32) and Shayna Jack (24.36).

Dylan Carter, 25, of Trinidad and Tobago failed to qualify for Monday’s final in the 50-meter backstroke. He was fourth in his heat in 25.81 failing to advance into the semifinals. He will compete in the 50-meter freestyle heats on Tuesday.

In Sunday finals:
James Wilby of England pulled off the shocker winning the 100-meter breaststroke in 59.25 followed by Aussies Zac Stubblety-Cook (59.52) and Sam Williamson (59.82). World record holder, Olympic champion and pre-meet favorite Adam Peaty lost a 100 breaststroke race for the first time at a major international meet since 2013 and was shut out of a medal. He led at 50 meters but died on the back half to finish fourth in 59.86.

In an exciting men’s race, New Zealand’s Lewis Clareburt won the 200-meter butterfly in 1:55.60 just ahead of South African reigning champion Chad le Clos, 30, in 1:55.89. Brit James Guy was third in 1:56.77.

World record holder Tatjana Schoenmaker of South Africa won the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:21.96. Aussie Jenna Strauch was second in 2:23.65 and South African teammate Kaylene Corbett was third in 2:23.67.

World record holder Kaylee McKeown of Australia won the 100-meter backstroke in 58.60 ahead of Canadian Kylie Masse (58.73) and Wales’ Medi Harris (59.62).

The meet continues Monday with prelims at 5:30 a.m. EST and finals 2 p.m. EST.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Kathleen Golding Makes Third B Final At Phillips 66 National Championships

By Sharon Robb
IRVINE, Calif., July 30, 2022—Kathleen Golding had a successful finish at the Phillips 66 National Championships Saturday at William Woollett Aquatics Center.

Golding, 21, of Gator Swim Club, qualified for her third B final of the week in the 200-meter individual medley.

In prelims, Golding qualified 13th in 2:15.99 to make the B final and finished fifth in the B final and 13th overall in 2:15.96. Earlier in the week, Golding also made the A final in the 400 IM and finished seventh in 4:45.35. She finished the meet with 24.5 points.

Erika Pelaez, 16, of Eagle Aquatics was second in the B final and tenth overall in the 50-meter freestyle in a best time 25.31. dropping 0.07. Pelaez scored all 39 points for her team.

COMBINED TEAM TOTALS: 1. Indiana Swim Club 283.5, 2. Cal Aquatics 249, 3. Gator Swim Club 201.5, 4. Longhorn Aquatics 157, 5. Cavalier Aquatics/Piedmont 143.5.

MEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Cal Aquatics 176.5, 2. Indiana Swim Club 120.5, 3. SwimAtlanta 115, 4. Mission Viejo 72.5, 5. SwimMAC 70.5.

WOMEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Indiana Swim Club 163, 2. Gator Swim Club 152.5, 3. Long Island 118, 4. Nashville 112, 5. Cavalier Aquatics/Piedmont 99, 16. Eagle Aquatics 39.

WOMEN
200-meter individual medley: 1. Leah Smith, TXLA 2:11.67, 2. Zoie Hartman, ABSC 2:12.04, 3. Beata Nelson, WA 2:12.46, 13. Kathleen Golding, GSC 2:15.96.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Katarzyna Wasick, TRA 24.17, 2. Gretchen Walsh, NAC 24.47, 3. Claire Curzan TAC 24.74, 10. Erika Pelaez, EA 25.31.

1500-meter freestyle: 1. Maddy Gough, AUS 16:07.34, 2. Mariah Denigan, ISC 16:12.44, 3. Kensey McMahon, BAMA 16:16.22, 17. Anna Auld, SAS 16:45.99, 21. Blair Stoneburg, UN-WIS 16:57.60.

MEN
200-meter individual medley: 1. Shaine Casas, TXLA 1:55.24, 2. Grant House, SUN 1:59.03, 3. Baylor Nelson, MAC 1:59.13.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Matt King, CA 21.83, 2. Justin Ress, MV 22.01, 3. Jack Alexy, CAL 22.18.

800-meter freestyle: 1. Bobby Finke, SPA 7:51.21, 2. Will Gallant, WOLF 7:53.34, 3. David Johnston, TST 7:54.60

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Roche, Relays Lead SOFLO; Podkoscielny Wins Second Title On Final Day Of USA Swimming Futures Championship

By Sharon Robb

CARY, N.C., July 30, 2022—South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers ended on a good note on the final night of the USA Swimming Futures Championship Saturday at Triangle Aquatic Center.

Ricardo Roche, 22, was SOFLO’s top finisher placing 11th in the 200-meter backstroke in a best time 2:07.11. He dropped 4.28 seconds off his entry time of 2:11.39. In prelims, he first bettered it in 2:08.28 and lowered it again in finals.

Roche also led off SOFLO’s 400-meter medley relay that finished tenth in 3:56.52 with teammates Javier Colmenares, Rafael Rodriguez and Alex Golding. Their entry time was 4:01.42.

SOFLO’s girls relay of Elena Dinehart, Olivia Dinehart, Mallory Schleicher and Maddie Smutny was 13th in 4:24.21, bettering its seed time of 4:28.76.

In the 200-meter individual medley, Mallory Schleicher, 18, qualified for the C final in 2:24.71 and finished fourth and 20th overall in 2:23.28. Olivia Dinehart, 17, was seventh in the D final and 31st overall in 2:24.99. Her prelim time was 2:25.06.

Elena Dinehart, 17, was second in the C final of the 200-meter backstroke and 18th overall in a best time 2:19.35 with a time drop of 2.01. She went 2:21.68 in prelims.

Distance swimmer Izzy Wilson, 15, was 14th in the 1500-meter freestyle in 17:42.84.

Other Saturday SOFLO results:
Javier Colmenares, 16, 200 IM, 92. 2:16.32; 100 breaststroke time trial, 3. 1:07.43.
Elena Dinehart, 17, 200 backstroke, 18. 2:21.68 prelims, 2. C final and 18. overall 2:19.35.
Olivia Dinehart, 17, 200 IM, 33. 2:25.06 prelims, 7. D final and 31. overall 2:24.99.
Natalie Gembicki, 17, 200 IM, 116. 2:32.79; 100 freestyle time trial, 4. 1:00.49.
Alex Golding, 18, 200 IM, 44. 2:12.08.
Sophia Grubbs, 17, 200 IM, 123. 2:33.47.
Austin Nelson, 16, 200 backstroke, 52. 2:14.16.
Wisthon Rendon, 18, 200 backstroke, 47. 2:13.45.
Ricardo Roche, 22, 200 backstroke, 13. 2:08.28 prelims, 11. 2:07.11, 4.28 drop.
Rafael Rodriguez, 20, 50 freestyle, 70. 24.53.
Mallory Schleicher, 18, 200 IM, 27. 2:24.71 prelims, 4. C final and 20th overall, 2:23.28.
Izzy Wilson, 15, 1500 freestyle, 14. 17:42.84; 100 freestyle time trial 1:03.61.

SOFLO had thirteen swimmers (seven girls and six boys) compete in 48 individual events and one relay.

Pine Crest was the top Florida Gold Coast team finishing ninth among combined and sixth among girls teams with 119 points including 90 points scored by Julia Podkoscielny.

South Florida Aquatic Club was the second highest FGC team finisher placing 20th among 72 teams with 64 points, second highest finish in team history. SOFLO girls were 14th with 44 and boys were 30th with 20.

Among Florida Gold Coast swimmer highlights:

U.S. junior national team member Julia Podkoscielny, 17, of Pine Crest Swimming, prepping for the upcoming Junior Pan Pacs in Hawaii, won the 200-meter backstroke in 2:13.86, her second title of the meet. She was also second in the 200-meter individual medley in a best time 2:15.08. Her previous best was 2:16.45. She swam 2:19.53 in prelims.

Venezuelan Lismar Lyon, 21, of Midtown Weston, was fourth in the 50-meter freestyle in 26.23.

The Futures Championship is as an intermediate step between Sectional Championships and Junior Nationals or National Championships, and open to swimmers of all ages who have time standards. The seventh edition of Futures is one of five around the nation.

Swimmers from the following LSCs competed including Florida Gold Coast, Florida Swimming, Southeastern, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Indiana.

SATURDAY RESULTS
COMBINED TEAM TOTALS: 1. TAC Titans 1,207, 2. Sarasota Sharks 800, 3. Bolles 716.5, 4. Club Wolverine 683, 5. Chattahooche Gold 267, 9. Pine Crest 119, 20. SOFLO 64, 24. TS Aquatics 60, 29. Miami Country Day 38, 33. tie, Olympus, Midtown Weston 30, 36. Eagle Aquatics 28, 40. Treasure Coast 23, 43. Azura 17, 45. PAQ 13.5, 52. Metro Aquatics 7.

MEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. TAC Titans 671, 2. Bolles 598, 3. Club Wolverine 239.5, 4. Sarasota Sharks 212, 5. Michigan Lakeshore 134, 17. Miami Country Day 38, 18. TS Aquatics 36, 26. Eagle Aquatics 28, 30. SOFLO 20, 33. Azura 17, 35. PAQ 13.5, 48. T2 Aquatics 1.

WOMEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Sarasota Sharks 588, 2. TAC Titans 536, 3. Club Wolverine 443.5, 4. Chattahoochee Gold 251, 5. Blue Dolfins 143.5, 6. Pine Crest Swimming 119, 14. SOFLO 44, 19. Midtown Weston 30, 21. TS Aquatics 24, 23. Treasure Coast 23, 34. Metro Aquatics 7.

WOMEN
200-meter individual medley: 1. Gracie Weyant, SYS 2:14.93, 2. Julie Podkoscielny, PCS 2:15.08, 3. Charlotte Hook, TAC 2:15.98; FGC: 19. Riley Botting, PCS 2:22.74; SOFLO: 20. Mallory Schleicher 2:23.28, 31. Olivia Dinehart 2:24.99.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Addison Sauickie, SYS 25.49, 2. Julia Dennis, SWAT 25.74, 3. Elizabeth Tilt, GOLD 25.90; FGC: 4. Lismar Lyon, MWA 26.23, 10. Jillian Crooks, TSA 26.34, 25. Tawannah McLemore, TSA 26.62.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Julia Podkoscielny, PCS 2:13.86, 2. Addison Sauickie, SYS 2:14.68, 3. Lily Cleason, CW 2:14.80; SOFLO: 18. Elena Dinehart 2:19.35, time drop 2.01; FGC: 21. Gioia Balzano, EA 2:22.04, 32. Erin Miller, PCS 2:25.31.

400-meter medley relay: 1. TAC Titans 4:08.71, 2. Club Wolverine 4:11.33, 3.Sarasota Sharks 4:13.87, 12. Pine Crest 4:23.29 (Julia Podkoscielny, Riley Botting, Julianne McCranie, Erin Miller), 13. SOFLO 4:24.21 (Elena Dinehart, Olivia Dinehart, Mallory Schleicher, Maddie Smutny), 37. Gulliver 4:39.69.

1500-meter freestyle: 1. Hannah Bellard, CW 16:43.57, 2. Lauren Milbaum, SYS 17:06.83, 3. Sidney Brann, SYS 17:19.36; SOFLO: 14. Izzy Wilson 17:42.84

MEN
200-meter individual medley: 1. Michael Cotter, TAC 2:01.27, 2. Michael Mullen, Bolles 2:04.01, 3. William Heck, Bolles 2:04.65; FGC: 9. Dario Martin, OSC 2:06.22, 17. Dylan Smiley, MCDA 2:06.77, 28. Nikita Efimov, OSC 2:10.20.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Macguire McDuff, Bolles 22.44, 2. Jerry Fox, TAC 22.97, 3. Larry Salls, Bolles 22.99; FGC: 6. Josiah Morales 23.31, 30. Joshua Cajuste, TSA 24.20.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Lance Norris, TAC 2:00.66, 2. Amadeusz Knop, SYS 2:01.06, 3. Ethan Ekk, ATAC 2:02.23; SOFLO: 11. Ricardo Roche 2:07.11, time drop 4.28

400-meter medley relay: 1. Bolles 3:42.57, 2. TAC Titans A 3:43.94, 3. TAC Titans B 3:47.27, 10. SOFLO A 3:56.52 (Ricardo Roche, Javier Colmenares, Rafael Rodriguez, Alex Golding).

800-meter freestyle: 1. Christopher Callan, CW 8:12.10, 2. Amadeusz Knop, SYS 8:12.45, 3. Jacob Hamlin, HIGH 8:20.51

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Dylan Carter Misses Medal By 1/100th On Day Two Of Commonwealth Games

By Sharon Robb
BIRMINGHAM, England—Dylan Carter of Trinidad and Tobago, looking for his first medal of the XXII Commonwealth Games, just missed a bronze by 1/100th of a second Saturday at Sandwell Aquatic Center.

The two-time Olympian and Plantation American Heritage alum finished fourth in the 50-meter butterfly in 23.28 just behind bronze medalist Cameron Gray of New Zeland in 23.27. Brit Benjamin Proud won in a Games record 22.81, breaking his own record of 22.93 set eight years ago.

Carter was top local finisher qualifying for the final as third fastest in the semifinals in 23.41 and went 23.59 in his opening heat.

In other finals:
Teenager Lara van Niekerk, 19, of South Africa won the 50-meter breaststroke in a Games record 29.73, breaking her own record from prelims. She was the only swimmer in the field under 30 seconds.

Scotland’s Duncan Scott came from behind on the back half to win the 200-meter freestyle in 1:45.02, his second career gold medal. Tom Dean of England was second in 1:45.41 and Aussie Elijah Winnington was third in 1:45.62.

Lewis Clareburt of New Zealand won the 400-meter individual medley in a Games record 4:08.70. Aussie Brendon Smith was second in 4:10.15 and Duncan Scott of Scotland took bronze in 4:11.27.

Canadian Maggie MacNeil won the 100-meter butterfly in a Games record 56.36. Aussie Emma McKeon was second just 2/100ths behind her in 56.38. Aussie Brianna Throssell was third in 57.50.

South African teenager Pieter Coetze, 18, won the 100-meter backstroke in 53.78. Brit Brodie Paul Williams was second in 53.91 and Aussie Bradley Woodward was third in 54.06.

The Aussies swept the women’s and men’s 4×100 freestyle relays with the women winning in 3:30.64 ahead of England in 3:36.62 and men in 3:11.12, just ahead of England in 3:11.73.

Other Florida Gold Coast/South Florida swimmers results:
Kito Campbell, Jamaica/Azura, 100 breaststroke, 2. 1:05.04, heat 2.

The meet continues Sunday with prelims at 5:30 a.m. EST and finals 2 p.m. EST.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Kathleen Golding Makes Second B Final At Phillips 66 National Championships

By Sharon Robb
IRVINE, Calif., July 29, 2022—Kathleen Golding made her second B final at the Phillips 66 National Championships Friday at William Woollett Aquatics Center.

Golding, 21, of Gator Swim Club was fourth in the B final and 13th overall in the 400-meter freestyle in 4:14.56, just 0.80 off her best time. Golding has made one A final and two B finals during the meet. Golding has the 200 IM left to swim on Saturday, the final day of the meet.

Wisconsin-bound Blair Stoneburg, 18, was ninth in the 400-meter freestyle in a best time 4:13.82, dropping 1.53 seconds off her previous best.

Erin Gemmell, 17, of Nation’s Capital won the 400 free in a best time 4:06.17, dropping 3.64 seconds. Her previous best was 4:09.81. Gemmell led from start to finish and was never challenged.

Florida Gold Coast top finisher and U.S. junior national team member Erika Pelaez, 16, of Eagle Aquatics was sixth in the 100-meter backstroke in a best time 1:00.33, dropping 0.62 seconds.

COMBINED TEAM TOTALS: 1. Indiana Swim Club 180.5, 2. Gator Swim Club 160, 3. Cal Aquatics 153.5, 4. Longhorn Aquatics 117, 5. Long Island 84.

MEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Cal Aquatics 110, 2. Indiana Swim Club 81.5, 3. SwimAtlanta 54, 4. Longhorn Aquatics 50, 5. Ridgefield 47.

WOMEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Gator Swim Club 131, 2. Indiana Swim CLub 99, 3. Long Island 75, 4. Nashville, Longhorn Aquatics 67, 20. Eagles Aquatics 19.

WOMEN
400-meter freestyle: 1. Erin Gemmell, NCAP 4:06.17, 2. Cavan Gormsen, LIAC 4:08.38, 3. Kensey McMahon, BAMA 4:08.57, 9. Blair Stoneburg, Unattached-Wisconsin 4:13.82, 13. Kathleen Golding, GSC 4:14.56; TCA: 11. Blair Stoneburg, Unattached 4:15.58, prelims, 16. Kathleen Golding, GSC 4:16.73, prelims.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Kaitlyn Dobler, TRO 1:06.88, 2. Olivia Anderson, AQJT 1:07.85, 3. Talara-Jade Dixon, AUS 1:08.15.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Rhyan White, ALA 58.91, 2. Kira Toussaint, TA 59.24, 3. Isabelle Stadden, CAL 59.55; FGC: 6. Erika Pelaez, EA 1:00.33, 43. Athena Meneses Kovacs, EA 1:03.12.

MEN
400-meter freestyle: 1. Jake Magahey, SA 3:46.36, 2. Jake Mitchell, UN 3:46.59, 3. Kieran Smith, RAC 3:48.48.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Josh Matheny, ISC 59.44, 2. Caspar Corbeau, UN 59.91, 3. Kevin Houseman, WILD 1:00.24.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Justin Ress, MV 53.55, 2. Adam Chaney, RAYS 53.68, 3. Jack Aikins, SA 53.75; FGC: 38. Josh Zuchowski, FAST 56.46.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Dinehart, Smutny Lead SOFLO On Day Three Of USA Swimming Futures Championship

By Sharon Robb
CARY, N.C., July 29, 2022—Olivia Dinehart and Maddie Smutny were top finishers for South Florida Aquatic Club at the USA Swimming Futures Championship Friday at Triangle Aquatic Center.

Olivia Dinehart, 17, was ninth in the 200-meter breaststroke in a best time 2:34.53, shaving 1.45 seconds off her previous best of 2:35.98.

Maddie Smutny, 17, was ninth in the 400-meter freestyle in a best time 4:21.40, dropping 2.58 seconds. She was ninth fastest qualifier in prelims in 4:26.62. Her previous best time was 4:23.98.

SOFLO’s girls team is 13th among 45 teams with 33 points.

Other Friday SOFLO results:
Javier Colmenares, 16, 200 breaststroke, 44. 2:29.20.
Elena Dinehart, 17, 100 butterfly, 75. 1:05.15.
Olivia Dinehart, 17, 200 breaststroke, 11. 2:38.63 prelims, 9. 2:34.53, time drop 1.45, final.
Natalie Gembicki, 17, 100 butterfly time trial, 3. 1:06.28.
Alex Golding, 18, 200 breaststroke, 55. 2:30.48.
Sophia Grubbs, 17, 200 breaststroke, 86. 2:55.25.
Austin Nelson, 16, 400 freestyle, 74. 4:19.74.
Ricardo Roche, 22, 100 backstroke time trial, 1. 58.99.
Wisthon Rendon, 18, 100 butterfly, 110. 59.30.
Rafael Rodriguez, 20, 100 butterfly, 37. 57.30.
Mallory Schleicher, 18, 100 breaststroke time trial, 3. 1:19.06.
Maddie Smutny, 17, 400 freestyle, 9. 4:26.62 prelims, 4:21.40, final, 2.58 time drop; 100 butterfly, 113. 1:06.48.
Izzy Wilson, 15, 400 freestyle, 52. 4:35.51.

SOFLO has thirteen swimmers (seven girls and six boys) competing in 48 individual events and one relay.

Among Florida Gold Coast swimmer highlights:

Haitian Olympian Davidson Vincent, 20, of Azura was second in the 100-meter butterfly in a best time 54.35, dropping 0.39.

U.S. junior national team member Julia Podkoscielny, 17, was third in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:34.32. Pine Crest Swimming is seventh among girls teams with 72 points of which 53 have been scored by Podkoscielny.

Dario Martin, 17, of Olympus Swimming Club was third in the 200-meter breaststroke in a best time 2:18.22, dropping 0.45 seconds.

The Futures Championship, which ends Saturday night, is designed as an intermediate step between Sectional Championships and Junior Nationals or National Championships, and open to swimmers of all ages who have time standards. The seventh edition of Futures is one of five around the nation.

Swimmers from the following LSCs are eligible to compete including Florida Gold Coast, Florida Swimming, Southeastern, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Indiana.

FRIDAY RESULTS
COMBINED TEAM TOTALS: 1. TAC Titans 918, 2. Sarasota Sharks 563, 3. Club Wolverine 448, 4. Bolles 447.5, 5. Chattahoochee Gold 196, 11. Pine Crest Swimming 72, 18. TS Aquatics 53, 25. Miami Country Day 38, 27. South Florida Aquatic Club 33, 30. Eagle Aquatics 28, 37. Azura 17, 39. Midtown Weston 15, 41. Treasure Coast Aquatics 12, 44. Metro Aquatics 7.

MEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. TAC Titans 512, 2. Bolles 393.5, 3. Club Wolverine 155.5, 4. Sarasota Sharks 150, 5. Michigan Lakeshore 90, 13. Miami Country Day 38, 14. TS Aquatics 36, 19. Eagle Aquatics 28, 22. Olympus 21, 28. Azura 17.

WOMEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Sarasota Sharks 413, 2. TAC Titans 406, 3. Club Wolverine 292.5, 4. Chattahoochee Gold 184, 5. Blue Dolfins 100.5, 7. Pine Crest Swimming 72, 13. SOFLO 33, 20. TS Aquatics 17, 22. Midtown Weston 15, 26. Treasure Coast 12, 30. Metro Aquatics 7

WOMEN
400-meter freestyle: 1. Hannah Bellard, CW 4:11.30, 2. Addison Sauickie, SYS 4:14.23, 3. Summer Cardwell, TBAC 4:16.79; SOFLO: 9. Maddie Smutny 4:21.40, time drop 2.58; FGC: 8. Erin Miller, PCS 4:27.84, 16. Brynn Stoneburg, TCA 4:30.22 (4:28.09 prelims).

100-meter butterfly: 1. Charlotte Hook, TAC 59.04, 2. Elizabeth Tilt, GOLD 59.55, 3. Susan Lagrand, OLY 1:00.74; FGC: 19. Sofia Jorge, MAC 1:02.02, 23. Sophia Diaz 1:02.76.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Gracie Weyant, SYS 2:31.38, 2. Edwina Jalet, CW 2:34.15, 3. Julia Podkoscielny, PCS 2:34.32; SOFLO: 9. Olivia Dinehart 2:34.53, time drop 1.45; FGC: 24. Riley Botting, PCS 2:42.63

400-meter freestyle relay: 1. Sarasota Sharks 3:46.80, 2. Club Wolverine 3:49.27, 3. TAC Titans 3:49.72, 13. Pine Crest 3:59.18, 20. SOFLO A 4:00.74 (Mallory Schleicher, Elena Dinehart, Olivia Dinehart, Natalie Gembicki).

MEN
400-meter freestyle: 1. Lance Norris, TAC 3:53.31, 2. Michael Cotter, TAC 3:54.59, 3. Jonas Cantrell, SCS 3:57.50.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Derek Maas, MLA 53.88, 2. Davidson Vincent, Azura 54.35, 3. Michael Mullen, Bolles 54.53; FGC: 6. Dylan Smiley, MCD 54.80, 13. Carlos Vasquez 55.49, 24. Dario Martin, OSC 58.21.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Jorge Murillo, TAC 2:12.74, 2. Grayson Nye, TAC 2:15.53, 3. Dario Martin, OSC 2:18.22; FGC: 5. Dylan Smiley, MCD 2:20.03, 30. Lucas Young, CANE 2:28.21.

400-meter freestyle relay: 1. TAC Titans 3:21.87, 2. Bolles A 3:22.96, 3. Bolles B 3:25.85, 14. TS Aquatics 3:33.26, 18. SOFLO A 3:36.06 (Ricardo Roche, Rafael Rodriguez, Javier Colmenares, Alex Golding), 22. T2 Aquatics 3:37.20.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Aussies Dominate; Dylan Carter Qualifies For Sprint Butterfly Final On Day One Of Commonwealth Games

By Sharon Robb
BIRMINGHAM, England—Reigning world champion Elijah Winnington led an Australian sweep in the 400 freestyle on opening day of the Commonwealth Games Friday at Sandwell Aquatic Center.

Winnington, 22, led from start to finish to win the 400-meter distance event in 3:43.06, slower than his world championship time and lifetime-best of 3:41.22. Aussie teammates Sam Short was second in 3:45.07 and Mack Horton was third in 3:46.49.

In other final events:
Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh, 15, broke her own Games and national record to win the 400-meter individual medley in 4:29.01. Her previous best time was 4:29.12.

Aussie Ariarne Titmus won the 200-meter freestyle in a Games record 1:53.89. It was another Aussie sweep with Mollie O’Callaghan (1:54.01) and Madi Wilson (1:56.17).

In an exciting men’s 200-meter breaststroke final, Aussie Olympic champion and world record holder Zac Stubblety-Cook overtook early leader Brit James Wilby down the stretch for the gold, 2:08.07-2:08.59.

Australia (William Yang, Kyle Chalmers, Mollie O’Callaghan, Emma McKeon) finished with a gold in the first-ever 4×100-meter mixed freestyle relay in 3:21.18 ahead of England in 3:22.45 and Canada in 3:24.86.

Two-time Olympian and national record holder Dylan Carter of Trinidad and Tobago, a Plantation American Heritage alum, was top local finisher qualifying for the final in the 50-meter butterfly. Carter qualified third fastest in semis in 23.41 behind Brit Ben Proud in 23.06 and Singapore’s Tzen Wei Teong. Carter went 23.59 in his opening heat.

Other Florida Gold Coast/South Florida swimmers results:
50 butterfly: Sidrell Williams, Jamaica, Azura, eighth in heat, 25.32.
200 breaststroke: Kito Campbell, Jamaica, Azura, sixth in heat, 2:29.95.

The meet continues Saturday with prelims at 5:30 a.m. EST and finals 2 p.m. EST.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Kathleen Golding Makes A Final; Katie Ledecky Wins Third Event; Gator Swim Club Leads Women’s Teams At Phillips 66 National Championships

By Sharon Robb
IRVINE, Calif., July 28, 2022—Kathleen Golding made the most of her second chance at the Phillips 66 National Championships Thursday at William Woollett Aquatics Center.

Golding, 21, of Gator Swim Club, finished seventh in the 400-meter individual medley in a best time 4:45.35, shaving 2.59 seconds off her previous best.

Golding was originally disqualified after swimming 4:46.93 in the early heats. The disqualification was overturned shortly after the conclusion of the event and Golding advanced into the “A” final as fifth seed.

GSC teammate and grad assistant coach Katie Ledecky, 25, won her third event of the meet. She overtook top seed Leah Smith on the final freestyle leg to win the 400 IM in 4:35.77, her best time in four years. Ledecky also has the 800 and 200 freestyle titles.

Mitchell Ledford of Treasure Coast was fourth in the B final and 12th overall of the 100-meter butterfly in 52.85. He was 11th in prelims, also in 52.85.

Erika Pelaez, 16, of Eagle Aquatics, was second in the B final of the 100-meter butterfly in 59.23, just 2/100ths behind winner Lillie Nordmann of Alto. Pelaez was 16th in prelims in 59.97.

Josh Zuchowski was 46th in the 100 butterfly in 54.77 to make D final. Anna Auld of Gator Swim Club was 18th in the 400 IM prelims in 4:50.85 to make the C final and was 23rd in 4:52.23.

COMBINED TEAM TOTALS: 1. Indiana Swim Club 180.5, 2. Gator Swim Club 160, 3. Cal Aquatics 153.5, 4. Longhorn Aquatics 117, 5. Long Island Aquatic Club 84.
MEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Cal Aquatics 110, 2. Indiana Swim Club 81.5, 3. SwimAtlanta 54, 4. Longhorn Aquatics 50, 5. Ridgefield 47.
WOMEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Gator Swim Club 131, 2. Indiana Swim Club 99, 3. Long Island 75, 4. tie, Nashville, Longhorn Aquatics 67.

WOMEN
400-meter individual medley: 1. Katie Ledecky, GSC 4:35.77, 2. Leah Smith, TXLA 4:36.66, 3. Felicia Pasadyn, OSU 4:42.79, 7. Kathleen Golding, GSC 4:45.35.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Gretchen Walsh, NAC 57.44, 2. Gabi Albiero, UF 57.82, 3. Dakota Luther, TXLA 59.39.

MEN
400-meter individual medley: 1. Kevin Vargas, RMDA 4:11.45, 2. Max Litchfield, DVSC 4:13.08, 3. Kieran Smith, RAC 4:14.04.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Shaine Casas, TXLA 50.40, 2. Shaun Champion, AUS 51.54, 3. Gabriel Jett, CAL 52.19.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Podkoscielny, Crooks, Winkler Top FGC Finishers On Day Two Of USA Swimming Futures Championship

By Sharon Robb
CARY, N.C., July 28, 2022—It was another fast night of swimming at the USA Swimming Futures Championship Thursday at Triangle Aquatic Center.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s top finisher was its women’s 800-meter freestyle relay, placing 14th in 8:39.90 with Elena Dinehart, Maddie Smutny, Natalie Gembicki and Olivia Dinehart. SOFLO women are 16th among 52 teams.

Other Thursday SOFLO results:
Javier Colmenares, 16, 100 breaststroke time trial, 3. 1:07.43.
Elena Dinehart, 17, 100 backstroke, 26. 1:05.80, prelims; 25. 1:05.09.
Natalie Gembicki, 17, 100 freestyle, 102. 1:00.86.
Alex Golding, 18, 100 backstroke time trials, 1. 1:02.18; 400 IM, 48. 4:46.90.
Sophia Grubbs, 17, 100 freestyle time trial 1:03.38.
Ricardo Roche, 22, 100 backstroke, 18. 58.71, 0.95 drop.
Rafael Rodriguez, 20, 100 freestyle, 97. 54.40.
Mallory Schleicher, 18, 400 IM, 28. 5:07.91 prelims; 25. 4:45.92, finals.
Izzy Wilson, 15, 100 freestyle time trial, 1:03.61.

SOFLO has thirteen swimmers (seven girls and six boys) competing in 48 individual events and one relay.

Among Florida Gold Coast swimmer highlights:

Julia Podkoscielny, 17, prepping for next month’s Junior Pan Pacs, won the 400-meter individual medley in 4:46.37. She was second fastest in prelims in 4:52.36. In an exciting 100 meter backstroke race, she finished second in 1:02.31, dropping 1.10. Lily Cleason, 17, of Club Wolverine won in 1:02.25. Podkoscielny was third fastest in 1:03.18, dropping 0.23. Pine Crest Swimming is eighth among women’s teams with 37 points, all scored by Podkoscielny.

Jillian Crooks, 16, of TS Aquatics was second in the 100-meter freestyle in 56.56, dropping 0.29 seconds. Addison Sauickie, 16, of Sarasota Sharks won in 55.66.

Kaii Winkler, 16, of Eagle Aquatics was third in the 100-meter freestyle in 49.75. Macguire McDuff, 19, of Bolles won in 49.06 and Michael Cotter, 19, of TAC Titans was second in 49.65.

The Futures Championship is designed as an intermediate step between Sectional Championships and Junior Nationals or National Championships, and open to swimmers of all ages who have time standards. The seventh edition of Futures is one of five around the nation.

Swimmers from the following LSCs are eligible to compete including Florida Gold Coast, Florida Swimming, Southeastern, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Indiana.

THURSDAY RESULTS
COMBINED TEAM TOTALS: 1. TAC Titans 596, 2. Sarasota Sharks 382, 3. Club Wolverine 285.5, 4. Bolles 268, 5. Chattahoochee Gold 124, 13. TS Aquatics 43, 16. Pine Crest Swimming, 22. Eagle Aquatics 28, 32. SOFLO 15, 36. Treasure Coast 11, 36. Miami Country Day 11, 39. Metro Aquatics 7, 45. Midtown Weston 4.

MEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. TAC Titans 339, 2. Bolles 229, 3. Sarasota Sharks 111, 4. Club Wolverine 101, 5. Dynamo 53, 13. Eagle Aquatics 28, 14. TS Aquatics 26, 27. Miami Country Day 11.

WOMEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Sarasota Sharks 271, 2. TAC Titans 257, 3. Club Wolverine 184.5, 4. Chattahoochee Gold 112, 5. Blue Dolfins 76.5, 8. Pine Crest Swimming 37, 15. TS Aquatics 17, 16. SOFLO 15, 24. Treasure Coast 11, 25. Metro Aquatics 7, 33. Midtown Weston 4.

WOMEN
100-meter freestyle: 1. Addison Sauickie, SYS 55.66, 2. Jillian Crooks, TS Aquatics 56.56, 3. Meredith Whelehan, TAC 56.92; FGC: 18. Gioia Balzano, EA 58.06.

400-meter individual medley: 1. Julia Podkoscielny, Pine Crest Swimming 4:46.37, 2. Hannah Bellard, CW 4:47.67, 3. Michaela Mattes, SYS 4:48.13; SOFLO: 25. Mallory Schleicher 4:58.92, time drop 0.13; FGC: 26. Riley Botting, PC 5:00.19.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Lily Cleason, CW 1:02.25, 2. Julia Podkoscielny, PCS 1:02.31, time drop 1.10, 3. Taylor Morris, TAC 1:02.90; SOFLO: 25. Elena Dinehart 1:05.09.

800-meter freestyle relay: 1. Sarasota Sharks A 8:10.77, 2. TAC Titans 8:17.61, 3. Club Wolverine 8:22.57, 14. SOFLO 8:39.90 (Elena Dinehart, Maddie Smutny, Natalie Gembicki, Olivia Dinehart).

MEN
100-meter freestyle: 1. Macguire McDuff, Bolles 49.06, 2. Michael Cotter, TAC 49.65, 3. Kaii Winkler, Eagle Aquatics 49.75, 25. Dylan Smiley, MCDA 52.14, 27. Finn Winkler, Eagle Aquatics 52.75.

400-meter individual medley: 1. Michael Mullen, Bolles 4:21.50, 2. Lance Norris, TAC 4:22.59, 3. Amadeusz Knop, SYS 4:26.16.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Matthew Menke, HA 55.50, 2. Derek Maas, MLA 56.32, 3. Braeden Haughey, TAC 56.82; FGC: 14. Kaii Winkler, EA 58.76, 21. Finn Winkler, EA 59.09.

800-meter freestyle relay: 1. TAC Titans A 7:27.72, 2. Bolles 7:36.93, 3. TAC Titans B 7:37.74, 10. TS Aquatics 7:51.48.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Katie Ledecky Wins Second Event At Phillips 66 National Championships; Golding Makes B Final

By Sharon Robb
IRVINE, Calif., July 27, 2022—Olympic gold medalist and top seed Katie Ledecky won her second event at the Phillips 66 National Championships Wednesday at William Woollett Aquatics Center.

Ledecky, 25, of Gainesville Swim Club won the 200-meter freestyle in 1:54.50. On Tuesday Ledecky won the 800 freestyle in 8:12.03.

Gainesville Swim Club teammate Kathleen Golding, 21, was fifth in the B final of 200 freestyle in 2:00.49. In morning prelims, Golding qualified 12th in 2:00.42.

Treasure Coast’s Blair Stoneburg, competing unattached for Wisconsin, was 33rd in the 200 freestyle in 2:02.81. On Tuesday, Stoneburg was 14th in the 800 freestyle in 8:46.05 and Anna Auld was 19th in 8:47.56

Mitchell Ledford of Treasure Coast was 51st in the 200 freestyle in 1:52.41. On Tuesday, he was 45th in the 200 butterfly in 2:04.30 and 70th in the 100 freestyle in 52.85.

Erika Pelaez, 16, of Eagle Aquatics was 20th in the 200 backstroke prelims in a best time 2:13.96, dropping 0.60. She finished 19th in finals in 2:13.03, a 1.53 time drop.

On Tuesday, the opening day of the meet, Erika Pelaez was seventh in the 100-meter freestyle in 54.69 after going lifetime best 54.65. Natalie Hinds of Gainesville Swim Club won in 53.53.

WOMEN
200-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Ledecky, GSC 1:54.50, 2. Erin Gemmell, NCAP 1:56.14, 3. Claire Tuggle, CA 1:58.34; FGC: 13. Kathleen Golding 2:00.49, time drop 1.13.
200-meter breaststroke: 1. Mackenzie Looze, ISC 2:25.35, 2. Anna Keating, CA 2:25.82, 3. Ella Nelson, NAC 2:27.40.
200-meter backstroke: 1. Isabelle Stadden, CAL 2:07.29, 2. Rhyan White, BAMA 2:07.51, 3. Reilly Tiltmann, CA 2:09.61.
MEN
200-meter freestyle: 1. Luke Hobson, UN 1:46.14, 2. Kieran Smith, RAC 1:46.32, 3. Jake Magahey, SA 1:46.62.
200-meter breaststroke: 1. Matt Fallon, ABSC 2:07.91, 2. Jake Foster, RAYS 2:09.00, 3. Caspar Corbeau, UN 2:09.03
200-meter backstroke: 1. Jack Aikins, SA 1:57.52, 2. Ian Grum, DYNA 1:57.59, 3. Nick Simons, LOSC 1:57.70.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com