Julio Horrego – South Florida Aquatic Club's Blog

Auld, Campbell Shine; Horrego, Dinehart Sisters, Women’s Relay Top Finishers For Second Place SOFLO At Southern Zone South Sectional Championships

By Sharon Robb
PLANTATION, July 7, 2022—Two swimmers coming off the 19th FINA World Aquatics Championships had plenty left in the tank Thursday at the Southern Zone South Sectional Championships at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

A week after competing in the 25K open water event in Budapest Hungary, Anna Auld, 19, of St. Andrew’s Aquatics won the 800-meter freestyle in 8:51.08, just 0.11 off her entry time.

In Hungary, the University of Florida freshman was the top American finisher in the 25K, placing seventh in 5:25:25.60, just two minutes off the leader. She was also 20th in the 5K in 1:00:57.20.

In the best men’s race of the evening, Jamaican Kito Campbell, 19, of Azura Florida Aquatics out-touched South Florida Aquatic Club’s Julio Horrego, 23, by 1/100ths of a second to win the 50-meter breaststroke 28.65-28.66. They were the only two swimmers to dip below 29 seconds among the 31-swimmer field. In Hungary, Campbell competed in the 50 and 100 breaststrokes.

In the men’s 800 freestyle, Philip Moldovanu, 19, of the Wahoos of Wellington won in 8:26.75 ahead of Swim Fort Lauderdale’s Dylan Felt in 8:29.21. SOFLO’s Enrique Rodriguez, 17, dropped 3.12 seconds off his 800 time in 8:46.77 to finish 13th.

South Florida Aquatic Club had three swimmers among the top three finishers in their events. In addition to Horrego, Elena Dinehart, 17, was third in the 50-meter backstroke in 31.39. Olivia Dinehart, 17, was third in the 50-meter breaststroke in 33.87.

SOFLO’s women’s 800-meter freestyle relay was third in 8:44.81 with Olivia Dinehart, Natalie Gembicki, Mallory Schleicher and Elena Dinehart.

SOFLO women and men’s teams are both second among 50 teams. Azura leads the men’s team standings and Planet Swim Aquatics lead the women’s.

On Friday and Saturday, prelims are 8 a.m. and finals 6 p.m. On Sunday, prelims are 8 a.m., 1500-meter freestyle distance events 3:15 p.m. and finals at 5 p.m.

SOFLO has 29 swimmers (16 girls and 13 boys) qualified in 131 individual events (77 girls and 54 boys) and 10 relays.

Some of the top teams entered are Azura Florida Aquatics, St. Petersburg Swimming, Treasure Coast Swimming, Flood Aquatics, Sarasota Tsunami, Pine Crest Swimming, Eagle Aquatics and Gulliver Swim Club.

THURSDAY RESULTS
WOMEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Planet Swim Aquatics 125, 2. SOFLO 93, 3. Azura 77, 4. FAST 62, 5. Academy Aquatics 57, 6. Berkeley 48, 7. Golden Panther 38, 8. Pine Crest 36, 9. Hurricane Aquatics 35.5, 10. St. Andrew’s Aquatics 33.
MEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Azura 145, 2. SOFLO 87.5, 3. St. Andrew’s Aquatics 81, 4. Academy Aquatic 73.5, 5. Plantation Swim Team 49, 6. Planet Swim 43, 7. Metro Aquatics 41, 8. FAST 36, 9. Gulf Coast 31, 10. Eagle Aquatics 21.

WOMEN
800-meter freestyle: 1. Anna Auld, St. Andrew’s Swimming 8:51.08, 2. Riley Botting, PC 9:11.06, 3. Cadence Fort, GCST 9:11.44; SOFLO: 10. Izzy Wilson 9:25.16, 12. Mallory Schleicher 9:25.82.

50-meter butterfly: 1. Kelsie Campbell, GPA 28.73, 2. Mia Zahab, GPA 28.97, 3. Adrianna Cera, CANE 28.97; SOFLO: 25. Natalie Gembicki 30.19, 26. Molly Golding 30.24, 39. Sara Quintero 31.90.

50-meter backstroke: 1. Annie Wohlgemuth, PSA 31.04, 2. Alyssa Bozzuto, FAST 31.15, 3. Elena Dinehart, SOFLO 31.39; SOFLO: 21. Gabriella DeLuna 33.31, 29. Sara Quintero 34.29.

50-meter breaststroke: 1. Alyssa Bozzuto, FAST 33.77, 2. Nicole Frank Rodriguez, Azura 33.80, 3. Olivia Dinehart, SOFLO 33.87; SOFLO: 8. Ana Villamil 34.26, 11. Sophia Grubbs 34.55, 15. Molly Golding 35.01, 37. Mariann Catalasan 37.17, 48. Sally Golding 39.47.

800-meter freestyle relay: 1. Planet Swim Aquatics 8:41.49, 2. Azura 8:44.48, 3. SOFLO A 8:44.81 (Olivia Dinehart, Natalie Gembicki, Mallory Schleicher, Elena Dinehart).

MEN
800-meter freestyle: 1. Philip Moldovanu, WOW 8:26.75, 2. Dylan Felt, SFTL 8:29.21, 3. Cole Firile, SRQ 8:30.98; SOFLO: 13. Enrique Rodriguez 8:46.77, time drop 3.12

50-meter butterfly: 1. Mitchell Ledford, Treasure Coast 24.50, 2. Josiah Morales, PAQ 25.12, 3. Kaii Winkle, EA 25.18; SOFLO: 23. Alejandro Mateus 27.89.

50-meter backstroke: 1. Josh Zuchowski, FAST 27.09, 2. Lance Lesage, PC 27.63, 3. Steven Aimable, Azura 27.97; SOFLO: 6. Ricardo Roche 28.94, 8. Aldo Zepeda 29.04, 12. Alex Golding 29.80, 27. Nathaniel Garrick 32.42.

50-meter breaststroke: 1. Kito Campbell, Azura 28.65, 2. Julio Horrego, SOFLO 28.66, 3. Noah Sipowski, FAST 30.17; SOFLO: 11. Javier Colmenares 31.33, 13. Manuel Melendez 31.49.

800-meter freestyle relay: 1. Azura 7:46.43, 2. Academy Aquatic Club 7:49.81, 3. St. Andrew’s Aquatics 7:58.88, 5. SOFLO A 8:07.41 (Agustin Rodriguez, Ricardo Roche, Wisthon Rendon, Alex Golding).

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

SOFLO Swimmers Ready For Southern Zone South Sectional Championships That Begin Thursday

By Sharon Robb
PLANTATION, July 6, 2022—Let the summer championship season begin!

After all the hard workouts, South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers will get the chance to see the reward when they compete in the first championship meet of the summer.

SOFLO is one of fifty teams that will compete in the Southern Zone South Sectional Championships. The four-day meet begins Thursday at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

The meet opens with the men’s and women’s 800-meter freestyle at 4:15 p.m. and timed finals in the 50 butterfly, 50 backstroke, 50 breaststroke and 800 freestyle relay beginning at 6 p.m.

On Friday and Saturday, prelims are 8 a.m. and finals 6 p.m. On Sunday, prelims are 8 a.m., 1500-meter freestyle distance events 3:15 p.m. and finals at 5 p.m.

SOFLO has 29 swimmers (16 girls and 13 boys) qualified in 131 individual events (77 girls and 54 boys) and 10 relays.

Among SOFLO swimmers competing are Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego, Gaby Banks, Javier Colmenares, Elena and Olivia Dinehart, Ricardo Roche, Maddy Smutny, Izzy Wilson, Maddy Smutny and Mallory Schleicher.

SOFLO has top seeds in the women’s 400 medley relay (4:19.91) and women’s 800 freestyle relay (8:32.58) and individual swimmers Julio Horrego, 50-meter breaststroke (1:01.18); Olivia Dinehart, 100-meter breaststroke (1:12.54) and 200-meter breaststroke (2:34.85); and Maddy Smutny, 200-meter butterfly (2:14.37).

It is one of the more competitive fields assembled. Heading the field are Julia Podkoscielny of Pine Crest, Erika Pelaez and Kaii Winkler of Eagle Aquatics, Josh Zuchowski of FAST, Nicole Frank Rodriguez and Gabriel Araya of Azura, Daniel Ramirez of Westminster Academy Swim Club, Philip Moldovanu of Wahoos of Wellington and Mitchell Ledford of Treasure Coast Swimming.

In the February sectionals, Sarasota Sharks won the combined team title (609.5) and women’s title (360.5) in Orlando. Azura Florida Aquatics won the men’s team title (310.5). SOFLO finished fifth in combined (215), sixth in the men’s (131) and eighth in the women’s (84).

SOFLO made club history in 2021 winning back-to-back Southern Zone South Sectional Championships. In February, SOFLO won the combined team title, was second among women and third among men. In July, SOFLO won the combined team title and boys team titles and girls were second.

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

Italian Thomas Ceccon Breaks World Record; Katie Ledecky Wins 17th Title At FINA World Aquatics Championships

By Sharon Robb
BUDAPEST, Hungary, June 20, 2022–In an exciting finish, Italy’s Thomas Ceccon pulled off the shocker breaking the world record in the 100-meter backstroke Monday night at the 19th FINA World Aquatics Championships at Duna Arena.

Ceccon, 21, stunned the field that included the former world record holder by putting on the after burners in the final 25 meters to win in 51.60, bettering the previous record by 0.15 seconds set by American Ryan Murphy at the 2016 Olympics.

“I have no words for this,” Ceccon said. “There is an Olympic champion from 2016 so no I did not expect to win. The world record is not a simple thing. It’s a nice step I’ve taken.

“Yesterday I swam 52.1 very easy,” Ceccon said. “I am feeling good in the water and just doing my race, staying calm and focused on my race. And that’s it.”

Ceccon is only the second Italian to set a world record in long course swimming. Giorgio Lambert was the first in the 200 freestyle.

Murphy finished second, just 0.37 seconds off the winning pace in 51.97. Murphy has yet to win an individual world long course title. U.S. teammate Hunter Armstrong was third, 0.38 seconds behind in 51.98.

“Hats off to Thomas,” said Murphy, a Bolles alum. “That’s a really, really fast time. It’s going to be an exciting couple of years.”

Katie Ledecky of Gainesville won her 17th world title winning her fourth gold medal in the 1,500-meter freestyle. Ledecky led from start-to-finish to win in 15:30.15, just 10 seconds under her world record set in 2018. U.S. teammate Sixteen-year-old American teenager Katie Grimes was second, 14.74 seconds behind her in a best time 15:44.89. Aussie Lani Pallister was third in 15:48.96, also a best time.

“To share this moment with her is really special,” said Ledecky referring to Grimes, her future heir apparent. Grimes is the second youngest medalist in the 1,500 at worlds since Ledecky won it for the first time in 2013.

“It takes a lot of hard work,” said Ledecky, a grad assistant coach at University of Florida. “It’s about doing all the right things in and out of the pool to have that longevity. You can’t get complacent.”

Said Grimes, “I was really nervous leading up to it because it’s my first world championship and Team USA has been doing a great job. I wanted to keep that going.”

South Florida Aquatic Club Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego, 23, was disqualified in the 50-meter breaststroke in his final event at worlds. He has now been disqualified in three of his last four races in the U.S. and Hungary. Earlier in the meet, he was 32nd in the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:02.07.

There are 21 past and present Florida Gold Coast swimmers competing on one of swimming’s biggest international stages.

Other swimmers who competed on Monday with Florida Gold Coast ties were:

Izaak Bastian, 21, Bahamas (St. Andrew’s, Florida State), 50 breaststroke, 32nd in 28.47.

Kito Campbell, 19, Jamaica (Azura), 50 breaststroke, 39th in 29.06.

FGC swimmers competing on Tuesday are:

Patrick Groters, 23, Aruba, (NSU University School, Pine Crest Swim Club, University of South Carolina), 200 IM.

Dylan Carter, 26, Trinidad & Tobago, (Plantation American Heritage), 100 freestyle.

Esteban Nunez del Prado, 18, Bolivia, (Azura), 200 IM.

Jayhan Odlum-Smith, 20, St. Lucia, (Azura), 100 freestyle.

Jenebi Benoit, 19, Grenada, (Azura) 100 freestyle.

Julimar Avila, 25, Honduras, (Azura), 200 butterfly.

Leon Seaton, 18, Guyana, (Azura), 100 freestyle.

Matheo Mateos, 21, Paraguay, (Azura), 200 IM.

Steven Aimable, 23, Senegal, (Azura), 100 freestyle.

In Monday night’s final events:

200 men’s free: Romania’s David Popovici broke his own world junior record to win gold in 1:43.21, 1.26 seconds ahead of the field. His previous record was 1:44.40. Korean teenager Hwang Sunwoo was second in 1:44.47 and Brit Tom Dean was third in 1:44.98.

100 women’s backstroke: American Regan Smith won gold in 58.22, 0.18 seconds ahead of Canadian two-time world champion Kylie Masse in 58.40. American Claire Curzan took the bronze in 58.67. It was the first time Americans won two medals in the event since the 2008 Olympics.

100 women’s breaststroke: The Italians’ success continued with teenager Benedetta Pilato, 17, winning a tight race in 1:05.93, 0.05 ahead of Germany’s Anna Elendt in 1:05.98 and 0.09 ahead of Lithuania’s Ruta Meilutyte in 1:06.02 for her first career world title. Pilato is the youngest Italian swimmer to win a gold medal at worlds. American two-time defending world champion Lilly King was fourth in 1:06.07. “It’s really a surprise,” Pilato said. “I’m obviously happy. I really didn’t expect it. It’s been my dream. Before I swam I watched Thomas’ swim and I was crying for him. Then I realized I had to race and ran to the call room.”

Tuesday prelim events are women’s 50 backstroke, men’s 100 freestyle, men’s 200 IM, women’s 200 butterfly and mixed 4×100 medley relay.

The swimming runs through June 25 with the pool events. The aquatics championships that also features diving, water polo, high diving, open water swimming and synchronized swimming end July 3.

The Olympic Channel and Peacock, on the NBC platform, is televising the finals at noon each day. A highlights show will be on NBC at noon on June 26. The FINA facebook page is also posting competition news. Canada’s CBC will also broadcast the swimming.

There are huge cheers for any Hungarian swimmers from spectators at Duna Arena. FINA, the sport’s governing body, has asked fans each day to clap rather than cheer as a precaution against coronavirus infections. There were no other requests or restrictions.
FINALS SCHEDULE
Tuesday, June 21: 800 men’s free, 200 women’s free, 200 men’s fly, 50 men’s breast, 4×100 mixed medley relay.

Wednesday, June 22: 200 women’s fly, 100 men’s free, 50 women’s back, 200 men’s IM, 4×200 women’s free relay.

Thursday, June 23: 100 women’s free, 200 women’s breast, 200 men’s back, 200 men’s breast, 4×200 men’s free relay.

Friday, June 24: 50 women’s fly, 50 men’s free, 100 men’s fly, 200 women’s back, 800 women’s free, 4×100 mixed free relay.

Saturday, June 25: 50 men’s back, 50 women’s breast, 1500 men’s free, 50 women’s free, 400 women’s IM, 4×100 men’s and women’s medley relay.

Sunday, June 26: Open water, 6K team relay.

Monday, June 27: Open water, men’s and women’s 5K.

Wednesday, June 29: Open water, men’s and women’s 10K.

Thursday, June 30: Open water, men’s and women’s 25K.

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

Dressel Wins Second Gold Medal; Carter Breaks Own National Record; SOFLO’s Horrego Swims Monday At FINA World Aquatics Championships

By Sharon Robb
BUDAPEST, Hungary, June 19, 2022–Caeleb Dressel won his 15th world championship gold medal Sunday night at the 19th FINA World Aquatics Championships at Duna Arena.

The 25-year-old Clay High School and Bolles Swim Club alum led from start to finish with 18 strokes to win the 50-meter butterfly in 22.57, defending his title in the event.

“It was good,” Dressel said. “I knew I had to hit it. If I hit 18 strokes, I knew I had a chance to win it. I was right at 18. I was a little long on the finish, but I didn’t want to jam it. Not a perfect plan, but the best race plan I had for tonight.”

The 50 butterfly is not an Olympic event.

“It’s not an event I really train for,” Dressel said. “It just kind of comes from my 100 fly training. It’s a tricky one. My stroke is pretty long for the 50, but it worked.”

It was Dressel’s 17th world championship medal overall, the fourth most medals at worlds behind Michael Phelps (26), Ryan Lochte (18) and Katie Ledecky (17) and second gold at this meet. He also won gold leading off the winning 4×100 relay.

Ageless Brazilian Nicholas Santos, 42, was second in 22.78. American Michael Andrew was third in 22.79, winning his first long course individual championship medal.

Trinidad & Tobago’s Dylan Carter, swimming in Lane 7, just missed a medal placing fourth in a best time, breaking his own national record for the second time in the meet in 22.85.

Carter was the top Florida Gold Coast finisher on Day Two. The Plantation American Heritage and USC alum started out strong in the event with the fastest prelim in a then best time and national record 22.87. It was the first time Carter broke 23 seconds. He came back in a fast semifinal to qualify sixth in 22.98 for the final.

South Florida Aquatic Club Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego, 23, 32nd in the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:02.07, will swim the 50-meter breaststroke on Monday, his final event at worlds.

There are 21 Florida Gold Coast swimmers competing on one of swimming’s biggest international stages.

Other swimmers who competed on Sunday with Florida Gold Coast ties are:

Dylan Carter, 26, Trinidad & Tobago, 50-meter butterfly final, Plantation American Heritage, fourth, 22.85.

Yeziel Morales, 26, Puerto Rico, 100-meter backstroke, Azura, 32nd, 56.52.

Patrick Groters, 23, Aruba, 100-meter backstroke, NSU University School, Pine Crest Swim Club, University of South Carolina, 37th, 57.37.

Nicole Frank, 18, Uruguay, 100-meter breaststroke, Azura, 32nd, 1:10.48.

FGC swimmers competing on Monday are:
Izaak Bastian, 21, Bahamas (St. Andrew’s, Florida State), 50 breaststroke.

Kito Campbell, 19, Jamaica (Azura), 50 breaststroke.

In Sunday night’s final events:
MEN’S 100 BREASTSTROKE: Italian Nicolo Martinenghi turned it on in the back half with a 30.87 split to win gold in 58.26. Arno Kamminga of the Netherlands was second in 58.62 and American Nic Fink, 28, was third in 58.65, winning his first long course world medal. British Olympic champion Adam Peaty is not competing in the meet because of a foot injury.

WOMEN’S 100 BUTTERFLY: American Torri Huske, 19, flirted with the world record while breaking her own American record to win her first world title in 55.64. She was the only swimmer to crack 56 seconds and first U.S. woman to win gold in the event since five-time Olympic gold medalist Dana Vollmer in 2011. Marie Wattel of France was second in 56.14 and China’s Yufei Zhang was third in 56.41. American Claire Curzan was fifth in 56.74.

WOMEN’S 200 IM: American Alex Walsh went out faster than she thought she would to lead from start to finish to win gold in 2:07.13, fifth fastest swim in history. Sixteen year old Leah Hayes was third in a Junior world record in 2:08.91. Aussie Kaylee McKeown took second in 2:08.57.

Team USA won six more medals for a two-day total of 12.

Monday prelim events are men’s 50 breaststroke, women’s 200 freestyle, men’s 200 butterfly and men’s 800 freestyle.

The swimming runs through June 25 with the pool events. The aquatics championships that also features diving, water polo, high diving, open water swimming and synchronized swimming end July 3.

There were huge cheers for any Hungarian swimmers from spectators at Duna Arena. FINA, the sport’s governing body, appealed for fans to clap rather than cheer as a precaution against coronavirus infections. There were no other requests or restrictions.

Finals Schedule
Sunday, June 19: 100 men’s breaststroke, 100 women’s butterfly, 50 men’s fly, 200 women’s IM.

Monday, June 20: 200 men’s free, 1500 women’s free, 100 women’s and men’s backstroke, 100 women’s breast.

Tuesday, June 21: 800 men’s free, 200 women’s free, 200 men’s fly, 50 men’s breast, 4×100 mixed medley relay.

Wednesday, June 22: 200 women’s fly, 100 men’s free, 50 women’s back, 200 men’s IM, 4×200 women’s free relay.

Thursday, June 23: 100 women’s free, 200 women’s breast, 200 men’s back, 200 men’s breast, 4×200 men’s free relay.

Friday, June 24: 50 women’s fly, 50 men’s free, 100 men’s fly, 200 women’s back, 800 women’s free, 4×100 mixed free relay.

Saturday, June 25: 50 men’s back, 50 women’s breast, 1500 men’s free, 50 women’s free, 400 women’s IM, 4×100 men’s and women’s medley relay.

Sunday, June 26: Open water, 6K team relay.

Monday, June 27: Open water, men’s and women’s 5K.

Wednesday, June 29: Open water, men’s and women’s 10K.

Thursday, June 30: Open water, men’s and women’s 25K.

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

Katie Ledecky Wins; Dylan Carter Makes Final; Patrick Groters Swims First Of Three Prelim Events Sunday At FINA World Aquatics Championships

By Sharon Robb
BUDAPEST, Hungary, June 18, 2022–Did you really expect opening day of the 19th FINA World Aquatics Championships not to be exciting Saturday at Duna Arena?

Olympian Katie Ledecky, 25, didn’t regain her world record but she did win another world title in the 400-meter freestyle, winning her 16th world championship gold medal in a championship record 3:58.15. It was her fourth world title in the 400 after settling for silver in 2019.

Ledecky, grad assistant coach at University of Florida where she trains with head coach Anthony Nesty, was pushed for most of the race by Canadian 15-year-old Summer McIntosh, second in a Canadian record 3:59.29. At 14, McIntosh was the youngest member of Team Canada at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. American Leah Smith was third in 4:02.08. Reigning world record (3:56.40) holder, world and Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus of Australia is not competing at worlds, choosing instead to focus on next month’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The top Florida Gold Coast swimmer performance was turned in by Dylan Carter, 26, of Trinidad & Tobago in the 50-meter butterfly.

The Plantation American Heritage alum was fastest qualifier in prelims in a best time and national record 22.87. It was the first time Carter broke 23 seconds. He came back in a fast semifinal to qualify sixth despite a poor start in 22.98 for Sunday’s final. Brit Benjamin Proud was fastest qualifier in 22.76 followed by American Caeleb Dressel in 22.79.

In his opening prelim event, South Florida Aquatic Club Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego, 23, was 32nd in the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:02.07. The top qualifying time was 58.69 by Arno Kamminga of the Netherlands. It was the first of two events Horrego is entered in. He swims the 50-meter breaststroke on Monday.

Carter and Horrego are among 21 Florida Gold Coast swimmers competing on one of swimming’s biggest international stages.

Other swimmers who competed on opening day with Florida Gold Coast ties are:

Izaak Bastian, 21, Bahamas, 100 breaststroke. (St. Andrew’s School and Florida State), 42nd, 1:03.95.

Jayhan Odlum-Smith, 23, St. Lucia, 50 butterfly. (Azura), 49th, 24.81.

Julimar Avila, 25, Honduras, 100 butterfly. (Azura), 22nd, 1:02.20.

Kito Campbell, 19, Jamaica, 100 breaststroke. (Azura), 52nd, 1:05.27.

Matheo Mateos, 21, Paraguay, 400 IM. (Azura), 27th, 4:30.20.

Nicole Frank, 18, Uruguay, 200 IM. (Azura), 28th, 2:17.78.

FGC swimmers competing on Sunday are:

Dylan Carter, 26, Trinidad & Tobago, 50-meter butterfly final, Plantation American Heritage.

Patrick Groters, 23, Aruba, 100-meter backstroke, NSU University School, Pine Crest Swim Club, University of South Carolina.

Nicole Frank, 18, Uruguay, 100-meter breaststroke, Azura.

Yeziel Morales, 26, Puerto Rico, 100-meter backstroke, Azura.

In Saturday night’s four final events:
MEN’S 400 FREESTYLE: With a burst of speed (26.50 split) in the final 50-meters, Australia’s Elijah Winnington, 22, won in 3:41.22, his first individual gold medal at worlds. He overtook leader Lukas Martens of Germany, second in 3:42.85. Brazilian national record holder Guilherme Costa was third in 3:43.31. American Kiernan Smith, one of 16 former and present University of Florida Gators competing for various countries in swimming and diving, was seventh in 3:46.43 and U.S. teammate Trey Freeman eighth in 3:46.53.

“I tried to have fun in the pool and enjoy this whole experience,” Winnington said. “In the last call room I heard the noise, the MC’s (master of ceremonies) voice and it was a total boost for me. I haven’t had this feeling for a long time.”

MEN’S 400 IM: French national record holder Leon Marchand, 20, a freshman at Arizona State, won in stunning fashion in 4:04.28, a Championship, European and French record. He was the fastest qualifier in 4:09.09. American Carson Foster was second in 4:06.56 and U.S. teammate Chase Kalisz was third in 4:07.47.

Marchand was third on the opening butterfly leg and second after the backstroke leg. He pulled away on the breaststroke leg and was on world record pace, flirting with Michael Phelps’ 2008 world record (4:03.84) with a 1:07 split. Marchand didn’t break the world record but it was the second fastest time in event history. Marchand is coached by Bob Bowman, Phelps’ former coach.

MEN’S 4×100 FREE RELAY: Heavy favorite Team USA won in 3:09.34, just a second off the world record with relay swimmers Caeleb Dressel (47.67), Ryan Held (46.99), Justin Ress (47.48) and Brooks Curry (47.20). It was their third straight title. Held’s split of 46.99 briefly put them on world record pace. The Aussies, eighth at the halfway mark, were second in 3:10.80 and Italians third in 3:10.95.

WOMEN’S 4X100 FREE RELAY: Another heavy favorite, Australia, even without their big names, came through winning the event in 3:30.95. The winning relay members were Mollie O’Callaghan, Madison Wilson, Meg Harris and Shayna Jack. Canada was second in 3:32.15. The U.S. took the bronze in 3:32.58 with Torri Huske, Erika Brown, Kate Douglass and Claire Curzan.

Team USA won six medals including two gold on opening night.

Sunday prelim events are women’s 1500 freestyle, women’s and men’s backstroke, women’s breaststroke, men’s 200 freestyle.

The swimming runs through June 25 with the pool events. The aquatics championships that also features diving, water polo, high diving, open water swimming and synchronized swimming end July 3.

Finals Schedule
Sunday, June 19: 100 men’s breaststroke, 100 women’s butterfly, 50 men’s fly, 200 women’s IM.

Monday, June 20: 200 men’s free, 1500 women’s free, 100 women’s and men’s backstroke, 100 women’s breast.

Tuesday, June 21: 800 men’s free, 200 women’s free, 200 men’s fly, 50 men’s breast, 4×100 mixed medley relay.

Wednesday, June 22: 200 women’s fly, 100 men’s free, 50 women’s back, 200 men’s IM, 4×200 women’s free relay.

Thursday, June 23: 100 women’s free, 200 women’s breast, 200 men’s back, 200 men’s breast, 4×200 men’s free relay.

Friday, June 24: 50 women’s fly, 50 men’s free, 100 men’s fly, 200 women’s back, 800 women’s free, 4×100 mixed free relay.

Saturday, June 25: 50 men’s back, 50 women’s breast, 1500 men’s free, 50 women’s free, 400 women’s IM, 4×100 men’s and women’s medley relay.

Sunday, June 26: Open water, 6K team relay.

Monday, June 27: Open water, men’s and women’s 5K.

Wednesday, June 29: Open water, men’s and women’s 10K.

Thursday, June 30: Open water, men’s and women’s 25K.

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

SOFLO’s Julio Horrego Competes Saturday At FINA World Aquatics Championships

By Sharon Robb
BUDAPEST, Hungary, June 17, 2022–Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego of South Florida Aquatic Club competes in his first event Saturday at the 19th FINA World Aquatics Championships at Duna Arena.

Horrego, 23, will swim the prelims of the 100-meter breaststroke. It is the first of two events he will compete in. He will also swim the 50-meter breaststroke on Monday.

Horrego competed in the 2019 World Championships in South Korea, 2019 Pan American Games in Peru and 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan and was flagbearer for his country in the opening parade of nations ceremony.

Horrego is one of 21 Florida Gold Coast swimmers competing on one of swimming’s biggest international stages. At 15, TS Aquatics’ Jillian Crooks of the Cayman Islands is the youngest local swimmer to compete at worlds. She will swim the 50 and 100 freestyles.

Other swimmers competing on opening day with Florida Gold Coast ties are:

Izaak Bastian, 21, Bahamas, 100 breaststroke. (St. Andrew’s School and Florida State)

Dylan Carter, 26, Trinidad & Tobago, 50 butterfly. (Plantation American Heritage)

Jayhan Odlum-Smith, 23, St. Lucia, 50 butterfly. (Azura)

Julimar Avila, 25, Honduras, 100 butterfly. (Azura)

Kito Campbell, 19, Jamaica, 100 breaststroke. (Azura)

Matheo Mateos, 21, Paraguay, 400 IM. (Azura)

Nicole Frank, 18, Uruguay, 200 IM. (Azura)

After twice being postponed, Budapest stepped in to host the 19th edition. Now, 130 days later, at the opening press conference on Friday, FINA President Husain Al-Musallam said these championships will show the world “that sport is back and sport brings hope.”

After the original 19th FINA World Championships were twice postponed (first, to avoid overlapping with the one-year postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, and again, in January 2022 when highly contagious Covid-19 variants extended the global health crisis), 2022 was shaping up to be a year without a major aquatic championship. Until Budapest stepped in.

The U.S. team, heavy favorites to dominate, will have several stories to follow.

No male swimmer has won three consecutive world championships in the same three events. Michael Phelps, a 23-time Olympic gold medalist, won the 100- and 200-meter butterfly in three consecutive world championships from 2007 to 2011, but never the three same individual events in three consecutive worlds.

Caeleb Dressel has that chance in his third worlds appearance. He is the two-time defending champion in the men’s 50 free, 100 free and 100 fly. He is also the defending world champ in the 50 fly. The Clay High School and Bolles Club alum is coming off the Olympics where he won five gold medals, including the 50 free, 100 free and 100 butterfly.

Claire Weinstein, a 15-year-old from White Plains, New York, is the youngest among a contingent of American teenagers on the women’s roster. She will compete in the 200-meter freestyle. Joining her are a pair of 16-year-olds, Katie Grimes of Las Vegas, and Leah Hayes of Sugar Grove, Illinois. Also in the teen group are 17-year-olds Bella Sims of Henderson, Nevada, and Claire Curzan of Cary, North Carolina.

Two-time Olympians Ryan Murphy and Dressel were among the five team captains selected for the 41-member U.S. team. They were also team captains at the Tokyo Games. Natalie Hinds, a 2020 Olympian, and Lilly King, a two-time Olympian, will make their debuts as captains for the women’s team. Also named as captain was 2016 Olympian Leah Smith, who served in the same role for the 2019 world championships.

The swimming runs through June 25 with the pool events. The aquatics championships that also features diving, water polo, high diving, open water swimming and synchronized swimming end July 3.

The preliminary rounds of synchronized swimming got under way on Friday.

The Olympic Channel and Peacock, on the NBC platform, will televise the finals at noon each day. A highlights show will be on NBC at noon on June 26. The FINA facebook page will show the other competitions. Canada’s CBC will also broadcast the swimming.

Saturday’s opening day prelim events are: women’s 200 IM, men’s 400 freestyle, women’s 100 butterfly, men’s 50 butterfly, women’s 400 freestile, men’s 100 breaststroke, men’s 400 IM and women’s and men’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay. Finals will be held in the men’s and women’s 400 freestyle, men’s 400 IM and relays. The opening ceremony will also be held.

Finals Schedule
Saturday, June 18: Opening Ceremony, 400-meter men’s and women’s freestyle, 400 men’s IM, 4×100 men’s and women’s free relays.

Sunday, June 19: 100 men’s breaststroke, 100 women’s butterfly, 50 men’s fly, 200 women’s IM.

Monday, June 20: 200 men’s free, 1500 women’s free, 100 women’s and men’s backstroke, 100 women’s breast.

Tuesday, June 21: 800 men’s free, 200 women’s free, 200 men’s fly, 50 men’s breast, 4×100 mixed medley relay.

Wednesday, June 22: 200 women’s fly, 100 men’s free, 50 women’s back, 200 men’s IM, 4×200 women’s free relay.

Thursday, June 23: 100 women’s free, 200 women’s breast, 200 men’s back, 200 men’s breast, 4×200 men’s free relay.

Friday, June 24: 50 women’s fly, 50 men’s free, 100 men’s fly, 200 women’s back, 800 women’s free, 4×100 mixed free relay.

Saturday, June 25: 50 men’s back, 50 women’s breast, 1500 men’s free, 50 women’s free, 400 women’s IM, 4×100 men’s and women’s medley relay.

Sunday, June 26: Open water, 6K team relay.

Monday, June 27: Open water, men’s and women’s 5K.

Wednesday, June 29: Open water, men’s and women’s 10K.

Thursday, June 30: Open water, men’s and women’s 25K.

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

Teenager Katie Grimes Steals The Show At TYR Pro Swim Series

By Sharon Robb
MISSION VIEJO, Calif., June 4, 2022–Teenager Katie Grimes is making her name known at the fourth and final TYR Pro Swim Series at newly-renovated Marguerite Aquatics Center.

Grimes, who first stepped into the spotlight during the 2020 Summer Olympics where she finished fourth in the 800-meter freestyle as the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic team at 15, continues to make a name for herself at age 16.

On Saturday, Grimes of Sandpipers of Nevada won her fourth event in the 800-meter freestyle in 8:27.72, her final event of the meet. She also had wins in the 400 freestyle, 200 backstroke and 400 IM.

In other finals:
Egyptian Olympian Marwan Aly El Kamash, who won the 1500, came back to win the 800-meter freestyle in 8:00.74. He led for most of the race.

Isabelle Stadden of Cal won the 100-meter backstroke in 1:00.21. Her splits were 29.38 and 30.03.

Justin Ress of Mission Viejo led from start to finish to win the 100-meter backstroke in 53.80.

Isabelle Odgers of USC won the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:28.68.

Texas Longhorn Will Licon won the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:12.28, winning by more than six seconds ahead of Ethan Hansen.

Turkish national record holder Viktoria Gunes, swimming unattached won the 200 IM in 2:13.80.

Grant House of Sun Devil Swimming won the 200 IM in 1:59.84, the only swimmer under 2 minutes.

Poland’s Kasia Wasick of Team Rebel Aquatics won the 50-meter freestyle in 24.70.

David Curtiss of Wolfpack Elite won the 50-meter freestyle in 21.80.

Julio Horrego, 23, a 2020 Honduran Olympian will use this meet as a learning experience. He was disqualified for the second time in the meet in the prelims of the 200-meter breaststroke where he was seeded fourth in 2:17.35. He was disqualified for fly kick under the water. Next up for Horrego will be the world championships in Hungary.

Also on Saturday, SOFLO teammate Ricardo Roche, 22, swam another 100-meter backstroke time trial finishing in 1:00.98. His first time trial was 1:00.84.

On Sunday the meet will be televised on CNBC taped-delay at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. respectively.

SOFLO is sponsored by TYR, a USA manufacturer of recreational and competitive swimwear, caps, goggles, triathlon gear and accessories. One of the nation’s top companies, TYR was created by athletes and named for the Norse god of warriors in Germanic mythology.

57th Mel Zajac Junior International Swim Meet at the UBC Aquatic Centre in Vancouver, Canada:

Eagle Aquatics’ Erika Pelaez, 15, a member of the USA Swimming Junior National team, picked up two more wins. In the 50-meter backstroke, Pelaez was the fastest qualifier in 28.34 and won in 28.37. In the 50-meter freestyle, she was fastest qualifier in 25.85 and won in 25.78. She was also a member of the third place 800-meter freestyle relay that finished in 8:17.81.

Treasure Coast Aquatics’ Blair Stoneburg, 18, was fastest qualifier in the 400-meter freestyle in 4:18.44 and finished third in 4:16.74. She was also tenth in the 50-meter freestyle in 26.80. She was also on the third-place 800 free relay.

Treasure Coast teammate Mitchell Ledford, 17, was second fastest qualifier in the 100-meter butterfly in 54.92and came back to win in 54.31. He was also on the second place 800 freestyle relay.

Sarasota Sharks’ Addison Sauickie, 16, was 19th in the 100-meter butterfly and sixth in the 400-meter freestyle 4:18.90 after going 4:22.20 in prelims. She was also on the third-place 800 free relay with Pelaez and Stoneburg.

SATURDAY RESULTS
WOMEN
800-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Grimes, SAND 8:27.72, 2. Erica Sullivan, TEX 8:47.54, 3. Olivia McMurray, TEX 8:54.20.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Isabelle Stadden, CAL 1:00.21,2. Bella Sims, SAND 1:01.33, 3. Teagan O’Dell, NOVA 1:01.46.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Isabelle Odgers, TRO 2:28.68, 2. Katja Pavicevic, TAC 2:29.81, 3. Kaitlyn Dobler, TRO 2:31.10.

200-meter individual medley: 1. Viktoria Gunes, UN 2:13.80, 2. Justina Kozan, UN 2:14.72, 3. Lindsay Looney, SUN 2:16.15.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Katarzyna Wasick, TRA 24.70, 2. Kyla Leibel, TEX 25.47,3. Anicka Delgado, EVO 25.95.

MEN
800-meter freestyle: 1. Marwan Aly El Kamash, ISC 8:00.74, 2. Brice Barrieault, SAND 8:05.59, 3. Ilya Kharun, SAND 8:08.49.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Justin Ross, MV 53.80, 2. Colby Mefford, UN 55.99, 3. Mikita Tsmyh, UN 57.01.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Will Licon, TEX 2:12.28, 2. Ethan Hansen, SUN 2:18.53, 3. Brandon Fischer, UN 2:19.25.

200-meter individual medley: 1. Grant House, SUN 1:59.84, 2. Ilya kharun, SAND 2:04.43, 3. Tyler Kopp, UN 2:05.09.

50-meter freestyle: 1. David Curtiss, WOLF 21.80, 2. Ryan Held, NYAC 22.08, 3. Artyom Machekin, SDSA 22.43.

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

Grimes, Julian Double Winners; SOFLO’s Roche Makes B Final At TYR Pro Swim Series

By Sharon Robb
MISSION VIEJO, Calif., June 3, 2022–Katie Grimes of Sandpipers Nevada continued to dominate and show her versatility the fourth and final TYR Pro Swim Series Friday night at newly-renovated Marguerite Aquatic Center.

The 16-year-old won the 400-meter individual medley in 4:36.77 just 20 minutes after swimming a best time of 2:09.52 to win the 200-meter backstroke. It was her third first place finish of the meet after winning the 400 freestyle.

“I’m still sticking with distance freestyle for now [as my favorites], but I think it’s important to do [the 400 IM] while I’m young because it’s easier to do it when you have the energy,” Grimes said during her post-race interview.

Grimes is coming off last week’s FINA Marathon Swim World Series where she finished eighth in the women’s 10K and qualified for Team USA’s world championship open water team.

In other finals:
Sandpipers Nevada teammates Claire Weinstein (1:58.31) and Bella Sims (1:58.97) finished 1-2 in the 200-meter freestyle. They finished ahead of the field by more than a second.

Trenton Julian, swimming unattached, won the first of two final events, in the 200-meter freestyle in 1:48.01. He came from behind in the final 100 with a 55.64 split to win by a body length. Julian also won the 100-meter butterfly in 51.78.

Jack Dolan of Arizona State led from start to finish to win the 200-meter backstroke in 2:01.90.

David Johnston won the 400-meter individual medley in 4:19.54. He took the lead on the breaststroke leg and led the rest of the way.

Justina Kozan, swimming unattached, came from behind the second half of the race to win the 100-meter butterfly in 1:00.01.

SOFLO’s Ricardo Roche, 22, finished 14th in morning prelims of the 200-meter backstroke in 2:15.05 to make the “B” final. He finished fifth in the final in 2:14.55, dropping 0.50 from his prelim time and 13th overall. Roche also did a time trial Thursday in the 100 backstroke in 1:00.84.

Also on Friday, SOFLO teammate Julio Horrego swam 1:03.39 in the 100-meter breaststroke time trial. The time would have placed him third in Thursday’s final had he not been disqualified in prelims.

Horrego, 23, a 2020 Honduran Olympian, will swim Saturday in the 200-meter breaststroke where he is seeded fourth in the 200 in 2:17.35. It is his final tuneup meet before the 19th FINA World Championships, June 18-July 3 in Budapest, Hungary.

On Saturday and Sunday the meet is being televised on CNBC taped-delay at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. respectively.

In addition to Olympic Channel and CNBC’s coverage from Mission Viejo, daily prelims (Saturday at noon ET) as well as Saturday’s live finals can be streamed on http://www.usaswimming.org/watch.

57th Mel Zajac Junior International Swim Meet

Eagle Aquatics’ Erika Pelaez, 15, a member of the USA Swimming junior national team, won the 50-meter butterfly in a best time 26.98, dropping 0.74; was second in the 200-meter backstroke in a best time 2:13.54, dropping 1.02 and swam lead-off leg on the runner-up 400-meter freestyle relay (3:46.63) Friday at the UBC Aquatic Centre in Vancouver, Canada.

Treasure Coast Aquatics Blair Stoneburg, 18, was third in the 1500-meter freestyle in 16:52.31; sixth in the 200-meter freestyle in a best time 2:02.48, dropping 0.14 and was a member of the fifth place relay.

Treasure Coast teammate Mitchell Ledford, 17, was third in the 50-meter butterfly in 24.78; 14th in the 200-meter freestyle in 1:55.51; and swam anchor leg on the winning 400-meter free relay (3:24.90)

Sarasota Sharks’ Addison Sauickie, 16, was fifth in the 200-meter freestyle in 2:01.93 and was a member of the runner-up 400-meter free relay.

FRIDAY RESULTS
WOMEN
200-meter freestyle: 1. Claire Weinstein, SAND 1:58.31, 2. Bella Sims, SAND 1:58.97, 3. Lindsay Looney, SUN 2:00.03.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Katie Grimes, SAND 2:09.52, 2. Isabelle Stadden, CAL 2:09.59, 3. JoJo Ramey, FAST 2:14.51.

400-meter individual medley: 1. Katie Grimes, SAND 4:36.77, 2. Bella Sims, SAND 4:43.46, 3. Lindsay Looney, SUN 4:44.12.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Justina Kozan, UN 1:00.01, 2. Krystal Lara, BAD 1:00.24, 3. Isabelle Odgers, TROJ 1:00.74.

MEN
200-meter freestyle: 1. Trenton Julian, UN 1:48.01, 2. Patrick Sammon, SUN 1:48.43, 3.Grant House, SUN 1:48.44.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Jack Dolan, SUN 2:01.90, 2. David Echeverri, UN 2:04.68, 3. Harry Homans, UN 2:05.03.

400-meter individual medley: 1. David Johnston, TST 4:19.54, 2. Ilya Kharun, SAND 4:24.31, 3. Tyler Kopp, UN 4:27.03.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Trenton Julian, UN 51.78, 2. Ryan Held, NYAC 52.44, 3. Gabriel Jett, UN 52.50.

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

Teenager Katie Grimes Wins; SOFLO’s Ricardo Roche Swims Friday At TYR Pro Swim Series

By Sharon Robb
MISSION VIEJO, Calif., June 2, 2022–Teenager Katie Grimes of Sandpipers of Nevada won the 400-meter freestyle Thursday night at the fourth and final TYR Pro Swim Series at newly-renovated Marguerite Aquatic Center.

Grimes, 16, pushed by teammates Bella Sims and Claire Weinstein, won in a best time 4:05.77. Sims was second in 4:07.54 and Weinstein third in 4:13.53.

Egyptian Olympian Marwan El Kamash won the men’s 400 freestyle in 3:51.12.

In other finals:
Polish national record holder Katarzyna Wasick, 30, won the 100-meter freestyle in 54.57. She went out fast in 26.27 and led the entire race. Olympic silver medalist Bella Sims was second in a best time 55.18.

Ryan Held of New York Athletic Club won the 100-meter freestyle in 48.64 just ahead of Mission Viejo’s Justin Ress in 48.90.

Kailtyn Dobler, 20, of Trojan Swim Club led from start to finish to win the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:07.60.

Will Licon of Texas Longhorns overtook early leader Brandon Fischer in the last 10 meters to win the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:01.46.

Arizona State’s Lindsay Looney won the 200-meter butterfly in 2:08.86. ASU teammate Leon Marchand won the men’s 200-meter butterfly in 1:56.54. Both led the races from start to finish.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s Julio Horrego got off to a rough start in prelims where he was disqualified in his first event, the 100-meter breaststroke for fly kick under water at both walls. He was seeded third in the 100 in 1:01.18 and one of the pre-meet favorites. He will time trial the event on Friday.

Horrego, 23, a 2020 Honduran Olympian, will also swim Saturday in the 200-meter breaststroke where he is seeded fourth in the 200 in 2:17.35. It is his final tuneup meet before the 19th FINA World Championships, June 18-July 3 in Budapest, Hungary.

Horrego is joined by teammate Ricardo Roche, 22, who will compete in the 200-meter backstroke on Friday. Roche did a time trial Thursday in the 100 backstroke in 1:00.84.

The meet is being televised on the Olympic Channel Friday at 8 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday it will be televised on CNBC taped-delay at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. respectively.

In addition to Olympic Channel and CNBC’s coverage from Mission Viejo, daily prelims (Friday-Saturday at noon ET) as well as Saturday’s live finals can be streamed on http://www.usaswimming.org/watch.

THURSDAY RESULTS
WOMEN
100-meter freestyle: 1. Katarzyna Wasick, TRA 54.57, 2. Bella Sims, SAND 55.18, 3. Lindsay Looney, SUN 55.55.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Kaitlyn Dobler, TROJ 1:07.60, 2. Viktoria Gunes, UN 1:09.38, 3. Isabelle Odgers, TROJ 1:09.56.

200-meter butterfly: 1. Lindsay Looney, SUN 2:08.86, 2. Justina Kozan, UN 2:11.38, 3. Lainey Mullins, SSC 2:12.08.

400-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Grimes, SAND 4:05.77, 2. Bella Sims, SAND 4:07.54, 3. Claire Weinstein, SAND 4:13.43.

MEN
100-meter freestyle: 1. Ryan Held, NYAC 48.64, 2. Justin Ress, MV 48.90, 3. Carter Swift, SUN 49.51.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Will Licon, TEX 1:01.46, 2. Brandon Fischer, UN 1:01.79, 3. Ethan Hansen, SUN 1:03.59.

200-meter butterfly: 1. Leon Marchand, SUN 1:56.54, 2. Ilya Kharun, SAND 1:58.70, 3. Colby Mefford, UN 1:59.98.

400-meter freestyle: 1. Marwan El Kamash, ISC 3:51.12, 2. Gabriel Jett, UN 3:53.05, 3. Rex Maurer, UN 3:54.07.

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

Sullivan, Johnston Win On Opening Day; SOFLO’s Horrego Races Thursday At TYR Pro Swim Series

By Sharon Robb
MISSION VIEJO, Calif., June 1, 2022–Erica Sullivan and David Johnston won their opening events at the fourth and final TYR Pro Swim Series Wednesday at newly-renovated Marguerite Aquatic Center.

Sullivan, 21, of University of Texas and 2020 Olympic silver medalist, won the women’s 1500-meter freestyle in 16:34.91. It was the top seed’s first meet since suffering a shoulder injury in April. Teenager Mattea Sokolow, 17, of Team Santa Monica was runner-up in a best time 16:59.96. She dropped four seconds.

David Johnston, 20, also of the University of Texas, won the men’s 1500-meter freestyle in 15:18.32. Egyptian Olympian Marwan Aly El Kamash, 28, of Indiana Swim Club was second in 15:32.02.

There were only four heats in the men’s and women’s events.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s Julio Horrego will compete in his first event of the four-day meet on Thursday in the 100-meter breaststroke. He is seeded third in the 100 in 1:01.18.

Horrego, 23, a 2020 Honduran Olympian, will also swim the 200-meter breaststroke where he is seeded fourth in the 200 in 2:17.35. It is his final tuneup meet before the 19th FINA World Championships, June 18-July 3 in Budapest, Hungary.

Horrego is joined by teammate Ricardo Roche, 22, who competes in the 200-meter backstroke on Friday.

The meet is being televised on the Olympic Channel Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday it will be televised on CNBC tape-delay at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. respectively.

In addition to Olympic Channel and CNBC’s coverage from Mission Viejo, daily prelims (Thursday-Saturday at noon ET) as well as Saturday’s live finals can be streamed on http://www.usaswimming.org/watch.

WEDNESDAY RESULTS
WOMEN
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Erica Sullivan, TEX 16:34.91, 2. Mattea Sokolow, TSM 16:59.96, 3. Olivia McMurray, TEX 17:03.35.

MEN
1500-meter freestyle: 1. David Johnston, TST 15:18.32, 2. Marwan Aly El Kamash, ISC 15:32.02, 3. Isaac Fleig, TST 15:42.80.

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