Julio Horrego – South Florida Aquatic Club's Blog

Three More World Records Broken; SOFLO’s Julio Horrego Swims Final Event; Azura Swimmers Break National Records At FINA Short Course World Championships

By Sharon Robb
MELBOURNE, Australia, December 16, 2022—Three world records fell and Aussie Lani Pallister and Americans Ryan Murphy and Kate Douglass won gold medals Friday at the 16th FINA Short Course World Championships at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre.

France won its first gold medal at worlds when it dominated its mixed freestyle relay broke the world record in 1:27.33, breaking the previous mark of 1:27.89 set by the U.S. in 2018.

The foursome of Maxime Grousset (20.92), Florent Manaudou (20.26), Beryl Gastaldello (23.00), and Melanie Henique (23.15) won by 7/10ths of a second over the Aussies.

“I haven’t been at the top of the podium since 2015,” said Manaudou. “I had 19 major medals and now I have 20. I like the number 20 more. I appreciate all those earlier medals even more today than I did before.

“At the end of the race, I understood that we were going to win, but I was not yet thinking about the world record. When I saw that we were breaking the world record, I exploded with joy.”

Douglass won the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:15.77 ahead of U.S. teammate Lilly King in 2:17.13.

Japan’s Daiya Seto won the men’s 200-meter breaststroke in an Asian record 2:00.35. Defending champion Nic Fink took silver in 2:01.60.

Canadian Maggie MacNeil broke her own world record in the 50-meter backstroke with strong underwater kicks in 25.25, lowering her previous record of 25.27.

“I’m ecstatic, I knew it would be hard to swim a best time,” MacNeil said. “I just really wanted to see the improvement, even just a couple of hundredths. Swimming Canada has definitely risen over the past few years and to see this tonight is amazing. It’s great to bring this medal back to Canada.”

Bolles alum Ryan Murphy won the 50-meter backstroke in 22.64 in a bizarre situation. Initially, it was Australia’s Isaac Cooper who touched the wall first, but due to the sound error, the race had to be re-swum an hour later in the session. Cooper finished second to Murphy in 22.73.

“It was definitely an interesting last hour,” Murphy said. “On the first start, we all heard the double beep and you know you just have to go if you are swimming in a world championship final…you just have to finish that race. But after the turn, I hit the wall and I felt that the wedge was still in. I thought “Oh shoot, we have to do that one again.”

Marrit Steenbergen of the Netherlands won the 100-meter individual medley in 57.53 to carry on the rich tradition of the Dutch in the event. Italy’s Thomas Ceccon won the 100 IM in 50.97.

Aussie Lani Pallister won her third gold medal in the 1500 freestyle in 15:21.43. Legendary Dawn Fraser, a three-time Olympic champion in the 100 freestyle, presented Pallister with her gold medal.

The U.S. men’s 4×200-meter freestyle finished the day’s schedule with a world record in 6:44.12. The foursome of Kieran Smith (1:41.04), Carson Foster (1:40.48), Trenton Julian (1:41.44) and Drew Kibler (1:41.16) took nearly three seconds off the world record that Brazil set in 2018 at 6:46.81.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s 2020 Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego swims his second and final event Saturday in the 50-meter breaststroke. He competed in the 100 breaststroke earlier in the week.

Two-time Olympian Dylan Carter of Trinidad and Tobago made it through the semifinal round of the 50-meter freestyle and missed out on a medal in the 50-meter backstroke. The Plantation American Heritage alum finished seventh in the sprint backstroke in 23.12. He was fifth fastest qualifier in the 50-meter freestyle in 20.94 for Saturday’s final. Jordan Crooks of the Cayman Islands was top qualifier in 20.31.

Azura Florida Aquatics had three swimmers set national records. Steven Aimable of Senegal swam 22.42 in the 50 freestyle. Leon Seaton of Guyana swam 26.65 in the 50 freestyle. Nicole Frank of Uruguay swam 2:26.44 in the 200 breaststroke.

The meet, which ends Sunday, is being live streamed on FINA’s YouTube channel. Meet prelims are 7 p.m. EST. Finals each day are 3:30 a.m. EST. Melbourne is 16 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

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

Brazilian Nicholas Santos Wins Final Career Race At Age 42; Aussie Lani Pallister Wins Third Gold, Anchors Relay World Record At FINA Short Course World Championships

By Sharon Robb
MELBOURNE, Australia, December 14, 2022—Nicholas Santos became the oldest world champion at age 42 at the 16th FINA Short Course World Championships Wednesday at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre.

The Brazilian came close to his own world record and defended his title against a stacked field in the 50-meter butterfly in 21.78 in his final race of his career. It was his fourth world title in the 50 butterfly.

“It’s my last race of my career,” Santos said. “It wasn’t easy to swim in this weather. I am getting old and leaving this to the young guys. I was trying to break the world record, my own record. I was close, but it’s not easy. I have tried a few times.

“I leave swimming at 42 years of age and I am really happy and proud. I am a four-time world champion in this event, and I leave the sport as the world record holder, Pan- American champion and Olympian. I have traveled to more than 40 countries but tonight was the last event of my career and I want to say a big thank you to World Aquatics.”

Santos out-touched Swiss Olympic medalist Noe Ponti and Szebasztian Szabo of Hungary. Ponti secured silver in 21.96 while Szabo finished in 21.98. Santos’ 21.78 effort was .03 short outside of his own world record. He shares the record with Szabo who swam 21.75 in 2021. Plantation American Heritage alum and Trinidad & Tobago two-time Olympian Dylan Carter, second fastest after the semis, finished sixth in the sprint butterfly in 22.14. Carter is the World Cup triple crown winner and was one of the pre-race favorites.

SOFLO’s 2020 Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego, 24, competed in his first event on Wednesday, the 100-meter breaststroke. He finished in 59.22 in prelims failing to advance into the semifinals. Italian Nicolo Martinenghi was top qualifier in 56.60. Brit Adam Peaty was fourth fastest in 56.81 ahead of American Nic Fink in 57.02. Horrego will swim the 50 breaststroke on Saturday.

Aussie Lani Pallister won her third gold medal and anchored the women’s relay second world record.

For the second time in two nights, Pallister won an individual gold medal, this time in the 800-meter freestyle after winning the 400 freestyle on Tuesday. Pallister had a comfortable lead touching at 8:04.07 in a six second win over New Zealand’s Erika Fairweather, who won her second silver at 8:10.41.

The Aussie women broke their second relay world record in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay in 7:30.87, past the previous record of 7:32.85. Pallister was joined by Madison Wilson, Mollie O’Callaghan and Leah Neale.

In the 100 backstroke, five swimmers were separated by 0.08 seconds at the 75-meter turn. Aussies Kaylee McKeown and Mollie O’Callaghan finished one-two in 55.49 and 55.62.

The U.S. mixed medley relay of Bolles alum Ryan Murphy, Nic Fink, Kate Douglass and Torri Huske broke the world record in 1:35.15, a full record off the previous mark.

“We discussed breaking the world record earlier today,” Fink said. “It was definitely mentioned but with all of the different combinations so no one was really sure who would be on the relay. Once the relay line-up was set, we knew what we had to do.”

Murphy also won the 100-meter backstroke in a meet record 48.50. He led from start to finish and flirted with the world record.

“It felt really good. It’s been an incredible hour for me,” Murphy said. “A world record in the relay. I think we went half a second faster than we thought we were going to go. It was great to hit that time, a nice time drop and a championship record as well.”

Canadian Maggie MacNeil and American Torri Huske tied for the gold meda in the 50-meter butterfly in 24.64. MacNeil came all the way from eighth at the 25-meter turn to first.

The meet, which ends Sunday, is being live streamed on FINA’s YouTube channel. Meet prelims are 7 p.m. EST. Finals each day are 3:30 a.m. EST. Melbourne is 16 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

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

Australia, Italy Break World Records; Dylan Carter Finishes Second In Butterfly Semifinals On Day One Of FINA Short Course World Championships

By Sharon Robb
MELBOURNE, Australia, December 13, 2022—In front of its hometown crowd, Australia dominated opening day action at the 16th FINA Short Course World Championships Tuesday at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre.

Two world records were broken by Australia’s women and Italy’s men relay teams.

Australia women’s 400-meter freestyle relay broke the first world record of the meet with Emma McKeon splitting the fastest 100 ever on anchor leg (in 49.96).

The U.S. was in the lead until the final 50 meters when the Aussies went on to win in 3:25.43. The foursome of Mollie O’Callaghan, Madison Wilson, Meg Harris and McKeon broke the previous record of 3:26.53 set in 2014 by the Netherlands. The U.S. (Torri Huske, Kate Douglas, Claire Curzan, Erika Brown) was second in 3:26.29.

“For me it was just about getting my hand on the wall and then looking to see that we had not only won but also set a world record,” McKeon said.

Added Madi Wilson, “To be able to do this in front of a home crowd was absolutely amazing. Thank you Australia.”

The Italian foursome of Alessandro Miressi, Paolo Conte Bonin, Leonardo Deplano and Thomas Ceccon with a 45.13 anchor split broke the second world record in the men’s 400-meter freestyle relay in 3:02.75, lowering the Americans’ record set in 2018. It was the first time the Italians won the event since 2006.

“We talked about the world record and then we went out and swam a world record,” Ceccon said.

Aussie Lani Pallister won the first gold medal of the meet in the 400-meter freestyle in 3:55.04. Her mother, Janelle Elford competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

“My parents are in the stands and winning this first medal in front of a home crowd in Australia is special,” Pallister said.

“It was an amazing day and I was very very nervous this morning. I just wanted to be sure that Australia had a fun night tonight. It was the coolest environment. At the 300 mark I realized that I had legs and I made sure to use them and take a stab at the gold medal.”

American Kate Douglass won the 200-meter individual medley in 2:02.12 ahead of long course world champion Alex Walsh in 2:03.37. Douglass and Walsh train together at University of Virginia.

“It’s definitely nerve wracking to be racing in the first swim of the meet so to be able to swim well is honestly an awesome feeling,” Douglass said.

South African Matthew Sates won the men’s 200-meter individual medley in a national record 1:50.15, second fastest on the all-time list behind Ryan Locjte (1:49.63). American favorite Shaine Casas was a disappointing fourth in 1:51.31.

“I genuinely don’t know what to say,” Sates said. “I’m so pleased with this swim and want to thank everyone for coming out to watch us race. I swam this race, especially for my Mom and I want to thank my friends and my family.”

Italian Gregorio Paltrinieri came from behind to won the 1500-meter freestyle in 14:16.88 ahead of Henrik Christinsen.

Plantation American Heritage alum Dylan Carter of Trinidad & Tobago, silver medalist in last year’s meet in Abu Dhabi, won his heat and was second fastest qualifier in the men’s 50-meter butterfly semifinals in 22.02. World record holder Szebasztian Szabo was top qualifier in 21.90, just 0.15 off the world record. The finals are early Wednesday morning at 3:30 a.m.

2020 Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego, 24, of SOFLO will compete in the 100-meter breaststroke prelims on Wednesday.

The meet, which ends Sunday, is being live streamed on FINA’s YouTube channel. Meet prelims are 7 p.m. EST. Finals each day are 3:30 a.m. EST. Melbourne is 16 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

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

SOFLO’s Julio Horrego, Azura Swimmers Among Field For FINA Short Course World Championships; FINA Changes Name To World Aquatics

By Sharon Robb
MELBOURNE, Australia, December 12, 2022—Julio Horrego is among a world-class field as the FINA Short Course World Championships began Tuesday at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre.

The meet prelims already got under way at 7 p.m. EST since it is already Tuesday in Australia. The finals each day are 3:30 a.m. EST. Melbourne is 16 hours ahead of South Florida.

Horrego, a 2020 Honduran Olympian, will compete in the 50- and 100-meter breaststroke events.

The men’s breaststroke field is loaded with talent. It is the first time that Brit Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Adam Peaty, sidelined and out of the pool for six weeks, is not the favorite for the breaststroke races.

After dominating the World Cup circuit by going 9-for-9 across the 50, 100 and 200 breaststroke, American Nic Fink is favored in all three events.

Fink is one of the U.S. team captains for the meet. The others are Bolles alum Ryan Murphy, Natalie Hinds and Leah Smith.

The roster features 16 Olympians including Murphy, Torri Huske, Michael Andrew, Hali Flickinger, Kate Douglass and Smith.

Last year’s U.S. roster led the medal count with nine gold, nine silver and 12 bronze for 30 total medals.

American backstroker Rhyan White was forced to drop out of the meet because of illness.

Making their senior level debuts in a FINA international competition are David Curtiss, David Johnston, Jake Foster, Erin Gemmell and Jillian Cox.

This year’s team will be coached by head coach Braden Holloway (N.C. State) and assistant coaches Bruce Gemmell (Nation’s Capital Swim Club), Whitney Hite (University of Florida ), Ashley Jahn (University of Tennessee ) and Eddie Reese (Longhorn Aquatics).

Azura Florida Aquatics will have three current swimmers and eleven Azura alumni at worlds. Yeziel Morales will represent Puerto Rico; Leon Seaton will swim for Guyana and Esteban Nunez Del Prado will compete for Bolivia.

Azura alumni swimmers entered are Noah Mascoll-Gomes, Antigua & Barbuda; Sirena Rowe, Colombia; Celina Marquez, El Salvador; Julimar Avila, Honduras; Rashed Altarmoom, Kuwait; Matheo Mateos, Paraguay; Maria Fe Munoz, Peru; Joaquin Vargas, Peru; Steven Aimable, Senegal; Pedro Chiancone, Uruguay and Nicole Frank, Uruguay.

UANA President Maureen Croes of Aruba is also attending worlds in her official capacity. She is the mother of former local swimmers Jordy and Patrick Groters. Former SOFLO swimmer Alia Atkinson is also at worlds serving as chair of FINA’s Athletes Committee.

Russian and Belarus athletes have been banned from the competition based on FINA’s independent risk assessment.

FINA maintains its strongest condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. FINA also wishes to reiterate its commitment to supporting the Ukraine Swimming, Diving and Artistic Swimming Federation as they prepare for upcoming competitions,” the organization said.

FINA has also re-branded itself to World Aquatics. FINA, the Fédération Internationale de Natation, has become World Aquatics following a vote at the Extraordinary General Congress on the eve of the World Swimming Championships.

Over its 114-year history, FINA and its 209 member federations have maintained responsibility for swimmers, artistic swimmers, divers, high divers, open water swimmers and water polo players.

The launch of the World Aquatics brand arrives after a series of major reforms that sees a modern organization ready to lead and serve athletes united by water, with a broader scope and increased engagement with participants and audiences. The new World Aquatics visual identity will be rolled-out at the first events of 2023.

“Everyone in our community is proud of what FINA achieved in developing our sports. As we look to the future, World Aquatics will see all aquatics athletes united for the first time under one brand. The identity of our organization now focuses on our shared vision: a world united by water, for health, life and sport,” said World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam.

The meet is being live streamed on FINA’s YouTube channel.

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

Katie Ledecky Wins Fourth Event On Final Day Of Toyota U.S. Open Swimming Championships

By Sharon Robb
GREENSBORO, N.C., December 3, 2022—Katie Ledecky of Gator Swim Club won her fourth and final event Saturday night at the Toyota U.S. Open Swimming Championships at Greensboro Aquatic Center.

The Olympian ended her 2022 long course season successfully with a win in the 1500-meter freestyle in 15:44.13 to add to her wins in the 200, 400 and 800 freestyles.

During the summer Ledecky, a grad assistant at University of Florida, won world titles in the 400, 800 and 1500 freestyles in Budapest.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s Julio Horrego finished his U.S. Open swims with a 22nd place in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:20.05. The 24-year-old 2020 Honduran Olympian finished with three long course swims in the meet. He will now turn his focus to the Dec. 13-18 World Short Course Championships in Australia.

Erika Pelaez, 16, of Eagle Aquatics finished her U.S. Open with a fifth place finish in the 100-meter freestyle in 55.80. Her best finish in her four events was second in the 50 freestyle in a best time and Olympic Trials cut time of 25.29. She also earned 18-and-under national champion in the event. She finished with 58.5 points.

Eagle Aquatics teammate Kaii Winkler, 16, finished sixth in the 100-meter freestyle in a best time 49.45 earning him 18-and-under national champion honors in the event. It was his second final of the meet.

WOMEN
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Ledecky, GSC 15:44.13, 2. Beatriz Dizotti, Brazil 16:18.40, 3. Michaela Morris, SYS 16:34.75.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Regan Smith, SUN 2:05.28, U.S. Open record, 2. Summer McIntosh, SYS/Canada 2:07.15, 3. Josephine Fuller, TENN 2:09.77, 9. Emma Weyant, UN 2:14.52.

100-meter freestyle: 1. Gabi Albiero, LOU 54.90, 2. Beata Nelson, WA 54.94, 3. Camille Spink, NCAP 55.47, 5. Erika Pelaez, EA 55.80, 7. Addison Sauickie, SYS 56.09.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Gillian Davey, UKY 2:27.06, 2. Mona McSharry, Ireland 2:27.59, 3. Ashleigh Oberekar, NSW 2:28.34, 15. Gracie Weyant, SYS 2:35.05.

200-meter butterfly: 1. Regan Smith, SUN 2:07.30, 2. Lindsay Looney, UN 2:10.25, 3. Charlotte Hook, STAN 2:10.64.

MEN
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Alfonso Mestre, Florida/Venezuela 15:16.51, national record, 2. Padro Farias, Brazil 15:20.12, 3. Eric Brown, Florida 15:26.67.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Daniel Diehl, CUY 1:56.41, 2. Nico Garcia, VT 1:59.49, 3. Baylor Nelson, TAM 2:00.98.

100-meter freestyle: 1. Andrej Barna, CARD 48.45, 2. Josh Liendo, Florida 48.97, 3. Matt King, UVA 49.05, 6. Kaii Winkle, EA 49.45.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Aleksas Savickas, Florida 2:09.68, 2. Chase Kalisz, SUN 2:10.10, 3. Lyubomir Epitropov, TENN 2:11.74.

200-meter butterfly: 1. Nicolas Albiero, CARD, 1:56.32, 2. Zach Harting, CARD 1:57.06, 3. Hector Ruvalcaba Cruz, AGS 1:59.63.

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

McIntosh Breaks Junior World Record; Winkler Wins B Final; SOFLO’s Horrego Sixth In B Final At Toyota U.S. Open Swimming Championships

By Sharon Robb

GREENSBORO, N.C., December 2, 2022—Julio Horrego of South Florida Aquatic Club finished sixth in the B final of the 100-meter breaststroke Friday night at the Toyota U.S. Open Swimming Championships at Greensboro Aquatic Center.

The 24-year-old 2020 Honduran Olympian got in two long course races for the day. Swimming in Lane 6, he was third at the turn just 0.08 off the leader and finished in 1:03.05. He was 12th in prelims in 1:02.81, the fastest he has been in a while in long course.

Horrego is using the meet as a tuneup for the Dec. 13-18 World Short Course Championships in Australia.

Erika Pelaez, 16, of Eagle Aquatics was fourth in the 100-meter butterfly in 59.51, off her best time of 59.23. She went 1:00.02 in prelims. She was seventh in the 100 backstroke in 1:01.64 after going 1:00.95 in prelims.

Eagle Aquatics teammate Kaii Winkler, 16, won the B final in the 200-meter freestyle in 1:50.26, just off his best time of 1:50.07. He was 11th in prelims in 1:50.97. Winkler, a member of the U.S. junior national team, is coming off an outstanding short course season. “He’s going to be a good one,” said veteran announcer Rowdy Gaines.

Earlier in the meet, Winkler was 32nd in the 200 IM in 2:07.71 and 17th in the 50 freestyle in 22.82. He has the 100 freestyle left to swim on Saturday.

In other highlights:

400 IM: Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh, 16, set a world junior record of 4:28.61, third fastest performance of all time. She pulled away on the opening butterfly leg in 59.40. After the backstroke at 2:08.82, she was on world record pace and then leveled off in the breaststroke and cruised to the win. She was one of five teenagers 17-and-under in the final. “It’s still pretty early on in season so I didn’t know what to expect,” McIntosh said. “It was my first race of the long course season. I’m really happy with it.”

200 freestyle: Olympian Katie Ledecky of Gator Swim Club had an off night and Erin Gemmell nipping at her heels, but still managed to win her third event of the meet in 1:57.70. She also won the 800 and 400 and has the 1500 left to swim.

The four-day meet, which ends on Saturday, has attracted both U.S. and international swimmers and has been one of the most competitive. The finals are being televised by NBC Peacock with Rowdy Gaines calling the action.

WOMEN

400-meter individual medley: 1. Summer McIntosh, Canada/Sarasota Sharks 4:28.61, WJR, meet record; 2. Emma Weyant, UN 4:41.85, 3. Kathryn Hazle, NCA 4:47.56, 6. Michaela Mattes, SYS 4:51.65, 11. Gracie Weyant, SYS 4:50.69.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Regan Smith, SUN 57.65, 2. Beata Nelson, WA 58.93, 3. Gabi Albiero, LOU 59.06, 4. Erika Pelaez, Eagle Aquatics 59.51.

200-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Ledecky, GSC 1:56.74, 2. Erin Gemmell, NCAP 1:57.16, 3. Addison Sauickie, SYS 1:59.76.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Mona McSharry, IRE 1:07.06, 2. Kaelyn Gridley, DUKE 1:08.46, 3. Ana Carolina Veira, BRA 1:08.50.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Regan Smith, SUN 57.95, 2. Katharine Berkoff, NCS 59.87, 3. Josephine Fuller, TENN 1:00.00.

MEN

400-meter individual medley: 1. Chase Kalisz, SUN 4:10.09, meet record, 2. Baylor Nelson, TAM 4:18.38, 3. Landon Driggers, TENN 4:20.85.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Zach Harting, CARD 51.99, 2. Luke Miller, NCS 52.38, 3. Nicolas Albiero, CARD 52.51.

200-meter freestyle: 1. Jake Mitchell, Florida 1:48.22, 2. Guilherme Costa, Brazil 1:48.79, 3. Zane Grothe, BCH 1:49.12.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Aleksas Savickas, Florida 1:00.54, 2. Lyubomir Epitropov, Tennessee 1:00.94, 3. Reid Mikuta, AU 1:00.96.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Daniel Diehl, CUY 53.07, 2. Evangelos Makrygiannis, UN 54.41, 3. Tommy Janton, ND 54.96.

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

Ledecky Wins 800, Makes 2024 U.S. Olympic Trial Cut On Day One Of Toyota U.S. Open Swimming Championships

By Sharon Robb
GREENSBORO, N.C., November 30, 2022—It was only fitting the world’s all-time greatest swimmer was the first to qualify for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials at the Toyota U.S. Open Swimming Championships Wednesday at Greensboro Aquatic Center.

University of Florida grad assistant Katie Ledecky of Gator Swim Club won the 800-meter freestyle in 8:13.90, 31.89 seconds under the time standard. The three-time defending Olympian champion and world record holder in the event took the lead and was never challenged by the field.

Ledecky was coming off her double world record swims in the 800 and 1500 at the short course meters FINA World Cup. Ledecky has the 200, 400 and 1500 freestyles left to swim.

Four other women met the trials time standard: Michaela Mattes (8:37.99) of Sarasota Sharks, Cavan Gormsen (8:38.15), Caroline Pennington (8:42.93) and Katrina Bellio (8:43.24).

In an exciting men’s race, Brazil’s top seed Guilherme Costa, 24, won the men’s 800 freestyle in 7:54.10, just ahead of Florida’s Alfonso Mestre of Venezuela in 7:54.80. The pair were the only two swimmers to crack 8 minutes.

South Florida Aquatic Club will be well-represented by 2020 Olympian Julio Horrego in the four-day meet. The 24-year-old Honduran Olympian and national record holder will compete in the 100-meter breaststroke on Friday and 200-meter breaststroke on Saturday.

The four-day meet has attracted both U.S. and international swimmers and expected to be one of the most competitive.

GIRLS
800-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Ledecky, Gator Swim Club 8:13.90, 2. Michael Mattes, Sarasota Sharks 8:37.89, 3. Cavan Gormsen, LIAC 8:38.15, 5. Emma Weyant, UN 8:41.16.
800-meter freestyle relay: 1. Cougar Aquatics 8:25.21.
BOYS
800-meter freestyle: 1. Guilherme Costa, Brazil 7:54.10, 2. Alfonso Mestre, Florida 7:54.80, 3. Stephen Steverink, Brazil 8:01.08.
800-meter freestyle relay: 1. NSW Swim 7:22.51, 2. SwimMAC 7:39.90.
Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’s Julio Horrego Among Field For Toyota U.S. Open Swimming Championships

By Sharon Robb
GREENSBORO, N.C., November 28, 2022—Julio Horrego of South Florida Aquatic Club will compete in the Toyota U.S. Open Swimming Championships at Greensboro Aquatic Center scheduled for Wednesday through Saturday.

Horrego, 24, a 2020 Honduran Olympian and national record holder, will compete in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke against strong fields in the long course meet. The 100 is Friday and 200 breaststroke on Saturday.

Horrego is seeded fifth in the 100 breaststroke in 1:01.18. Ireland’s Darragh Greene is seeded first in 59.76 followed by Bulgarian national record holder Lyubomir Epitropov of University of Tennessee, 1:00.32; AJ Pouch of Virginia Tech, 1:00.85; and Reid Mikuta of Auburn University, 1:00.92.

Horrego is seeded tenth in the 200 breaststroke in 2:16.40. Pouch is seeded first in 2:09.07.

The four-day meet has attracted both U.S. and international swimmers and expected to be one of the most competitive with some great rivalries.

University of Florida grad assistant Katie Ledecky will compete in the 200, 400, 800 and 1500 freestyle. She will have a rematch against Canadian 15-year-old Summer McIntosh in the 400. McIntosh, who trains with the Sarasota Sharks, knocked off Ledecky in the World Cup in Toronto.

Among other top swimmers entered are Regan Smith, Chase Kalisz, Baylor Nelson, Erin Gemmel, Emma Weyant, Leah Hayes, Abbey Weitzeil, Katharine Berkoff, Jake Mitchell, Josh Liendo, Guilherme Costa and Mona McSharry.

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

Olivia Dinehart, Juan Vallmitjana Lead SOFLO In Final Session Of SOFLO Distance IMX/IMR TYR Challenge

By Sharon Robb
PEMBROKE PINES, October 2, 2022–South Florida Aquatic Club finished up a solid weekend of racing at Session Five of the SOFLO Distance IMX/IMR TYR Challenge Sunday at Academic Village Pool.

Olivia Dinehart, 17, and Juan Vallmitjana, 13, were double winners.

Dinehart won the 100-yard individual medley in 1:00.55 and 500-yard freestyle in 5:16.56. She finished with three firsts, one third and one sixth place.

Vallmitjana won the 200-yard individual medley in a best time 2:04.93, dropping 3.92 seconds off his previous best, and 500-yard freestyle in 4:46.19. He was also second in the 200-yard butterfly in a best time 2:04.18, dropping 5.79. He finished with three wins, three seconds and one third place.

Other SOFLO winners were:
Elena Dinehart, 17, 200-yard butterfly, 2:10.17.
Maddie Smutny, 17, 500-yard freestyle, 5:06.16.
Julio Horrego, 23, 100-yard individual medley, 49.93.
Ricardo Roche, 22, 500-yard freestyle, 4:49.43.

In one of the more exciting races, Roche outlasted teammate Manuel Melendez in the 500-yard freestyle, 4:49.43-4:50.93.

Among some of the more impressive time drops were:
Sarah Vasquez, 200 butterfly, 7.45 drop.
Joshua Menezes, 200 butterfly, 16.98.
Mason Jimenez, 200 butterfly, 7.81.
Connor Jimenez, 200 butterfly, 10.89.
Abraham Penaloza, 200 butterfly, 4.33.
Luciano Gonzalez, 100 IM, 6.30.
Manuel Melendez, 500 freestyle, 20.42.
Felix Gonzalez, 500 freestyle, 5.44.

SOFLO had 174 (91 girls and 83 boys), from 10-and-unders to 15-and-overs compete in 879 individual events.

Among other Florida Gold Coast teams in the field were Pine Crest, Metro Aquatics, Plantation Swim Team, Midtown Weston, Olympus Swim Club, North Miami Swim Team, Hialeah Swim Club and Speed World Swimming. It was one of the most competitive fields assembled for the meet.

Meet title and club sponsor TYR SOFLO is an American designer, developer and manufacturer of recreational and competitive swimwear, caps, goggles, triathlon gear and accessories and one of the nation’s top companies. TYR, created by athletes, is named for the Norse god of warriors in Germanic mythology. The company’s mission statement is starting from, powered by and made for athletes, we strive to create and re-imagine technologies that enhance experience and performance at every level.

SUNDAY RESULTS
GIRLS
200-yard butterfly:
13-14, 1. Sofia Jorge, MAC 2:05.21, 2. Isabel Viera, MAC 2:13.59, 3. Lydia Smutny, SOFLO 2:23.03; SOFLO: 5. Amanda Grubbs 2:24.10, 6. Sarah Vasquez 2:26.07, time drop 7.45, 7. Sofia Lugo 2:27.15, 9. Tania Mantilla 2:28.76.
15-and-over, 1. Elena Dinehart, SOFLO 2:10.17, 2. Samira Zambrano, MWA 2:10.58, 3. Maddie Smutny, SOFLO 2:11.66; SOFLO: 4. Gabriella DeLuna 2:13.84, 5. Natalie Gembicki 2:13.94, 6. Olivia Dinehart 2:14.16, 8. Ana Villamil 2:16.90, time drop 1.30, 9. Sophia Grubbs 2:19.60, 10. Gabriela Avila 2:21.91.

200-yard individual medley:
13-14, 1. Sofia Jorge, MAC 2:09.12, 2. Isabel Viera, MAC 2:13.56, 3. Carley Kaplan, UN 2:19.13; SOFLO: 6. Lydia Smutny 2:26.43, 10. Elise Dinehart 2:28.24.
15-and-over, 1. Olivia Dinehart, SOFLO 2:10.69, 2. Paola Negrin, MAC 2:12.22, 3. Elena Dinehart, SOFLO 2:14.38; SOFLO: 4. Maddie Smutny 2:14.16, 5. Gabriella DeLuna 2:15.98, 6. Natalie Gembicki 2:17.34, 7. Sophia Grubbs 2:17.69, 9. Mariann Catalasan 2:21.25, 10. Izzy Wilson 2:24.15.

100-yard individual medley:
13-14, 1. Ava Wolfe, MWA 1:06.73, 2. Sara Mendoza, MWA 1:07.73, 3. Sarah Vasquez, SOFLO 1:07.98, time drop 0.15; SOFLO: 4. Lydia Smutny 1:08.91, time drop 2.33, 5. Amanda Grubbs 1:09.10, 6. Tania Mantilla 1:09.18, 9. Elise Dinehart 1:10.40, 10. Ainsley Miller 1:10.76.
15-and-over, 1. Olivia Dinehart, SOFLO 1:00.55, 2. Ana Villamil, SOFLO 1:00.68, 3. Natalie Gembicki, SOFLO 1:02.39; SOFLO: 4. Sophia Grubbs 1:03.07, 5. Maddie Smutny 1:03.33, 6. Elena Dinehart 1:03.57, 8. Sofia Hernandez 1:07.26, time drop 2.16, 9. Sabrina Osorio 1:07.75.

500-yard freestyle:
13-14, 1. Sofia Jorge, MAC 5:02.05, 2. Isabel Viera, MAC 5:18.54, 3. Carley Kaplan, UN 5:27.75; SOFLO: 5. Amanda Grubbs 5:34.82, 7. Elise Dinehart 5:38.53, 8. Tania Mantilla 5:39.29, 9. Lydia Smutny 5:42.14.
15-and-over, 1. Maddie Smutny, SOFLO 5:06.16, 2. Natalie Gembicki, SOFLO 5:15.45, 3. Olivia Dinehart, SOFLO 5:16.56; SOFLO: 4. Izzy Wilson 5:17.08, 5. Gabriella DeLuna 5:18.30, 7. Elena Dinehart 5:22.28, 9. Ana Villamil, 5:33.27, time drop 8.02, 10. Mariann Catalasan 5:34.27.

BOY
200-yard butterfly:
13-14, 1. Carlos Viada-Coroba, MAC 2:02.10, 2. Juan Vallmitjana, SOFLO 2:04.18, time drop 5.79, 3. Nicolas Kokidko, MAC 2:10.80; SOFLO: 4. Joshua Menezes 2:15.15, time drop 16.98, 6. Mason Jimenez 2:19.22, time drop 7.81, 8. Connor Jimenez 2:20.38, time drop 10.89, 9. Abraham Penaloza 2:22.63, time drop 4.33.
15-and-over, 1. Dario Martin, OSC 1:53.37, 2. Dylan Ferguson, MAC 1:54.78, 3. Nikita Efimov, OSC 1:58.64; SOFLO: 5. Wisthon Rendon 1:59.28, 8. Alejandro Mateus 2:00.98, 10. Javier Colmenares 2:02.75.

200-yard individual medley:
13-14, 1. Juan Vallmitjana, SOFLO 2:04.93, time drop 3.92, 2. Jesus Linares, MAC 2:10.93, 3. Mason Jimenez, SOFLO 2:13.11, time drop 2.31; SOFLO: 4. Connor Jimenez 2:14.49, time drop 3.65, 5. Joshua Menezes 2:15.19, time drop 0.73, 8. Maximiliano Remmele 2:16.32, time drop 1.60, 10. Abraham Penaloza 2:19.46, time drop 3.30.
15-and-over, 1. Nikita Efimov, OSC 1:56.76, 2. Dylan Ferguson, MAC 1:58.22, 3. Javier Colmenares, SOFLO 1:58.27; SOFLO: 6. Wisthon Rendon 2:00.96.

100-yard individual medley:
13-14, 1. Jesus Linares, MAC 1:01.05, 2. Jorvir Tigrero, HSC 1:01.22, 3. Nicolas Kokidko, MAC 1:02.25; SOFLO: 7. Justin Campos 1:05.77, time drop 4.72, 10. Kenny Paas 1:06.82, time drop 3.08.
15-and-over, 1. Julio Horrego, SOFLO 49.93, 2. Luciano Gonzalez, SOFLO 51.71, time drop 6.30, 3. Manuel Melendez, SOFLO 53.43, time drop 1.52; SOFLO: 6. Ricardo Roche 54.42, 7. Stephen Kim 55.94, 9. Alejandro Mateus 57.14, 10. Zackary Harris 57.74.

500-yard freestyle:
13-14, 1. Juan Vallmitjana, SOFLO 4:46.19, 2. Nicolas Kokidko, MAC 4:59.87, 3. Carlos Viada-Coroba, MAC 5:03.28; SOFLO: 4. Mason Jimenez 5:12.85, 5. Maximiliano Remmele 5:28.30, time drop 0.72, 6. Connor Jimenez 5:29.61, time drop 0.45, 7. Joshua Menezes 5:30.68, time drop 3.17, 8. Ryan Harries 5:30.93, time drop 4.53.
15-and-over, 1. Ricardo Roche, SOFLO 4:49.43, 2. Manuel Melendez, SOFLO 4:50.93, time drop 20.42, 3. Agustin Rodriguez, UN 4:51.01; SOFLO: 6. Felix Gonzalez 4:52.70, time drop 5.44, 8. Hashan Ekanayake 4:56.63, 9. Wisthon Rendon 4:57.01, 10. Javier Colmenares 5:00.58.

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

Elena Dinehart, Julio Horrego Lead SOFLO At Session Three Of SOFLO Distance IMX/IMR TYR Challenge

By Sharon Robb
PEMBROKE PINES, October 1, 2022–South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers finished out the day on a successful note at Session Three of the SOFLO Distance IMX/IMR TYR Challenge Saturday at Academic Village Pool.

Elena Dinehart, 17, and Julio Horrego, 23, were double winners.

Dinehart won the 15-and-over 200-yard backstroke in 2:07.67 and 400-yard individual medley in 4:40.60.

Horrego, a 2020 Honduran Olympian, won the 200-yard breaststroke in 1:58.54 and 100-yard freestyle in 45.68.

Other SOFLO winners were:
Juan Vallmitjana, 13, in the 400-yard individual medley in a best time 4:19.31, dropping 9.56 seconds off his previous best. He was also second in the 200-yard backstroke in a best time 2:04.84, dropping 9.30 and 200-yard breaststroke in 2:24.46, dropping 8.36. He dropped a total of 26.22 seconds in three events.

Ricardo Roche, 22, won the 200-yard backstroke in 1:51.92.

Ana Villamil, 17, won the 200-yard breaststroke in 2:30.28. She also had a 4.25 drop in her 200 backstroke.

Maddie Smutny, 17, won the 100-yard freestyle in 53.87.

Several SOFLO swimmers had impressive time drops including Sarah Bedoya, 200 backstroke, 5.24; Sofia Lugo, 400 IM, 4.03; Maximiliano Remmele, 200 backstroke, 10.59, 200 breaststroke, 12.87 and 400 IM 13.41; Connor Jimenez, 200 backstroke, 12.15 and 200 breaststroke, 8.95; Mason Jimenez, 200 backstroke, 14.57, 200 breaststroke, 8.92 and 400 IM 19.70; Abraham Penaloza, 200 breaststroke, 7.84; Ryan Harries, 200 breaststroke, 9.16; and Joshua Menezes, 400 IM, 5.55

The three-day meet concludes Sunday with two sessions at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Warm-up is 7:30 a.m.

SOFLO heads the field with 174 (91 girls and 83 boys) swimmers in 879 individual events.

Among other Florida Gold Coast teams in the field are Pine Crest, Metro Aquatics, Plantation Swim Team, Midtown Weston, Olympus Swim Club, North Miami Swim Team, Hialeah Swim Club and Speed World Swimming. It is one of the most competitive fields ever assembled for the meet.

Admission is $5 per person, per session. Heat sheets are available for free online at http://www.soflomeets.info/IMX and Meet Mobile.

SATURDAY RESULTS
GIRLS
200-yard backstroke:
13-14, 1. Sofia Jorge, MAC 2:12.59, 2. Carley Kaplan, UN 2:16.37, 3. Isabel Viera, MAC 2:19.40; SOFLO: 4. Sarah Bedoya 2:21.22, time drop 5.24, 5. Lydia Smutny 2:24.38, time drop 0.47, 6. Sarah Vasquez 2:24.69, 7. Sofia Lugo 2:24.78, 10. Amelie Bicerne 2:27.75.
15-and-over, 1. Elena Dinehart, SOFLO 2:07.67, 2. Paola Negrin, MAC 2:10.96, 3. Gabriella DeLuna, SOFLO 2:15.21; SOFLO: 4. Maddie Smutny 2:15.91, 5. Ana Villamil 2:16.16, time drop 4.25, 6. Mariann Catalasan 2:16.52, 7. Natalie Gembicki 2:17.69, 8. Katelyn Gembicki 2:19.83, 10. Izzy Wilson 2:21.45.

200-yard breaststroke:
13-14, 1. Isabel Viera, MAC 2:24.19, 2. Sofia Jorge, MAC 2:26.76, 3. Andrea Viera, MAC 2:40.49; SOFLO: 4. Carley Kaplan, UN 2:41.07, 6. Elise Dinehart 2:47.58, 8. Ainsley Miller 2:49.20.
15-and-over, 1. Ana Villamil, SOFLO 2:30.28, 2. Paola Negrin, MAC 2:30.78, 3. Gabriella DeLuna, SOFLO 2:31.01; SOFLO: 4. Mariann Catalasan 2:33.35, 5. Natalie Gembicki 2:36.35, 7. Elena Dinehart 2:41.22, 8. Maddie Smutny 2:42.68.

100-yard freestyle:
13-14, 1. Christina Paschal, PC 56.14, 2. Marley Tyner, PC 58.23, 3. Ava Wolfe, MWA 58.42; SOFLO: 4. Genesis Escobar 58.51, 6. Amanda Grubbs 58.87, 7. Mikhel Martin 58.88, time drop 3.03, 9. Tania Miller 1:00.03, 10. Lydia Smutny 1:00.58.
15-and-over, 1. Maddie Smutny, SOFLO 53.87, 2. Natalie Gembicki, SOFLO 54.73, 3. Elena Dinehart, SOFLO 55.05; SOFLO: 6. Izzy Wilson 59.43, 7. Katelyn Gembicki 59.69, 10. Judith-Alison Natino, 1:01.78, time drop 0.12.

400-yard individual medley:
13-14, 1. Sofia Jorge, MAC 4:30.67, 2. Isabel Viera, MAC 4:41.78, 3. Sarah Vasquez, SOFLO 4:58.48; SOFLO: 4. Lydia Smutny 5:04.66, 5. Sofia Lugo 5:10.21, time drop 4.03, 6. Elise Dinehart 5:11.97, 7. Amanda Grubbs 5:13.45, 8. Tania Mantilla 5:15.18.
15-and-over, 1. Elena Dinehart, SOFLO 4:40.60, 2. Gabriella DeLuna, SOFLO 4:42.29, 3. Paola Negrin, MAC 4:42.52; SOFLO: 4. Ana Villamil 4:45.70, time drop 2.18, 5. Maddie Smutny 4:49.45, 7. Natalie Gembicki 4:53.46, 8. Mariann Catalasan 4:54.85, time drop 1.95, 9. Izzy Wilson 4:58.70.

BOYS
200-yard backstroke:
13-14, 1. Carlos Viada-Coroba, MAC 2:00.68, 2. Juan Vallmitjana, SOFLO 2:04.84, time drop 9.30, 3. Maximiliano Remmele, SOFLO 2:05.64, time drop 10.59; SOFLO: 4. Connor Jimenez 2:10.64, time drop 12.15, 5. Mason Jimenez 2:12.38, time drop 14.57, 6. Nicolai Ross 2:13.07, 8. Aleksander Chaussky 2:18.52, 10. Joshua Menezes 2:19.50, time drop 3.56.
15-and-over: 1. Ricardo Roche, SOFLO 1:51.92, 2. Dylan Ferguson, MAC 1:52.90, 3. Dario Martin, OSC 1:55.05; SOFLO: 4. Wisthon Rendon 1:56.99, 6. Austin Nelson 2:00.03, 8. Alejandro Mateus 2:00.89, 9. Jaden Amores 2:01.47, time drop 1.58.

200-yard breaststroke:
13-14, 1. Jake Jones, PC 2:16.09, 2. Juan Vallmitjana, SOFLO 2:24.46, time drop 8.36, 3. Abraham Penaloza, SOFLO 2:25.07, time drop 7.84; SOFLO: 4. Mason Jimenez 2:27.36, time drop 8.92, 5. Nicolai Ross 2:30.32, 7. Joshua Menezes 2:32.40, 8. Ryan Harries 2:33.30, time drop 9.16, 9. Maximiliano Remmele 2:33.31, time drop 12.87, 10. Connor Jimenez 2:33.93, time drop 8.95.
15-and-over, 1. Julio Horrego, SOFLO 1:58.54, 2. Nikita Efimova, OSC 2:10.83, 3. Manuel Melendez, SOFLO 2:11.86, time drop 0.36; SOFLO: 4. Javier Colmenares 2:13.77.

100-yard freestyle:
13-14, 1. Nicolas Kokidko, MAC 50.95, 2. Jorvir Tigrero, HSC 51.97, 3. Carlos Viada-Coroba, MAC 52.42; SOFLO: 4. Nicolai Ross 53.12, 9. Aleksander Chaussky 56.22, time drop 0.37.
15-and-over, 1. Julio Horrego, SOFLO 45.68, 2. Agustin Rodriguez, UN 48.29, 3. Luis Salazar, HSC 48.89; SOFLO: 4. Luciano Gonzalez 49.73, 5. Manuel Melendez 49.95, 8. Alejandro Mateus 51.23, time drop 0.13, 9. Austin Nelson 51.37, 10. Luca Hincapie 51.45, time drop 1.37.

400-yard individual medley:
13-14, 1. Juan Vallmitjana, SOFLO 4:19.31, time drop 9.56, 2. Jake Jone, PC 4:33.54, 3. Nicolai Ross, SOFLO 4:36.59; SOFLO: 5. Mason Jimenez 4:41.11, time drop 19.70, 6. Maximiliano Remmele 4:41.51, time drop 13.41, 7. Connor Jimenez 4:46.05, time drop 21.54, 8. Joshua Menezes 4:46.34, time drop 5.55.
15-and-over, 1. Dario Martin, OSC 4:06.70, 2. Nikita Efimov, OSC 4:09.75, 3. Ricardo Roche, SOFLO 4:11.37; SOFLO: 6. Javier Colmenares 4:21.08, 8. Felix Gonzalez 4:25.05.

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