Crowd-Pleasers Katie Ledecky, Summer McIntosh Win On Final Day Of TYR Pro Swim Series; FGC Swimmers Have Good Showing In Their Backyard

By Sharon Robb
FORT LAUDERDALE, March 4, 2023—The TYR Pro Swim Series Fort Lauderdale came to a successful end Saturday at the $48 million Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center.

In front of the largest crowd of the meet, world record holder Katie Ledecky of Gator Swim Club did not disappoint, winning the 800-meter freestyle in 8:14.70, more than 25 meters ahead of the field.

Canadian Summer McIntosh, training with the Sarasota Sharks, broke another world junior record, this time in the 200-meter individual medley in 2:08.08. She led from start to finish.

Regan Smith was a double winner in the 100-meter backstroke in 57.92 and 100-meter butterfly in 56.60.

Abbey Weitzeil won her third event of the meet in the 50-meter freestyle in 24.40 after winning the 100 freestyle and 50 butterfly. Poland Olympian Kasia Wasick was second in 24.68.

South Florida Aquatic Club Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego, 24, finished 11th in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:17.19, improving his 11th place time of 2:17.93 in prelims. SOFLO teammate Olivia Dinehart was 18th in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:40.00.

After winning two events, Dylan Carter of Trinidad and Tobago was fifth in the 50-meter freestyle in 22.27.

Florida Gold Coast swimmers had a good showing throughout the meet in front of hometown family and friends.

On the final day, Erika Pelaez of Eagle Aquatics was fourth in the 100-meter backstroke in a best time 1:00.12. Julia Podkoscielny of Pine Crest Swimming was 12th in 1:02.94. Aspen Gersper of St. Andrew’s Aquatics was 12th in the 100-meter butterfly in 1:01.04. Podkoscielny was 15th in the 200 IM in 2:19.66. Pelaez was eighth in the 50 freestyle in 25.53. Kaii Winkler of Eagle Aquatics was sixth in the 100-meter butterfly in a best time 52.64, dropping 1.30. Winkler was also ninth in the 50-meter freestyle in 22.49.

SOFLO Saturday prelim results:
Julio Horrego, 24, 200-meter breaststroke, 11. 2:17.93.
Luciano Gonzalez, 29, 50-meter freestyle, 41. 23.81
Olivia Dinehart, 18, 200-meter breaststroke, 27. 2:43.07.
Ricardo Roche, 23, 100-meter backstroke, 32. 100.84.

SOFLO sponsor TYR 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.

SATURDAY RESULTS
WOMEN
800-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Ledecky, GSC 8:14.70, 2. Claire Weinstein, SAND 8:33.16, 3. Michaela Mattes, SYS 8:39.61.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Regan Smith, SUN 57.92, 2. Olivia Smoliga, SUN 59.71, 3. Medi Harris, WAL 1:00.05, 4. Erika Pelaez, EA 1:00.12, time drop 0.21, 12. Julia Podkoscielny, PC 1:02.94

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Lilly King, ISC 2:23.33, 2. Kelsey Wog, CAN 2:25.49, 3. Annie Lazor, ISC 2:26.96.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Regan Smith, SUN 56.60, 2. Katerine Savard, CAN 58.63, 3. Ella Jansen, CAN 58.93, 12. Aspen Gersper, SAS 1:01.04.

200-meter individual medley: 1. Summer McIntosh, SYS 2:08.08, 2. Maria Sophie Harvey, CAN 2:11.94, 3. Katie Grimes, SAN 2:12.66, 15. Julia Podkoscielny, PC 2:19.66.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Abbey Weitzeil, CAL 24.40, 2. Kasia Wasick, TRA 24.68, 3. Siobhan Bernadette Haughey, HKG 24.85, 8. Erika Pelaez, EA 25.53.

MEN
800-meter freestyle: 1. Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui, Tunisia 7:48.50, 2. Marwan El Kamash, Egypt 7:50.38, 3. Daniel Jervis, WAL 7:51.93.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Hunter Armstrong, CAL 52.95, 2. Ryan Murphy, CAL 53.33, 3. Justin Ross, MVN 53.63.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Will Licon, TXLA 2:10.77, 2. Anton McKee, PRVT 2:10.86, 3. Chase Kalisz, SUN 2:12.26, 11. Julio Horrego, SOFLO 2:17.19.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Shaine Casas, TXLA 50.80, 2. Ilya Kharun, SAND 51.54, 3. Michael Andrew MASA 51.80, 6. Kaii Winkler, WA 52.64, time drop 1.30.

200-meter individual medley: 1. Chase Kalisz, SUN 1:58.32, 2. Kieran Smith, RAC 2:00.13, 3. Finlay Knox, CAN 2:01.02.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Alberto Mestre, Florida 22.04, 2. Michael Andrew, MASA 22.06, 3. Ryan Held, NYAC 22.19, 5. Dylan Carter, ISC 22.27, 9. Kaii Winkler, EA 22.49.

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

SOFLO Swimmers Head To Fort Lauderdale For TYR Pro Swim Series

By Sharon Robb
FORT LAUDERDALE, February 28, 2023—South Florida Aquatic Club will be well-represented at the TYR Pro Swim Series at Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center.

The four-day long course meters meet that begins Wednesday at the $48 million newly-refurbished pool has attracted a national-caliber field led by world record holder and Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky of Gator Swim Club.

Other elite swimmers entered are: Dylan Carter, Katie Grimes, Abbey Weitzell, Bobby Finke, Shane Casas, Michael Andrew, Lilly King, Regan Smith, Summer McIntosh, Annie Lazor, Nic Fink, Natalie Hinds, Ryan Murphy, Leah Smith, Chase Kalisz, Yeziel Morales and Kieran Smith.

SOFLO has seven swimmers entered in the meet. They are:
Javier Colmenares, 100 breaststroke 55.92Y; 50 breaststroke 30.76Y; 50 butterfly 27.80LB.

Elena Dinehart, 50 backstroke 31.39LB; 50 butterfly 32.11LB; 200 backstroke 2:17.97L.

Olivia Dinehart, 100 breaststroke 1:12.10L; 50 breaststroke 33.81L; 400 IM 4:59.47L; 200-meter breaststroke 2:34.53L.

Luciano Gonzalez, 50 butterfly 24.50L; 50 freestyle 23.51L.

Julio Horrego, 100 breaststroke 1:01.18L; 50 breaststroke 27.81L; 200 breaststroke 2:17.35L.

Ricardo Roche, 50 backstroke 27.82L; 200 backstroke 2:07.11L; 100 backstroke 58.71L.

Maddie Smutny, 200 butterfly 2:14.37L; 400 freestyle 4:21.40L; 200 freestyle 2:04.14L; 50 butterfly 31.14L.

The Florida Gold Coast will be well-represented as well with several top swimmers including Julia Podkoscielny of Pine Crest Swimming, Riley Botting of Pine Crest Swimming, Erika Pelaez of Eagle Aquatics, Kaii Winkler of Eagle Aquatics, Aspen Gersper of St. Andrew’s Aquatics, Sofia Jorge of Metro Aquatics and Dylan Smiley of Miami Country Day.

On Wednesday the distance session begins 5 p.m. and on Saturday the 800s begin 3:20 p.m. For the rest of the meet prelims are 9 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m.

The meet was capped at 600 swimmers. Prize money is being offered: $1,500 for first, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

Meet parking is limited around the venue and restricted to available parking lots. Meet tickets range from $12.24 to $75.89.

Action is being shown on YouTube and also on Peacock (March 2-3, 6 p.m.), CNBC (March 4-5, 10:30 a.m. tape delay). Finals on Wednesday and Saturday along with all prelim sessions will be streamed on usaswimming.org.

SOFLO sponsor TYR 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.

MEET SCHEDULE
9:00 AM: Prelims Thursday – Saturday, March 2-4, Thursday: 100fr/100br/50ba/200fly/400fr Friday: 200fr/50br/50fly/200ba/400IM Saturday: 800fr/100ba/200br/100fly/200IM/50fr
6:00 PM: Finals Thursday – Saturday, March 2-4.

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

Ledecky, Costa Win Second Events, Pelaez Takes Second, Gets Olympic Trials Cut On Day Two Of Toyota U.S. Open Swimming Championships; SOFLO’s Horrego Competes Friday

By Sharon Robb
GREENSBORO, N.C., December 1, 2022—The rematch between Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh lived up to the hype Thursday night at the Toyota U.S. Open Swimming Championships at Greensboro Aquatic Center.

Ledecky successfully avenged her narrow loss (.08 seconds) to the Canadian teenager in the 400-meter freestyle at the World Cup Series meet in Toronto last month.

Ledecky, the top qualifier in 4:021.51, edged out McIntosh by 8/100ths in 3:59.71. Her final split was 28.99 to move into the lead for good. McIntosh, 16, finished in 3:59.79 and Sarasota Sharks training mate Michaela Mattes, 17, was third in 4:09.53.

It was Ledecky’ second win of the meet. On opening night, she easily won the 800 freestyle.

Brazil’s Guilherme Costa, 24, also won his second event in the 400 freestyle in 3:48.13 ahead of Florida’s Alfonso Mestre, 21, of Venezuela in 3:49.63.

N.C. State’s David Curtiss, 20, won the 50-meter freestyle despite swimming blind for the entire race. He said his goggles filled up with water after the start and he relied on muscle memory to get him to the wall.

N.C. State-bound and U.S. junior national team member Erika Pelaez, 16, of Eagle Aquatics was second in the 50 freestyle in 25.29 behind Louisville’s Gabi Albiero in 25.06. She was seeded sixth after prelims in 25.75. She has the 100 butterfly, 100 backstroke and 100 freestyle left to swim.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s 2020 Olympian Julio Horrego begins competing on Friday. The 24-year-old Honduran and national record holder will compete in the 100-meter breaststroke on Friday and 200-meter breaststroke on Saturday. Horrego is using the meet as a tuneup for the Dec. 13-18 World Championships in Australia.

The four-day meet has attracted both U.S. and international swimmers and is expected to be one of the most competitive. The finals are being televised by Peacock with Rowdy Gaines calling the action.

WOMEN
400-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Ledecky, GSC 3:59.71, 2. Summer McIntosh, SYS 3:59.79, 3. Michaela Mattes, SYS 4:09.53, 4. Emma Weyant, UN 4:10.12.

200-meter individual medley: 1. Regan Smith, SUN 2:10.40, 2. Leah Hayes, TIDE 2:10.67, 3. Zoe Dixon, Florida 2:14.37.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Gabi Albiero, LOU 25.06, 2. Erika Pelaez, EA 25.29, 3. Camille Spink, NCAP 25.36.

MEN
400-meter freestyle: 1. Guilherme Costa, Brazil 3:48.13, 2. Alfonso Mestre, Florida 3:49.63, 3. Jake Mitchell, Florida 3:49.65.

200-meter individual medley: 1. Chase Kalisz, SUN 1:56.52, 2. Baylor Nelson, TAM 1:59.14, 3. Daniel Diehl, CUY 1:59.89.

50-meter freestyle: 1. David Curtiss, NCS 21.92, 2. Josh Liendo, Florida 21.99, 3. Victor Alcara, Brazil 22.11.

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

Swimming Notebook: Boca Raton Swim Team Hosts Swim Clinic With Olympian Ryan Lochte; Dylan Carter Earns FINA World Cup Title; Gators Dominate Golden Goggles

By Sharon Robb
BOCA RATON, November 27, 2022—Twelve-time Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte, one of the most decorated swimmers and entertaining clinicians, will hold a swim clinic on Saturday, December 17th at Boca Raton High School’s Aquatic Center.

The world record holder will be joined by longtime coach Steve Lochte, his father. Lochte has more than four decades of coaching experience from age groupers and collegians to Olympians. Lochte swam for his father’s club as a child and represented them nationally as an adult several times.

Along with Natalie Coughlin, Dara Torres, and Jenny Thompson, the 38-year-old Lochte is the second-most decorated swimmer in Olympic history measured by total number of medals, behind only Michael Phelps. Lochte’s seven individual Olympic medals rank second in history in men’s swimming (again to Phelps), tied for second among all Olympic swimmers.

The swim clinic is for swimmers, parents and coaches. The highlights include each stroke, drill and demonstrations with time for questions and answers, photos and autographs.

The first session for 12-and-unders is 9 a.m.-noon and second session for 13-and-overs, 1-4 p.m. Space is limited. The price is $150 per athlete. The aquatic center is located at 1501 NW 15th Court. Those interested may sign up at http://www.legacyswimming.com.

DYLAN CARTER SHINES
Former American Heritage Plantation swimmer Dylan Carter, Trinidad and Tobago’s two-time Olympian, earned the overall FINA Swimming World Cup men’s title after the final short course meet in Indianapolis.

Carter, 26, won the overall World Cup title with nine wins across three weeks in the 50-meter butterfly, backstroke and freestyle finals. Carter never lost a 50-meter final totaling three triple crowns

Carter’s success comes on the heels of a good summer at the World Championships in June where he was fourth in the 50 butterfly. At the Commonwealth Games in July, he was fourth in the butterfly and fourth in the 50 freestyle.

“I came home this summer after World Champs and Commonwealth Games and I went to my local gym and the amount of people that came up to me to ask if I was going to retire I can’t count on one hand,” Carter said.

“I had a great summer. I swam some good times but people were like, ‘this guy is done and washed up. He’s never going to break through.’ And that really drove me and made me really mad. I think that’s part of the results you see now.”

Carter has switched his focus on events. Carter had been more known as a 200 freestyle swimmer and made his Olympic debut in 2016 in the 100 freestyle, where he was 23rd. It’s now been the 50s where he has been successful recently.

“I was a main 200 guy until I was 23 or 24,” Carter said. “I always wanted to have a bit of a second career in just the 50s because I felt like I had potential. I didn’t know how much potential but I knew I had a good 50 fly and it was always good for a 200 guy, so I wanted to put it all there and see where I could go and I think that’s why I’m seeing some good times because I’ve never trained for them up until now.”

Carter is training at home in Trinidad with coach Dexter Browne. He set best times in both the 50 backstroke and 50 butterfly at the Indianapolis World Cup, ranking him 11th and 17th all-time respectively. His 50 butterfly in Indianapolis was only 0.01 off his best time, where he is fourth on the all-time list.

Carter is happy swimming, not because his events are shorter but because he feels that he is finally reaching his true potential. And making money through the World Cups has also helped.

“It’s fun, a lot more fun than training for the 200,” Carter said of his reborn life as a sprinter. “I think that swimming in a way that is sustainable mentally and you’re happy, that’s when you can see your career stretch out in front of you. I know it’s not always happy days like winning and best times, but the 50s and being creative with it are really fun and really rewarding.”

Carter also knows how much his win means to Trinidad and Tobago, a nation with only one Olympic medal in swimming history.

“I don’t think we ever won it. I know George (Bovell) came close,” Carter said. “At world champs or Olympics, it’s who is the best on that day. The World Cup is who is the best over an extended period of time. It’s really a phenomenal feat and not just fast swimming but endurance and mental endurance. It is a big step for our sport and the Caribbean.”

GATORS DOMINATE GOLDEN GOGGLES

The University of Florida Gators dominated the recent 2022 Golden Goggle Awards at the New York Marriott Marquis, winning six awards (five individual, one relay).

The 18th edition of the awards ceremony began in 2004 to recognize the USA’s most accomplished swimmers. This year’s awards were mostly based on performances from the 2022 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Bobby Finke was named the 2022 Male Athlete of the Year, winning the award for the first time. Finke also won the 2022 Race of the Year for his American record-breaking 800 freestyle at the World Championships back in June with a 7:39.36. The Clearwater native now has won the Male Race of the Year in back-to-back years after pocketed the 2021 Male Race of the Year last year for his comeback win in the 800 freestyle to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Finke also broke the American record in the 1500 freestyle last June.
 
Volunteer coach Katie Ledecky won three Golden Goggle awards, topping her decorated night with the 2022 Female Athlete of the Year. This is the eighth time Ledecky has won the award (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022), passing Michael Phelps for the most Golden Goggle awards in history. Ledecky won four gold medals at the World Championships in Budapest, winning gold in the 800 free, a race that won her the Race of the Year award tonight, and in the 4×200 freestyle, winning Relay of the Year award alongside 2023 Gator signee Bella Sims. Ledecky also took gold in the 1500 freestyle and 400 freestyle in Budapest.

Head coach Anthony Nesty earned the 2022 Coach of the Year Award. He was head coach in Budapest, coaching multiple medal winners including Finke, Ledecky, Caeleb Dressel and Trey Freeman.

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

Florida Gators Announce 2022-23 Schedule; SOFLO Alum Kathleen Golding Named Team Captain

By Sharon Robb
GAINESVILLE, September 14, 2022—University of Florida will open its 2022-23 men’s and women’s schedule at home against Nova Southeastern and Arkansas on Sept. 23 at the O’Connell Center Natatorium.

The season-opener is one of four home meets. Arkansas has only a women’s team. NSU has both a men’s and women’s team.

After a month of training, the Gators head to Virginia to swim defending women’s national champion Cavaliers on Saturday, Oct. 22 in Charlottesville.

Florida will then swim conference opponents on back-to-back weeks, at Georgia in Athens, Ga. on Friday, Oct. 28 in its annual rivalry before returning to Gainesville to host Tennessee on Saturday, Nov. 5.

The Gators end the 2022 calendar year with three straight invitationals: Georgia Invite, Nov. 17-19, U.S. Open, Nov. 30-Dec. 3 in Greensboro, N.C. before diving ends 2022 at the Auburn Invitational, Dec. 16-20.

The 2023 part of the schedule opens at home Florida Atlantic University, Jan. 14, before hosting a diving invitational Jan. 20-21, while simultaneously swimming Florida State on Jan. 20 in Ocala, in its final dual meet. Two weeks later, the Gators will swim in the Feb. 3-5 Auburn Last Chance Invitational.

The Gators begin the post-season at the SEC Swimming and Diving Championships Feb. 14-16 in College Station, Tex. The men will go for their 11th straight conference titles, before the Bulldog Last Chance Meet from Feb. 24-25 in Athens. Qualified divers will compete at the NCAA Diving Zones from Mar. 5-8.

The season ends at the NCAA Swimming National Championships, with the women’s meet in Knoxville, Tenn., March 15-18 and men’s meet in Minneapolis, Minn., March 22-25.

One of the highlights of the season is South Florida Aquatic Club alum Kathleen Golding will serve as one of the Gators’ team captains for the 2022-23. The two-time U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier is a senior and three-time All-American. Her marquis events are the 200 and 400 IM though she swims several other events, both sprint and distance.

Golding’s younger sister, Molly, also a SOFLO alum, will begin her sophomore season in the IM and breaststroke events.

Other Gators with South Florida and Florida Gold Coast ties are sophomore Anna Auld of West Palm Beach, who is coming off an outstanding summer; and freshman Mallory Schleicher, another SOFLO alum.

Florida’s men’s and women’s head coach Anthony Nesty was recently named the 2022 American Swimming Coaches Association George Haines Coach of the Year at the ASCA World Clinic Sept. 8 in Las Vegas. Nesty joins former Florida coaches Gregg Troy and Randy Reese as the only coaches in Gators history to win the award.

The award is annually given to the individual whose coaching contributed the most towards American swimming excellence at the world level. Nesty was one of six finalists who coached athletes that won gold medals at the FINA World Championships last June in Budapest, Hungary.

Nesty coached multiple gold medalists in Budapest, including Caeleb Dressel, Bobby Finke, Kieran Smith and UF volunteer Coach Katie Ledecky. The four combined for eight gold medals, the most golds coached by any finalist for the award the year.

Six current Gators, four former Gators and volunteer coach Katie Ledecky were named to the 2022-23 U.S. National Team.

Anna Auld, Emma Weyant, Natalie Hinds, and Katie Ledecky were selected for the women’s team, and Brennan Gravley, Jacob Mitchell, Trey Freeman, Kevin Vargas, Caeleb Dressel, Bobby Finke, and Kieran Smith were named on the men’s roster. Florida has 11 athletes on the team, tied with Texas/Longhorn Aquatics for most-represented club/college. Auld and Gravley were both selected as open water athletes in May 2022, and are active through October 31, 2022.

2022-23 UF Men’s, Women’s Schedule
Sept. 23, Nova Southeastern, Arkansas, 10 a.m.
Oct. 22, at Virginia, 10 a.m.
Oct. 28, at Georgia, 10 a.m.
Nov. 5, Tennessee, 10 a.m.
Nov. 17-19, at Georgia Invite
Nov. 30-Dec. 3, U.S. Open, Greensboro, N.C.
Greensboro, NC
Dec. 16-20, Auburn Invitational, Diving
Jan. 14, Florida Atlantic, 2 p.m.
Jan. 20-21, UF Diving Invitational
Jan. 20, Florida State at Ocala, 2 p.m.
Feb. 3-5, Auburn Last Chance
Feb. 14-18, SEC Championships, College Station, Tex.
Feb. 24-25, Bulldogs Last Chance Meet, Athens, Ga.
Mar. 5-8, NCAA Diving Zones – TBD
Mar. 15-18, Women’s NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships, Knoxville, Tenn.
Mar. 22-25, Men’s NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships, Minneapolis

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

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