Marchand, U.S. Women’s Relay Win; Dressel Drops Out Of Meet; Azura’s Morales Top FGC Finisher At FINA World Aquatics Championships

By Sharon Robb
BUDAPEST, Hungary, June 22, 2022–It was a crazy day at the 19th FINA World Aquatics Championships Wednesday at Duna Arena.

In the biggest news of the day, Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Caeleb Dressel withdrew from the rest of his events on the fifth day of the eight-day meet, a day after scratching out of the 100 freestyle for unspecified medical grounds.

“After conferring with Caeleb, his coaches and medical staff, a decision has been made to withdraw him from the FINA World Championships,” according to a USA Swimming. “Our priority is and will always be the health of our athletes and we will continue to give Caeleb the assistance he needs to recover quickly.”

Dressel, a Clay High School and Bolles Swim Club alum and 15-time world champion who won five golds at the Tokyo Olympics, scratched out of Tuesday’s 100 freestyle semifinals. He was also expected to race in Tuesday’s mixed 4×100 medley relay final before withdrawing. He didn’t have any events scheduled Wednesday.

Now, Dressel will also miss the 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle, events that start Thursday, and two more relays he was expected to be a part of (mixed 4×100 free and men’s 4×100 medley).

The top Florida Gold Coast finisher was Azura’s Yeziel Morales of Puerto Rico. He was 16th in 1:59.77 in the 200-meter backstroke morning prelims to advance into the semifinal round where he finished eighth in 2:01.47 in his semi and 16th overall. Swimming in Lane 8, Morales had the second fastest start (0.54) in the first semifinal.

In her world championship debut, Cayman Islands national record holder Jillian Crooks, who turns 16 on June 27, tied for 29th in the 100-meter freestyle in 57.24 with Peru’s Rafaela Erazo. The home schooler and TS Aquatics swimmer has the 50 freestyle left to swim on Friday.

There are 23 Florida Gold Coast swimmers competing on one of swimming’s biggest international stages.

FGC swimmers who competed on Wednesday:

Patrick Groters, 23, Aruba (NSU University School, Pine Crest Swim Club, University of South Carolina), 200 backstroke, 28th, 2:05.90.

Michaela Sierra, 17, Uruguay (South Florida Heat, Azura), 200 breaststroke, 27th, 2:39.05.

Jillian Crooks, 15, Cayman Islands (TS Aquatics), 100 freestyle, tied for 29th, 57.24.

Yeziel Morales, 26, Puerto Rico, (Azura), 200 backstroke, 16th, 1:59.77 in prelims; in the semifinals he was eighth in 2:01.47 and 16th overall.

FGC swimmers competing on Thursday are:

Olympic bronze medalist Bruno Fratus, 32, Brazil, (Coral Springs Swim Club), 50 freestyle.

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

Esteban Nunez de Prado, 18, Bolivia, (Azura), 100 butterfly.

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

Leon Seaton, 18, Guyana (Azura), 50 freestyle.

Jordan Crooks, 20, Cayman Islands (TS Aquatics), 50 freestyle.

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

In Wednesday night’s final events:

200 WOMEN’S BUTTERFLY: Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh, 15, topped three Olympic medalists and broke her own world junior record to win in 2:05.20. She is the first Canadian to win the event at worlds. American Hali Flickinger was second in 2:06.08 and reigning Olympic champion Zhang Yufei was third in 2:06.32.

MEN’S 100 FREESTYLE: Romanian teenager David Popovici, 17, won in 47.58 out-touching Frenchman Maxime Grousset in 47.64 and Canadian Josh Liendo was third in 47.71. It was his second win of the meet.

WOMEN’S 50 BACKSTROKE: In a tight finish Canadian national record holder Kylie Masse won gold in 27.31. American Katharine Berkoff took silver in 27.39 for her first world medal. Frenchwoman Analia Pigree was third n 27.40, the first-ever French woman medalist in the event. American Regan Smith was fifth. 16/100ths of a second separated the top six swimmers.

MEN’S 200 IM: Frenchman Leon Marchand, 20, of Arizona State, swept the medley events, winning in a best time and national record 1:55.22. He also won the 400 IM earlier in the week. Marchand was third going into the breaststroke where he overtook the early leaders. American Carson Foster was second in 1:55.71 and Japan’s 2019 world champion Daiya Seto was third in 1:56.22.

“It’s a dream for me because five years ago, I was watching this race, and I was like, ‘Whoa, that’s amazing,'” Marchand said. “And now, I can win two titles, so it’s amazing.”

WOMEN’S 4×200 FREE RELAY: With two veterans and two youngsters, the U.S. women’s team pulled off an upset win in a championship record 7:41.45. Katie Ledecky swam third leg to pick up her 18th worlds gold medal, the most of any woman in meet history. Bella Sims, 16, swam anchor leg. Claire Weinstein, 15, and Leah Smith swam the first two legs. Australia was second in 7:43.86 and Canada third in 7:44.76.

“I think we always find a way to be in the mix,” Ledecky said. “I knew that going into tonight that no matter who’s going to be on that relay, no matter who makes those spots, they’re going to step up and swim well. This was awesome. It’s so easy to get up for these relays, to not think and go. I had so much trust in these three. I think we’re always counted out, and we always deliver so I’m proud of this group.”

In the 200 breaststroke semifinals, middle schooler Sua Moon of Korea was 16th in the semis in 2:26.64. The 13-year-old also swam 1:08.50 in the 100 breaststroke heats.

Thursday prelim events are men’s 100 butterfly, women’s 200 backstroke, men’s 50 freestyle, women’s 50 butterfly, women’s 800 freestyle and men’s 4×200 free relay.

The U.S. added four more medals to its tally of 11 gold, 6 silver and 9 bronze for 26. Australia is second with eight total (2 golds, 5 silver, 1 bronze).

The swimming runs through Saturday 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
Thursday, June 23: 100 women’s freestyle, 200 women’s breaststroke, 200 men’s backstroke, 200 men’s breaststroke, 4×200 men’s freestyle 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.

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 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

Puerto Rico’s Morales Sweeps Backstroke Events; Peru Wins Combined Team Title On Final Day Of Panam Aquatics Age Group Swimming Championships

By Sharon Robb
BALMAIN COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago, June 5, 2022–Yeziel Morales of Puerto Rico made it a clean sweep on the fourth and final day of the Panam Aquatics Age Group Swimming Championships Sunday at National Aquatic Centre.

Morales, 26, who trains with Azura Florida Aquatics and only Florida Gold Coast swimmer in the meet, won the 100-meter backstroke in 56.67, more than 3 seconds ahead of Peru’s Ricardo Willing.

Earlier in the meet, Morales also won the 200-meter backstroke by 7 seconds in 2:02.02 and 50-meter backstroke in 26.40.

“I felt confident going into my races, we put in a lot of training before this meet,” Morales said. “Even though I am not tapered for this meet because we have worlds coming up I am happy with my times.”

Ecuador’s Elvira Demera, 13, was a double winner on the final day in the 11-12 100-meter backstroke in 1:11.88 and 50-meter freestyle in 28.48, both best times.

Peru won the combined team title with 1,149 points ahead of Puerto Rico (1,073) and Trinidad & Tobago (818.5). Host Trinidad & Tobago won the men’s team title with 520.5. Peru also won the women’s team title with 628 points.

Among dignitaries attending the meet was FINA treasurer Dale Neuburger.

“In a single word, it’s been fantastic,” Neuburger told PanAm Aquatics guest interviewer Jordy Groters.

“The easiest thing to do during the pandemic and immediately afterwards is to not do something, to cancel, to say no. The willingness for PanAm Aquatics to host an important event like this and for Trinidad & Tobago’s swimming federation to host this event and all that goes along with it, they really are to be commended for it. It’s so easy to say ‘we can’t do something.’ It takes a lot to do this under tough conditions.”

Several countries chose not to compete because of other meets being held the same week and close proximity of the world championships.

“We had 17 nations here which is tremendous,” Neuburger said. “We are a couple of weeks away from a world championship. This has been a tremendous step forward. The success of this event by word-of-mouth will bring other federations, swimmers and coaches the next time.”

The meet attracted 232 athletes from 17 nations and served as a qualification meet for the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games. The four-day tournament, formally called the UANA Cup, is an elite championship for age group swimmers. The event had athletes from South America, Central America, British Commonwealth and Caribbean.

SUNDAY RESULTS
COMBINED: 1. Peru 1,149, 2. Puerto Rico 1,073, 3. Trinidad & Tobago 818.5, 4. Jamaica 278.5, 5. Honduras 236.5.
WOMEN: 1. Peru 628, 2. Puerto Rico 561, 3. Trinidad & Tobago 250, 4. Jamaica 182, 5. Colombia 142.
MEN: 1. Trinidad & Tobago 520.5, 2. Peru 467, 3. Puerto Rico 460, 4. Honduras 159.5, 5. Surinam 118.

WOMEN
1500-meter freestyle: 11-and-over, 1. Emma Guglielmello, PUR 17:13.24, 2. Danna Moreno, ECU 17:19.51, 3. Tifany Jinete, COL 17:43.77.

100-meter backstroke: 11-12, 1. Elvira Demera, ECU 1:11.88; 13-14, 1. Carolyn Levy-Powell, JAM 1:08.10; 15-17, 1. Alexia Acuna, PER 1:04.21; 18-and-over, 1. Ornella Walker, TTO 1:04.18.

200-meter butterfly: 11-and-over, 1. Yasmin Contreras, PER 2:19.12, 2. Maria Machuca, PER 2:22.30, 3. Jennifer Posada, HON 2:22.61.

50-meter freestyle: 11-12, 1. Elvira Demera, ECU 28.48, 2. Karla Carrizo, PAN 28.94, 3. Astrid Cervantes, PER 29.38.

MEN:
1500-meter freestyle: 11-and-over, 1. Diego Paredes, HON 16:12.43, 2. Caleb Serrano, PUR 16:36.70, 3. Adrian Papi, PER 16:39.62.

100-meter backstroke: 11-12, 1. Esteban Loncharich, PER 1:10.96; 13-14, 1. David Guevara, ECU 1:01.05; 15-17, 1. Zackary Gresham, GRN 59.54; 18-and-over, 1. Yeziel Morales, PUR 56.67.

200-meter butterfly: 11-and-over, 1. Victor Rosado, PUR 2:02.50, 2. Ariel Herrera, ECU 2:07.56, 3. Jose Olivo, PER 2:08.27.

50-meter freestyle: 11-12, 1. Carlos Carmona, PER 26.73; 13-14, 1. Zachary Anthony, TTO 24.79; 15-17, 1. Nikoli Blackman, TTO 22.71; 18-and-over, 1. Ricardo Willing, PER 23.88.

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

Yeziel Morales Wins Second Event On Day Three Of Panam Aquatics Age Group Swimming Championships

By Sharon Robb
BALMAIN COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago, June 4, 2022–Yeziel Morales of Puerto Rico won his second event Saturday at the Panam Aquatics Age Group Swimming Championships on Day Three at National Aquatic Centre.

Morales, 26, who trains with Azura Florida Aquatics, won the 200-meter backstroke by 7 seconds in 2:02.02. He has the 100 backstroke left to swim on Sunday. Morales also won the 50 backstroke in 26.40 on Friday.

Peru continues to lead Puerto Rico in the combined team standings, 932-878. Host Trinidad & Tobago leads the men’s team standings with 440 and Peru continues to lead the women’s teams with 544.

The meet has attracted 232 athletes from 17 countries and is serving as a qualification meet for the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games.

The four-day tournament, formally called the UANA Cup, is an elite championship for age groupers. The event has athletes from South America, Central America, Canada, British Commonwealth and Caribbean.

Sunday’s events are 1500-meter freestyle, 100-meter backstroke, 200-meter butterfly, 50-meter freestyle and 4×50 mixed freestyle relay.

The event is being live streamed on the Panam Sports app. Streaming website: http://www.panamsportschannel.org. Former SOFLO swimmer Alia Atkinson is doing on-deck interviews of the gold medalists.

SATURDAY RESULTS
COMBINED: 1. Peru 932, 2. Puerto Rico 878, 3. Trinidad & Tobago 643, 4. Jamaica 209.5, 5. Honduras 197.5.
WOMEN: 1. Peru 544, 2. Puerto Rico 487, 3. Trinidad & Tobago 203, 4. Jamaica 147, 5. Colombia 113.
MEN: 1. Trinidad & Tobago 440, 2. Puerto Rico 391, 3. Peru 388, 4. Honduras 127.5, 5. Surinam 95.

WOMEN
400-meter freestyle: 11-and-over, 1. Emma Guglielmello, PUR 4:24.46, 2. Tifanny Jinete, COL 4:25.01, 3. Danna Moreno, ECU 4:25.86.

100-meter breaststroke: 11-12, 1. Monica Rivera, PUR 1:27.61; 13-14, 1. Victoria Vazquez, PUR 1:18.79; 15-17, 1. Andrea Cuebas, PUR 1:17.02; 18-and-over, 1. Marissa Mojica, PUR 1:15.92.

200-meter backstroke: 11-and-over, 1. Alexia Acuna, PER 2:19.48, 2. Elizabeth Garrido, DOM 2:23.03, 3. Orenelia Walker, TTO 2:28.36.

50-meter butterfly: 11-12, 1. Elvira Demera, ECU 29.98; 13-14, 1. Yasmin Contreras, PER 29.16; 15-17, 1. Alexia Acuna, PER 28.22; 18-and-over, 1. Rafaela Erazo, PER 28.47.

MEN
400-meter freestyle: 11-and-over, 1. Victor Rosado, PUR 4:00.12, 2. Nikoli Blackman, TTO 4:05.49, 3. Caleb Serrano, PUR 4:06.06.

100-meter breaststroke: 11-12, 1. Ian Melendez, PUR 1:17.61; 13-14, 1. Jorell Figueroa, PUR 1:07.58; 15-17, 1. Braynsly Dirksz, ARU 1:06.34; 18-and-over, 1. Josue Ramos, DOM 1:04.25.

200-meter backstroke: 11-and-over, 1. Yeziel Morales, PUR 2:02.02, 2. Ricardo Willing, PER 2:09.93, 3. Johann-Matthew Matamoro, TTO 2:12.35.

50-meter butterfly: 11-12, 1. Carlos Carmona, PER 28.47; 13-14, 1. Giovanni Rivas, TTO 26.81; 15-17, 1. Nikoli Blackman, TTO 24.92; 18-and-over, 1. Christian Awah, TTO 24.60.

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

Azura’s Yeziel Morales Wins On Day Two Of Panam Aquatics Age Group Swimming Championships

By Sharon Robb
BALMAIN COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago, June 3, 2022–Yeziel Morales, the only Florida Gold Coast swimmer competing in the Panam Aquatics Age Group Swimming Championships, won on Day Two at National Aquatic Centre.

Morales, 26, representing Puerto Rico, won the 50-meter backstroke in 26.40 and finished second in the 100-meter butterfly in 55.22 in the 18-and-over category on Friday. Morales trains with Azura Florida Aquatics.

Ecuador’s Elvira De Los Angele Espinosa Demera was a double winner in the 11-12 category. Demera won the 200-meter freestyle in a best time 2:12.08, dropping 2.21 and 100-meter butterfly in 1:06.63, another best time dropping 0.99.

Hometown favorite Nikoli Blackman, 16, of Trinidad & Tobago won his second event of the meet. After winning the 100-meter freestyle in a best time 50.91 on Thursday, won the 200-meter freestyle in a best time 1:53.39.

Peru overtook Puerto Rico to lead the combined team standings, 675-644. Host Trinidad & Tobago leads the men’s team standings with 301 and Peru continues to lead the women’s teams with 398.

The meet has attracted 232 athletes from 17 countries and is serving as a qualification meet for the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games.

The four-day meet, formally called the UANA Cup, is an elite championship for age groupers. The event has athletes from South America, Central America, Canada, British Commonwealth and Caribbean.

Saturday’s events are 400-meter freestyle, 100-meter breaststroke, 200-meter backstroke, 50-meter butterfly, and 4×200-meter freestyle relay.

The event is being live streamed on the Panam Sports app. Streaming website: http://www.panamsportschannel.org. Former SOFLO swimmer Alia Atkinson is doing on-deck interviews of the gold medalists.

FRIDAY RESULTS
COMBINED: 1. Peru 675, 2. Puerto Rico 644, 3. Trinidad & Tobago 435, 4. Honduras 158.5, 5. Jamaica 149.5.
WOMEN: 1. Peru 398, 2. Puerto Rico 352, 3. Trinidad & Tobago 134, 4. Jamaica 106, 5. Colombia 82.
MEN: 1. Trinidad & Tobago 301, 2. Puerto Rico 292, 3. Peru 277, 4. Honduras 105.5, 5. Surinam 77.

WOMEN
400-meter individual medley: 11-and-over, 1. Maria Machuca, PER 5:05.85.

200-meter freestyle: 11-12, 1. Elvira Demera, ECU 2:12.08; 13-14, 1. Tifanny Jinete, COL 2:06.60; 15-17, 1. Danna Moreno, ECU 2:07.44; 18-and-over, 1. Jessica Cattaneo, PER 2:07.24.

100-meter butterfly: 11-12, 1. Elvira Demera, ECU 1:06.63; 13-14, 1. Yasmin Contreras, PER 1:03.64; 15-17, 1. Ella Alvarez, PER 1:04.47; 18-and-over, 1. Jennifer Posada, HON 1:04.02.

200-meter breaststroke: 11-and-over, 1. Adriana Cornejo, PER 2:44.54.

50-meter backstroke: 11-12, 1. Karla Carrizo, PAN 33.98; 13-14, 1. Leah Chin, JAM 31.57; 15-17, 1. Alexia Acuna, PER 29.88; 18-and-over, 1. Ornella Walker, TTO 29.89.

MEN
400-meter individual medley: 11-and-over, 1. Xavier Flores, PUR 4:36.87.

200-meter freestyle: 11-12, 1. Felipe Nunez, HON 2:13.25; 13-14, 1. Caleb Serrano, PUR 1:56.60; 15-17, 1. Nikoli Blackman, TTO 1:53.39; 18-and-over, 1. Victor Rosado, PUR 1:54.15.

100-meter butterfly: 11-12, 1. Andres Vigil, PER 1:05.93; 13-14, 1. Giovanni Rivas, TTO 58.27; 15-17, 1. Ariel Herrera, ECU 56.02; 18-and-over, 1. Cadell Lyons, TTO 55.84, 2. Yeziel Morales, PUR/AZURA 55.22.

200-meter breaststroke: 11-and-over, 1. Xavier Flores, PUR 2:21.92.

50-meter backstroke: 11-12, 1. Zachary Burke, BAR 32.40; 13-14, 1. Cristobal Buchholtz, PER 28.59; 15-17, 1. Johann Matamoro, TTO 27.81; 18-and-over, 1. Yeziel Morales, PUR/AZURA 26.40.

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

Trinidad’s Agard Double Winner On Day One Of Panam Aquatics Age Group Swimming Championships; Morales Swims Friday

By Sharon Robb
BALMAIN COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago, June 2, 2022–With the hometown crowd cheering him on, Alejandro Johann Agard was a double winner for Trinidad & Tobago on Day One of the Panam Aquatics Age Group Swimming Championships Thursday at National Aquatic Centre.

Agard, 12, won his country’s first gold medal in the 11-12 200-meter individual medley in 2:30.93. He also won the 50-meter breaststroke in 35.70.

Caleb Romero Serrano, 14, of Puerto Rico won the 13-14 200-meter individual medley in 2:16.93 for his first major IM title and first time under 2:18.

Christanya Shirley, 14, won Jamaica’s first gold medal in the 13-14 50-meter breaststroke in a best time 35.24, lowering her previous best of 35.63. It was her country’s first medal ever in the race.

Bransly Dirksz, 16, of Aruba won his country’s first gold medal in the 15-17 50-meter breaststroke with a best time 29.67. Dirksz had won CARIFTA gold in the Barbados earlier this year in 29.97.

Azura’s Yeziel Morales, 26, representing Puerto Rico, will compete Friday in the first of four events he entered. He will swim the 18-and-over 100-meter butterfly.

Puerto Rico leads the combined and men’s team standings and Peru leads the women’s teams.

The meet has attracted 232 athletes from 17 countries and is serving as a qualification meet for the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games.

The four-day tournament, formally called the UANA Cup, is an elite championship for age groupers. The event has athletes from South America, Central America, Canada, British Commonwealth and Caribbean.

Friday’s events are 400 IM, 200 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 200 breaststroke, 50 backstroke, 4×50 and 4×100 freestyle relays.

The event is being live streamed on the Panam Sports app. Streaming website: http://www.panamsportschannel.org.

THURSDAY RESULTS
COMBINED: 1. Puerto Rico 317.5, 2. Peru 313, 3. Trinidad & Tobago 203, 4. Honduras 74.5, 5. Jamaica 71.5.
WOMEN: 1. Peru 187, 2. Puerto Rico 177, 3. Trinidad & Tobago 64, 4. Jamaica 49, 5. Colombia 44.
MEN: 1. Puerto Rico 140.5, 2. Trinidad & Tobago 139, 3. Peru 126, 4. Honduras 55.55, 5. Surinam 39.

WOMEN
800-meter freestyle:
13-14, 1. Tifany Murillo Jinete, COL 9:14.79; 15-17, 1. Emma Sophia Guglielmello PUR 9:02.47; 18-and-over, 1. Jennifer Posada, HON 9:28.66.

200-meter individual medley:
11-12, 1. Astrid Cervantes, PER 2:39.04; 13-14, 1. Lia Lugo, PER 2:31.11; 15-17, 1. Ella Alvarez, PER 2:24.15; 18-and-over, 1. Maria Machuca, PER 2:23.97.

50-meter breaststroke: 11-12, 1. Ana Cornejo, PER 39.45; 13-14, 1. Christanya Shirley, JAM 35.24; 15-17, 1. Andrea Cuebas, PUR 35.63; 18-and-over, 1. Marissa Mojica, PUR 34.05.

100-meter freestyle: 11-12, 1. Elvira Demera, ECU 1:00.90; 13-14, 1. Tifanny Jinete, COL 59.15; 15-17, 1. Alanis Maceira, PUR 58.77; 18-and-over, 1. Rafaela Erazo, PER 57.39.

MEN
800-meter freestyle: 11-and-over, 1. Victor Rosado, PUR 8:30.44.

200-meter individual medley: 11-12, 1. Alejandro Agard, TTO 2:30.93; 13-14, 1. Caleb Serrano, PUR 2:16.93; 15-17, 1. Xavier Flores, PUR 2:11.44; 18-and-over, 1. Luis Mercado, PER 2:17.32.

50-meter breaststroke: 11-12, 1. Alejandro Agard, TTO 35.70; 13-14, 1. Jorell Figueroa, PUR 31.01; 15-17, 1. Baynsly, Dirksz, ARU 29.67; 18-and-over, 1. Josue Ramos, DOM 28.46.

100-meter freestyle: 11-12, 1. Chris Soeperman, SUR 59.93; 13-14, 1. Zachary Anthony, TTO 53.99; 15-17, 1. Nikoli Blackman, TTO 50.91; 18-and-over, 1. Ricardo Willing PER 52.52.

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

Julio Horrego Top SOFLO Finisher On Final Day Of USA Swimming Southern Zone South Sectionals; Sarasota Sharks, Azura Win Team Titles

By Sharon Robb
ORLANDO, February 13, 2022–Julio Horrego of South Florida Aquatic Club wrapped up a successful meet Sunday at the USA Swimming Southern Zone South Sectional Championships at Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympian for Honduras was second in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:17.35, off his best time of 2:16.40 swum in 2018. U.S. Olympian Michel Andrew won in 2:14.98.

The 23-year-old finished with a first in the 100 breaststroke, second in the 200 IM, third in the 50 breaststroke, sixth in the 200-meter medley relay and 33rd in the 50 freestyle. Horrego scored 70 points.

SOFLO teammates Izzy Wilson was eighth in the 1500-meter freetyle in a best time 17:44.32, with an impressive time drop of 6.13. Maddy Smutny was eighth in the 200-meter butterfly in 2:20.01. Olivia Dinehart was sixth in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:40.90. Elena Dinehart was tenth in the 200-meter backstroke in 2:23.17. Wisthon Rendon was tenth in the 200-meter butterfly in 2:08.37.

SOFLO’s women’s 400-meter freestyle relay was third in 4:03.36 with Elena Dinehart, Olivia Dinehart, Mallory Schleicher and Maddy Smutny.

Winners on the final day:
Katie Ledecky, swimming unattached for the Gator Swim Club, finished her perfect showing with a win in the 1500-meter freestyle in 15:40.63.University of Florida’s Aryan Nehra, swimming unattached, won the 1500-meter freestyle in 15:54.17.

University of Alabama-bound Lockett Bowley won the 200-meter butterfly in 2:13.61, three seconds ahead of Michaela Mattes of Sarasota Sharks.

Bolles Martin Espernberger, a finalist in the Austrian Euro Junior Championships, won the 200-meter butterfly in 2:01.25.

Marina Spadoni won the 100-meter freesyle in 56.53 ahead of Addison Sauickie of Sarasota Sharks in 56.65 and Blair Stoneburg of Treasure Coast Aquatics in 57.28.

Stanford-bound Andres Dupont Cabrera of Bolles won the 100-meter freestyle in 50.94.

Gracie Weyant of Sarasota Sharks won the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:33.10.

Canadian Megan Wheeler won the 200-meter backstroke in 2:15.21.

Azura’s Yeziel Morales, a Puerto Rican national record holder, won the 200-meter backstroke in 2:01.83 to finish a sweep of three backstroke events.

Sarasota Sharks won the combined team title (609.5) and women’s team title (360.5). Azura Florida Aquatics won the men’s team title (310.5).

Two-time defending champion SOFLO finished fifth in combined with 215 points, sixth in the men’s competition and eighth in the women’s competition.

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.

SOFLO had 34 swimmers qualify in 151 individual events and has 20 relay teams in 10 relay events.

SUNDAY RESULTS
COMBINED TEAM TOTALS: 1. Sarasota Sharks 609.5, 2. Azura 542.5, 3. Bolles 462, 4. Gator Swim Club 302, 5. South Florida Aquatic Club 215, 6. Trinity Prep 197, 7. Sarasota Tsunami 171, 8. Academy Aquatic Club 165, 9. Blue Dolfins 161.5, 10. St. Andrew’s Aquatics 137.

WOMEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Sarasota Sharks 360.5, 2. Azura 232, 3. Nepean Kanata Barracudas 184, 4. Bolles 155, 5. Blue Dolfins 118.5, 6. Gator Swim Club 111, 7. St. Andrew’s Aquatics 93, 8. South Florida Aquatic Club 84, 9. Academy Aquatic Club 76, 10. Unattached Gator Swim Club 60.

MEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Azura Florida Aquatics 310.5, 2. Bolles 307, 3. Sarasota Sharks 249, 4. Trinity Prep 195, 5. Gator Swim Club 191, 6. South Florida Aquatic Club 131, 7. Sarasota Tsunami 113, 8. Academy Aquatic CLub 89, 9. Rocoa Rockets 81, 10. Olympus Swimming Club 45, 11. St. Andrew’s Aquatics 44.

WOMEN
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Ledecky, UN 15:40.63, 2. Michaela Mattes, SYS 16:29.86, 3. Blair Stoneburg, TCA 16:53.33; SOFLO: 8. Isabelle Wilson 17:44.32, time drop 6.13; FGC: 15. Jessica Smith, WOW 18:09.26, 16. Siena Griffiths, SAS 18:18.36, 19. Fatima Portillo, Azura 18:29.05, 21. Corley Smith, FKSC 18:56.20.

200-meter butterfly: 1. Lockett Bowley, BD 2:13.61, 2. Michaela Mattes, SYS 2:16.33, 3. Isabella Lojewski, BD 2:17.11; SOFLO: 8. Maddy Smutny 2:20.01, 21. Elena Dinehart 2:24.06; FGC: 6. Julimar Avila, Azura 2:18.74, 7. Heidi Smithwick, JUP 2:19.26; 9. Gabriela Robles Cortes, Azura 2:21.42, 22. Mariana Cote, MWA 2:26.23.

100-meter freestyle: 1. Marina Spadoni, UN 56.53, 2. Addison Sauickie, SYS 56.65, 3. Blair Stoneburg, TCA 57.28; SOFLO: 21. Olivia Dinehart 59.95; FGC: 11. Sirena Rowe, Azura 58.74.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Gracie Weyant, SYS 2:33.10, 2. Emily Santos, MVA 2:35.90, 3. Julie Brousseau, NKB 2:36.36; SOFLO: 6. Olivia Dinehart 2:40.90, 23. Sabrina Osorio 2:50.13, time drop 0.36; FGC: 9. Reese Andres, SAS 2:42.90, 18. Kate Kaplan, CC 2:47.30.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Megan Wheeler, NKB 2:15.21, 2. Brooke Manning, UN 2:17.78, 3. Sarah Sensenbrenner, SYS 2:18.64; SOFLO: 10. Elena Deinhart 2:23.17, 17. Mallory Schleicher 2:24.47, time drop 0.79; FGC: 13. Brynn Stoneburg, TCA 2:25.96, 19. Erin Miller, SAS 2:26.97.

400-meter freestyle relay: 1. Azura 3:56.46 (Nicole Frank Rodriguez, Sirena Rowe, Michaela Sierra, Julimar Avila), 2. Nepean Kanata Barracudas 3:59.27, 3. SOFLO A 4:03.36 (Elena Dinehart, Olivia Dinehart, Mallory Schleicher, Maddy Smutny), 10. SOFLO B 4:11.32 (Nat Gembicki, Sally Golding, Gabriella DeLuna, Ana Villamil).

MEN
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Aryan Nehra, UN 15:54.17, 2. Advait Page, UN 16:04.59, 3. Ryan Erisman, LAK 16:18.93; SOFLO: 18. Ivan Grass 17:21.83, 20. Mateo Shearer, HAT 17:29.98, 23. Hashan Ekanayake 17:46.01.

200-meter butterfly: 1. Martin Espernberger, Bolles 2:01.25, 2. Gage Hulbert, Bolles 2:02.10, 3. Michael Mullen, Bolles 2:03.71; SOFLO: 10. Wisthon Rendon 2:08.37, 20. Enrique Rodriguez 2:13.27; FGC: 4. Dario Martin 2:05.63, 6. Gabriel Araya, Azura 2:07.04, 9. Landon Kyser, HAT 2:06.77, 23. Alfredo Dominguez, BMHG 2:14.96, 24. Nikita Efimov, OSC 2:17.17.

100-meter freestyle: 1. Andres Dupont Cabrera, Bolles 50.94, 2. Leif Bouwman, UN 52.41, 3. Jack Hall, Bolles 52.93; FGC: 9. Jayhan Odlum-Smith, Azura 53.10, 10. Esteban Nunez Del Prado, Azura 53.23, 15. Chase Foulds, SAS 54.19.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Michael Andrew, MASA 2:14.98, 2. Julio Horrego, SOFLO 2:17.35, time drop 0.16, 3. Dario Martin, OSC 2:22.03; SOFLO: 17. Javier Colmenares 2:27.54; FGC: 5. Giulian Martin CANE 2:23.26, 18. Lucas Young, CANE 2:28.60, 22. Gabriel Navarro, NMST 2:32.97.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Yeziel Morales, Azura 2:01.83, 2. Amadeusz Knop, SYS 2:04.21, 3. Luigi Granco, TPA 205.71; SOFLO: 19. Wisthon Rendon 2:14.54, 20. Austin Nelson 2:15.25, time drop 2.87; FGC: 4. Carlos Cobos, UN 2:05.92, 7. Patrick Doyle, SUN 2:10.93.

400-meter freestyle relay: 1. Azura A 3:32.26 (Davidson Vincent, Esteban Nunez Del Prado, Gabriel Araya, Yeziel Morales), 2. Trinity Prep 3:35.91, 3. Academy AC 3:37.98, 5. SOFLO A 3:43.56 (Alex Golding, Enrique Rodriguez, Javier Colmenares, Aldo Zepeda).

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

SOFLO’s Alia Atkinson Heads Large Florida Gold Coast Contingent At FINA Short Course World Championships; Big Prize Money On The Line

By Sharon Robb
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, December 13, 2021–World record holder Alia Atkinson is expected to take her final bow this week at the 15th FINA Short Course World Championships at Etihad Arena.

The five-day meet begins Thursday and ends Tuesday, Dec. 21. Etihad Arena is Yas Island’s new multi-purpose arena set on the stunning waterfront at Yas Bay.

Atkinson will be joined by SOFLO teammate and 2020 Olympian Julio Horrego, representing Honduras.

Atkinson, a five-time Jamaican Olympian who turned 33 on Dec. 11, is expected to retire from the sport at the end of the year. She recently completed her International Swimming League season with the London Roar, that finished third in the final playoffs.

Atkinson competed in her fifth Olympics in Tokyo where she finished third in her 100-meter breaststroke heat and failed to qualify for the semifinals. She did final in London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016 where she finished fourth and eighth respectively.

She told the Jamaica Observer, “If you see me next year, then ask me what happened because that’s not the plan right now.”

Atkinson announced after Tokyo it was her final Olympic appearance.

“It’s funny, looking back the years went by so fast and before I realized it I was looking at the end of it,” Atkinson said. “I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.”

Atkinson won the 100-meter breaststroke at the 2014 FINA Short Course World Championships in Doha, Qatar. She tied the World Record and gave Jamaica its first swimming gold medal at World Championships. She also took silver in the 50-meter breaststroke in Doha.

The following August, she became the first Jamaican swimmer to win a long course worlds medal when she took bronze in the 100-meter breaststroke and silver in the 50-meter breaststroke at the 2015 FINA World Championships in Kazan.

Atkinson broke her own world record (28.64) in the 50-meter breaststroke (28.56) at the short course meters 2018 World Cup. Later that year she added two more World Championship gold medals in the 50- and 100-meter breaststrokes and bronze in the 100-meter individual medley.

FINA announced the prize money pool for the meet is more than $2.8 million, including a 50 percent increase in prize money for individual swimmers. There will also be a $50,000 bonus for any swimmer who breaks a world record.

The top eight individual payoffs for first through eighth place are $10,000, $8,000, $7,000, $6,000, $5,000, $4,000, $3,000 and $2,000.

In addition to Atkinson and Horrego, the Florida Gold Coast will be well-represented.

Azura Florida Aquatics is sending eight swimmers. They are Steven Aimable, Senegal; Julimar Avila, Honduras; Nicole Frank, Uruguay; Yeziel Morales, Puerto Rico; Maria Fe Munoz, Peru; Kerry Ollivierre, Grenada; Joaquin Vargas, Peru; and Sidrell Williams, Jamaica.

American Heritage Plantation alum and two-time Olympian Dylan Carter will represent Trinidad and Tobago.

St. Andrew’s alum and Florida State swimmer Izaak Bastian will represent the Bahamas.

Gulliver Prep alum and University of Florida senior Miguel Cancel, who trains summers at SOFLO, will represent Puerto Rico.

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

Pine Crest’s Julia Podkoscielny Takes Home Second Medal On Final Day Of Toyota U.S. Open

By Sharon Robb
GREENSBORO, N.C., December 4, 2021–Julia Podkoscielny of Pine Crest Swimming finished a great week of swimming with another medal at the Toyota U.S. Open Championships Saturday at Greensboro Aquatic Center.

She closed out her impressive U.S. Open debut with a third place in the 200-meter backstroke in a best time 2:12.42, shaving 1.74 seconds off her previous best of 2:14.16. She was fifth fastest qualifier in 2:13.87, first dropping 0.29 off her previous best. She was also 27th in the 100-meter freestyle in 58.40.

The University of Florida commit and U.S. national junior team member also took a silver medal in the 400-meter individual medley in a best time 4:43.57, dropping 1.26 off her previous best.

Azura Florida Aquatics’ Yeziel Morales was fourth in the 200-meter backstroke in 2:01.29.

Blair Stoneburg, 17, of Treasure Coast Aquatics, another member of the U.S. Junior National team, was eighth in the 1500-meter freestyle in 16:56.05. She was 24th in the 100-meter freestyle in 58.46.

University of Florida’s Kathleen Golding, 21, was 19th in the 100-meter freestyle in 57.61.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego scratched from the 200-meter breaststroke. He sustained a strained groin during the start of the 100-meter breaststroke.

Other notables and local swimmers in action were:

World record holder and Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky, competing unattached for Florida, won the 1500-meter freestyle in 15:45.32.

Florida’s two-time Olympic champion Bobby Finke pulled away late in the race for a two-body length lead to win in 15:04.77.

Stanford freshman Regan Smith, swimming unattached won the 200-meter backstroke in a U.S. Open record 2:07.09 and 200-meter butterfly in 2:10.58. The backstroke time was the second oldest U.S. Open record, 2:08.42 set by Hayley McGregory in 2008. Smith is world record holder in the event.

WOMEN
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Ledecky, Unattached-Florida 15:45.32, 2. Sierra Schmidt, Scottsdale Aquatic Club 16:21.56, 3. Elise Bauer, Florida 16:32.55, 8. Blair Stoneburg, Treasure Coast Aquatics 16:56.05.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Regan Smith, Unattached 2:07.09, 2. Leah Smith, Texas 2:11.26, 3. Julia Podkoscielny, Pine Crest Swimming 2:12.42, best time dropping 1.74, her previous best was 2:14.16.

100-meter freestyle: 1. Mallory Comerford, Cardinals 54.74, 2. Arina Openysheva, Louisville 55.23, 3. Camille Spink, Nation’s Capital 55.44.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Ahryoung Kim, Korea 2:29.86, 2. Abby Hay. Louisville 2:30.51, 3. Tylor Mathieu, Florida 2:32.73.

200-meter butterfly: 1. Regan Smith, Unattached 2:10.58, 2. Leah Gingrich, Hurricanes 2:11.02, 3. Amanda Ray, Florida 2:11.51.

MEN
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Bobby Finke, Florida 15:04.77, 2. Charlie Clark, Ohio State 15:07.53, 3. Trey Freeman, Florida 15:24.83.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Vaggelis Makrygiannis, Unattached 2:00.48, 2. Baylor Nelson, SwimMAC 2:00.85, 3. Richie Stokes, UCSC 2:01.24.

100-meter freestyle: 1. Andrej Barna, Cardinals 48.44, 2. Gus Borges, PRVT 49.40, 3. Tate Jackson, NITRO 49.52

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Brandon Fischer, Unattached 2:13.21, 2. Raphael Rached Windmuller, Florida 2:15.92, 3. Marcus Mok, Unattached 2:16.80.

200-meter butterfly: 1. Minseop Kim, Korea 1:59.30, 2. Junheon Hwangbo, Korea 1:59.33, 3. Thomas Heilman, Cal State 1:59.87.

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

SOFLO’s Horrego Finals; Pine Crest’s Podkoscielny Takes Silver; Florida’s Golding Wins Second B Final On Day Three Of Toyota U.S. Open

By Sharon Robb
GREENSBORO, N.C., December 3, 2021–It was another great day of racing for Florida Gold Coast swimmers at the Toyota U.S. Open Championships Friday at Greensboro Aquatic Center.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s Julio Horrego, 23, competing in his first meet since representing Honduras at the Tokyo Olympics, was eighth in the 100-meter breaststroke finals in 1:03.79. He was fifth fastest in prelims in 1:02.67.

Pine Crest Swimming’s Julia Podkoscielny, 17, is making her U.S. Open debut a memorable one.

The University of Florida commit and U.S. national junior team member finished second in the 400-meter individual medley final in a best time and team record 4:43.57, dropping 1.26. Her previous best was 4:44.83. She was second fastest in morning prelims in 4:47.63

After falling behind in the opening butterfly and backstroke legs, she worked her way back into contention moving up on her breaststroke leg, just 2.57 behind leader Leah Smith of Texas and came home strong on the final freestyle leg.

Podkoscielny was also 11th in the 100-meter backstroke prelims in a best time of 1:03.41, a time drop of 0.40 off her previous best of 1:03.81. She scratched from consos.

University of Florida’s Kathleen Golding, 21, of SOFLO, won the B consolation of the 200-meter freestyle in 2:01.55. Golding was also fifth in the 400-meter individual medley in 4:49.82. She was eighth fastest in prelims in 4:53.68 to make her first A final of the meet. She has the 200- and 100-meter freestyle events left to swim.

Blair Stoneburg, 17, of Treasure Coast Aquatics, another member of the U.S. Junior National team, was fourth in the B consolation in the 200-meter freestyle and 12th overall in 2:03.24. She has the 1500 and 100-meter freestyles left to swim.

Azura Florida Aquatics had two swimmers in the B consolation of the men’s 100-meter butterfly. Kuwait two-time Olympian Abbas Qali was second in consos and tenth overall in 54.58 and Haitian Olympian Davidson Vincent was sixth in consos and 14th in 55.45.

Yeziel Morales of Azura was fifth in the 100-meter backstroke finals in 56.11. Azura teammate Rashed Al-Tarmoom wass fifth in the 100-meter breaststroke consos in 1:04.30.

Other notables and local swimmers in action were:

Seven-time Olympic champion Katie Ledecky, swimming unattached for Florida, won the 200-meter freestyle in 1:55.47, her third U.S. Open meet record of the week. She broke the meet record first in morning prelims in 1:56.06.

With his blazing closing speed, University of Florida’s Bobby Finke overcame early leader Baylor Nelson to win the 400-meter individual medley in 4:17.39. Nelson finished in 4:17.61.

The final day of the meet is being live streamed at usaswimming.org. Results can be found on Meet Mobile

WOMEN
400-meter individual medley: 1. Leah Smith, Texas Longhorns 4:38.89, 2. Julia Podkoscielny, Pine Crest Swimming 4:43.57, 3. Ella Jansen, Etobicoke 4:44.11, 5. Kathleen Golding, Florida 4:49.82.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Mabel Zavaros, Florida 1:00.05, 2. Autumn D’Arcy, Cal State Bakersfield 1:00.24, 3. Sydney Lu, Pleasanton Seahawks 1:00.39.

200-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Ledecky, Unattached-Florida 1:55.47, 2. Erin Gemmell, Nation’s Capital 1:58.61, 3. Julia Mrozinski, Tennessee 1:59.85.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Hannah Bach, Ohio State 1:09.01, 2. tie, Jinq En Phee, Malaysia 1:10.28 and Tylor Mathieu, Florida 1:10.28.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Regan Smith, Unattached 58.69, 2. Kobie Melton, Arkansas 1:01.91, 3. Anya Mostek, Phoenixville YMCA 1:01.93.

MEN
400-meter individual medley: 1. Bobby Finke, Florida 4:17.39, 2. Baylor Nelson, SwimMAC 4:17.61, 3. Collyn Gagne, Simon Fraser 4:19.43.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Eric Friese, Florida 52.56, 2. Thomas Heilman, Cavalier Aquatics 53.27, 3. Lago Moussalem Amaral, Unattached 53.59.

200-meter freestyle: 1. Trey Freeman, Florida 1:47.90, 2. Hoe Yean Khiew, Malaysia 1:49.00, 3. Oskar Lindholm, Florida 1:50.63.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Reid Mikuta, Auburn 1:01.35, 2. Noah Nichols, Virginia 1:01.41, 3. Brandon Fischer, Unattached 1:02.26, 8. Julio Horrego, SOFLO 1:03.79.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Vaggelis Makrygiannis, Unattached 54.06, 2. Sam Stewart, Club Kick Start 54.70, 3. Adam Chaney, Florida 55.43.

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