2016 Arena Pro Swim Series Indianapolis: Day One Prelims Live Recap

2016 ARENA PRO SWIM SERIES AT INDIANAPOLIS

Women’s 200 Meter Freestyle

Top 8 Women:

  1. Leah Smith – 1:56.66
  2. Melanie Margalis – 1:59.24
  3. Vien Nguyen – 1:59.47
  4. Hali Flickinger – 1:59.90
  5. Brittany MacLean – 1:59.99
  6. Allie Davis – 2:00.02
  7. Andrea Pinto – 2:00.26
  8. Rebecca Postool – 2:00.63

Leah Smith opened up this morning’s prelim session with a fantastic swim in the women’s 200 freestyle. Smith won the second to last heat in a time of 1:56.66. Her time beats her lifetime best of 1:57.26, which she posted at the Arena Pro Swim Series in Charlotte in early May. Smith’s time now puts her 14th in the world rankings.

Herย time was over two seconds faster than Melanie Margalis who recorded a time of 1:59.24. There were three other women under the two minute mark. Vien Nguyen (1:59.47), Hali Flickinger (1:59.90) and Brittany MacLean (1:59.99). Coming into the competition MacLean was the top seed having put up a 1:56.94 at the Canadian Olympic Trials, a time which ranks 16th in the world.

Allie Davis was the sixth fastest qualifier (2:00.02) followed by Andrea Pinto (2:00.26) and Rebecca Postool (2:00.63).

Men’s 200 Meter Freestyle

Top 8 Men

  1. Zheng Wen Quah – 1:49.48
  2. Michael Wynalda – 1:49.51
  3. Michael Klueh – 1:49.71
  4. Michael Weiss – 1:49.76
  5. Anders Nielsen – 1:49.85
  6. Connor Jaeger – 1:50.06
  7. Jay Litherland – 1:50.24
  8. Justin Glanda – 1:50.47

Zheng Wen Quah of Singapore was the top qualifier in the men’s 200 freestyle recording a time of 1:49.48. Quah went outย almost a second faster than the next fastest qualifier turning at the 100 meter mark in a time of 52.89. Michael Wynalda was the second fastest qualifier hitting the wall in a time of 1:49.51.

There were three other men under the 1:50 mark; Michael Klueh (1:49.71), Michael Weiss (1:49.76) and Anders Nielsen (1:49.85).

Connor Jaeger, who is the top ranked entrant in the 400 and 1500 freestyle, was the sixth fastest qualifier putting up a time of 1:50.06. Jay Litherland, who is the top seed in the 400 IM, which is also scheduled for this morning, posted a 1:50.24 followed by Justin Glanda who finished in a time of 1:50.47.

Joao De Lucca, who was the top seed in the event, finished 17th in a time of 1:51.37.

Women’s 100 Meter Breaststroke

Top 8 Women:

  1. Andrea Cottrell – 1:08.54
  2. Annie Lazor – 1:08.58
  3. Melanie Margalis – 1:08.59
  4. Zoe Bartel – 1:09.10
  5. Micah Lawrence – 1:09.10
  6. Miranda Tucker – 1:09.30
  7. Katharine Ross – 1:09.48
  8. Emily Fogle – 1:09.55

Andrea Cottrell put up the top time recording a time of 1:08.54. She was followed closely by Annie Lazor (1:08.58) and Melanie Margalis (1:08.59). Margalis had already swum the 200 freestyle qualifying for the final with the second fastest time.

Zoe Bartel had the fourth fastest time of 1:09.01 followed by Micah Lawrence (1:09.10), Miranda Tucker (1:09.30), Katharine Ross (1:09.48) and Emily Fogle (1:09.55).

Lilly King, who ranks second in the world and Hilda Luthersdottir, who ranks ninth in the world, both decided not to swim the event.

Men’s 100 Meter Breaststroke

Top 8 Men:

  1. Nic Fink – 59.93
  2. Cody Miller – 1:00.37
  3. Kevin Cordes – 1:00.93
  4. Sam Tierney – 1:01.65
  5. Carlos Claverie – 1:02.16
  6. Yin Lionel Khoo – 1:02.94
  7. Calum Tait – 1:03.09
  8. Anthony Albracht – 1:03.33

Nic Fink was the top qualifier in the men’s 100 breaststroke putting up at time of 59.93. Coming into the competition Fink was one of two Americans ranked in the world’s top 20 with a time of 1:00.00, which he posted at the Paris-Chartres World Cup event in August. ย His time this morning moves him up to 13th in the world rankings.

Cody Miller was the second fastest qualifier posting a 1:00.37 followed by Kevin Cordes who finished in a time of 1:00.93. Sam Tierney, who ranks 24th in the world having put up a 1:00.15 in December, hit the wall in a time of 1:01.65. He was followed by Carlos Claverie (1:02.16), Yin Lionel Khoo (1:02.94), Calum Tait (1:03.09) and Anthony Albracht (1;03.33).

Women’s 100 Meter Butterfly

Top 8 Women:

  1. Kelsi Worrell – 58.10
  2. Christina Bechtel – 59.60
  3. Ivy Martin – 59.90
  4. Maggie MacNeill – 1:00.17
  5. Veronica Burchill – 1:00.28
  6. Hali Flickinger – 1:00.32
  7. Dana Grindall – 1:00.56
  8. Bailey Nero – 1:00.65

Kesli Worrell, the Pan American Games gold medalist, was the top qualifier in the women’s 100 butterfly posting a time of 58.10. Worrell was over a second faster than the next competitor and her time puts her 23rd in the world rankings.

There were two other women under the one minute mark; Christina Bechtel (59.60) and Ivy Martin (59.90). Maggie MacNeill was the fourth fastest qualifier recording a time of 1:00.17 followed by Veronica Burchill (1:00.28), Hali Flickinger (1:00.32), Dana Grindall (1:00.56) and Bailey Neron (1:00.65).

Men’s 100 Meter Butterfly

Top 8 Men:

  1. Zheng Wen Quah – 52.89
  2. Santo Condorelli – 43.32
  3. Dylan Bosch – 53.40
  4. Sean Campsie – 53.81
  5. Albert Subirats – 54.28
  6. David Boland – 54.48
  7. Mack Darragh – 54.51
  8. Joshua Quallen – 54.53

Zheng Wen Quah was the top qualifier for the second time in an event this morning. Quah had the fastest 200 freestyle in prelims and followed that up posting the morning’s top time in the 100 butterfly. Quah hit the wall in a time of 52.89.

Santo Condorelli was the next fastest qualifier recording a 53.32 followed by Dylan Bosch who touched in a time of 53.40. Sean Campsie was the fourth fastest qualifier finishing in a time of 53.81 followed by Albert Subirats (54.28), David Boland (54.48), Mack Darragh (54.51) and Joshua Quallen (54.53).

Women’s 400 Meter Individual Medley

Top 8 Women:

  1. Vien Nguyen – 4:44.40
  2. Brooke Forde – 4:46.07
  3. Emily Cameron – 4:47.32
  4. Kaitlyn Jones – 4:48.26
  5. Rachel Bradford-Feldman – 4:48.31
  6. Lauren Edelman – 4:49.23
  7. Kathryn Painter – 4:49.81
  8. Sharlene Brady – 4:52.18

Vien Nguyen was the top qualifier in the women’s 400 IM recording a time of 4:44.40. Nguyen was followed by Brooke Forde who posted a 4:46.07 and Emily Cameron who touched in a time of 4:47.32.

Kaitlyn Jones had the fourth fastest time of the hitting the wall in a time of 4:48.26 followed by Rachel Bradford-Feldman (4:48.31), Lauren Edelman (4:49.23), Kathryn Painter (4:49.81) and Sharlene Brady (4:52.18).

Men’s 400 Meter Individual Medley

Top 8 Men:

  1. Jay Litherland – 4:24.22
  2. Gunnar Bentz – 4:24.59
  3. Michael Weiss – 4:25.67
  4. Ian Rainey – 4:25.74
  5. Nolan Tesone – 4:26.20
  6. Ryan Massey – 4:26.45
  7. Cameron Stitt – 4:27.79
  8. Dylan Ludahy – 4:28.52

Jay Litherland qualified for his second final of the day holding onto the top seed in the men’s 400 IM recording a time of 4:24.22. Earlier in the morning Litherland qualified for the 200 freestyle with the seventh fastest time of the prelims.

Gunnar Bentz was the next fastest qualifier posting a time of 4:24.59 followed Michael Weiss who touched in a time of 4:25.67.

Ian Rainey was the fourth fastest qualifier hitting the wall in a time of 4:25.74 followed by Nolan Tesone (4:26.20), Ryan Massey (4:26.45), Cameron Stitt (4:27.79) and Dylan Ludahy (4:28.52).

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phelps swims 200 breast rio
7 years ago

I’m a big fan of Michael Klueh. It’s good to see him swimming well. I hope he does great tonight in the 200 free. I wish him the best in Omaha.

Sam
7 years ago

Ledecky goes fast in prelims all the time (1500 world record in the heats in Kazan) and everyone is mesmerized. Hosszu has been within striking distance of the 400 im world record in multiple prelim swims this season and everyone is mesmerized. Leah Smith who has more than likely started her taper goes a pb in the prelims and everyone loses their heads

taa
Reply to  Sam
7 years ago

Its too early for a 400M swimmer to start taper? She is just on fire and headed below 1:56

Brownish
Reply to  Sam
7 years ago

Katinka wants that WR. She has 4 of the 5 possibilities (IM). But you’re right she goes really fast in heats and semis all the time.

FlyGuy
7 years ago

Interesting sidenote….Micah Lawrence swimming unattached, not SwimMAC

Observer
Reply to  FlyGuy
7 years ago

She has been swimming in Singapore since the Austin pro series in January.

Aaron
7 years ago

What’s up with Lilly King?

ALEXANDER POP-OFF
7 years ago

Leah Smith is like, “Don’t play with my relay spot, boo!”

Observer
7 years ago

Every swimmer at every meet from here on should be swimming 100% in prelims in preparation for trials prelims and semis. There is no reason to train your body to race slow at this point in the game.

My 2 cents.

Rafael
Reply to  Observer
7 years ago

Observer.. not at all.. imagine going 4:08 on prelims on a 400 IM if a 4:12 4:13 can qualify for final at OG? Then you get tired and does not win a medal. Paltrinieri may go 90% on prelims on 1500 and get into final why go a 14:30 low at prelims and then go slower at finals and loses gold..

Smoothswimmer
Reply to  Rafael
7 years ago

In my understanding, Observer meant the meets in preparations for the trials.
Also, you picked the two most demanding events: 400 IM and 1,500 free.
For shorter events, you really have to bring your best in the semis. If she qualifies, do you honestly think Simone Manuel can go 90% in the 100 free semis and qualify for final in Rio ?

Rafael
Reply to  Smoothswimmer
7 years ago

You donยดt see Manadou going 21,2 on Prelims or Cseh going 1:53:00 on prelims.. any event if you are much ahead of the field (Which is not Simone case) you donยดt need to go 100% every round..

Rafael
Reply to  Rafael
7 years ago

Phelps and Locthe would not neet to go 1:55 on prelims of 200 im too.. just for example..

Smoothswimmer
Reply to  Rafael
7 years ago

I see that you cite examples of the absolute best in their events. What Observer (and I) suggests is for American swimmers in general who are preparing for the trials.
Could you please answer my curiosity:
You offered that swimmers need to swim at 90% in the prelims/semis.
Do you think Simone Manuel will qualify to final if she does that in Rio?
Do you think Cordes/Haas/Franklin/Weitzeil/Worrell/Micah/Dirado/Baker etc will qualify to final if they do that in Rio?

By the way, even the absolute best also give 100% in Olympics/world championships semis: Inge de Bruijn broke WRs in the semis, Sarah Sjostrom broke WR in semis, Katie Ledecky broke 1,500 WR in prelims, Pieter VDH broke… Read more ยป

Rafael
Reply to  Smoothswimmer
7 years ago

And what about Hackett 2008? Faster in prelims.. silver at finals, Seebohm 100 back on 2012..

Phelps on 2012 400 Im he was even faster on trials than on the OG. So there are example to prove both stands..

Smoothswimmer
Reply to  Rafael
7 years ago

Those two examples (Hackett and Seebohm) are good ones to support the idea that swimmers should be able to repeat their best swims in the final even if they swam PB or WR in the prelims/semis, ie. swimming fast multiple times, which is the essence of what Observer and I and others suggested.

Out curiosity, since you advocate swimmers to swim only at 90% in semis to preserve energy,
Do you think Simone Manuel will qualify to final if she does that in Rio?
Do you think Cordes/Haas/Franklin/Weitzeil/Worrell/Micah/Dirado/Baker etc will qualify to final if they do that in Rio?

Rafael
Reply to  Smoothswimmer
7 years ago

First.. and I donยดt want to keep discussing.. where I wrote that ALL swimmers must swim 100% on each round? Some need, some donยดt…

Rafael
Reply to  Rafael
7 years ago

To correct, where I wrote that all swimmer must swim 90% ? You said that every swimmer must go 100%, I said that not every swimmer and used Paltrinieri example.. then you are acting like I said that All swimmers must go 90%..

ssc
Reply to  Rafael
7 years ago

But besides that, is Joe Flacco a elite quarterback?

Smoothswimmer
Reply to  Rafael
7 years ago

I stand corrected.

So, basically there’s only an extremely small number of swimmers that don’t need to go 100% (probably only Lochte and Phelps in 200 IM and Ledecky in 400/800) in semis/prelims. For the rest, they need to give their best at every round, and repeat. Which is the gist of what I’ve been advocating all along.

Here’s the list of American swimmers who finished 9th in prelims/semis and missed out on final:
Ricky Berens (9th in 200 free), Andrew Gemmel (9th in 1,500), Eric Shanteau (very tight 11th in 100 breast), Kara Lynn Joyce (equal 16th in 50 free prelims, and lost in swim off), Chloe Sutton (10th in 400 free), Kate Zigler (21 in 800 free),… Read more ยป

Smoothswimmer
Reply to  Smoothswimmer
7 years ago

The above examples are all from 2012 London Olympics.

Brownish
Reply to  Smoothswimmer
7 years ago

Where Cseh was 9th because he tought that Phelp’s time would be enough for the final…

Brownish
Reply to  Smoothswimmer
7 years ago

If you’re speaking about US perhaps you are right. But worldwide there are many. E.g. In Hungary threre’re about/at least 8 swimmers in 9-10 different races who don’t need to go 100% to reach the final.

Smoothswimmer
7 years ago

What our armchair expert shockingly forgot is that at the Olympics, if you want to win 200 free medal, you should be able to swim 1:57 low in prelims, 1:56 low or 1:55high in semis and at least 1:54 mid in the final.

Going 1:56 PB in the prelims (no semis here) is an excellent race training to simulate the trials and the Olympics, that is, if Smith aspires to get individual 200 free berth.

Eouai
Reply to  Smoothswimmer
7 years ago

Sounds reasonable, Mr. armchair expert!

Smoothswimmer
Reply to  Eouai
7 years ago

Haha.. I just swim, with zero swimming expertise, nowhere near the expertise of messr Bobo Gigi

Eouai
Reply to  Smoothswimmer
7 years ago

All I was communicating is he has his opinions and you have yours. You seem to get offended by him stating his, yet you are happy to state yours. Seems a bit inconsistent.

I do agree with you in this case though. I think BoBo sometimes gets a bit too concerned about swimmers swimming fast in prelims. Strategy is important. But you can’t really develop your race strategy without pushing the limits, and I think this is a perfect meet for Leah to push her limits and just practice swimming fast.

Anyways, rocking swim for Leah. Hope she has an even better finals.

Smoothswimmer
Reply to  Eouai
7 years ago

I’m not offended at all by any of messr Gigi’s opinion ๐Ÿ™‚
Sorry if you get the wrong idea.
To messr Gigi, please fire away your opinions.. I always enjoy reading them ๐Ÿ™‚

Smoothswimmer
7 years ago

Oh no… Leah Smith went so fast…. Too fast
What would our armchair expert when he sees this…

Oops.. Too late ๐Ÿ™

Leah, if you read swimswam, please ignore discouraging statement from in house armchair expert!

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Smoothswimmer
7 years ago

your armchair expert is having fun with his new name – LOL

Smoothswimmer
Reply to  ERVINFORTHEWIN
7 years ago

How so? I see he stikl

Smoothswimmer
Reply to  ERVINFORTHEWIN
7 years ago

How so? I see he still uses his name

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Smoothswimmer
7 years ago

i am joking and having fun with this – so let it loose and enjoy the fun

About Jeff Grace

Jeff Grace

Jeffย is a 500 hour registered yoga teacher who holds diplomas in Coaching (Douglas College) and High Performance Coaching (National Coaching Institute - Calgary). He has a background of over 20 years in the coaching profession, where he has used a unique and proven teaching methodology to help many achieve their โ€ฆ

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