2016 Winter Jr Champs (East): Whitley Blasts 1:43 200 IM in Day 2 Finals

2016 U.S. WINTER JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS- EAST

Day 2 finals at the 2016 U.S. Winter Junior Championships saw several exciting swims, including a pair of NAG Records courtesy of Drew Kibler (500 free) and Kate Douglass (50 free). In the 200 IM, Alex Walsh and Reece Whitley stepped up with big swims to win gold.

WOMEN’S 500 FREE

Morgan Tankersley and Madison Homovich were body lengths ahead of the field to claim the top 2 places in the 500 free. Tankersley won it in 4:38.13, which is just shy of the time she swam to win Florida states last month. Homovich followed for 2nd with a 4:40.90.

MEN’S 500 FREE

Carmel Swim Club’s Drew Kibler dropped 8 seconds from his previous best time today en route to a gold medal and 15-16 NAG Record in the 500 free, which he won in 4:15.36. Baylor Swim Club’s Trey Freeman was 2nd in 4:16.99, which lands him 4th on the all-time top 10 500 freestylers for the 15-16 age group.

WOMEN’S 200 IM

Alex Walsh was less than a half second shy of the 15-16 NAG Record when she won gold in the 200 IM. Walsh, who just moved up into the 15-16 age group, clocked a quick 1:54.48 to land 3rd on the all-time top 10 list for the 15-16 age group.

MEN’S 200 IM

  • GOLD: Reece Whitley, 1:43.93
  • SILVER: Nicolas Albiero, 1:45.63
  • BRONZE: Ariel Spektor, 1:46.57

Despite trailing Nicolas Albiero at the halfway point, Reece Whitley burst into the lead with his 29.53 breaststroke split on the was to a 1:43.93 victory in the 200 IM. That makes him the 2nd fastest 15-16 swimmer ever behind only Michael Andrew, who set the standard at 1:42.77.

WOMEN’S 50 FREE

Westchester Aquatic Club’s Kate Douglass shredded her way to a 22.04 to top a loaded 50 free field tonight. That tied Simone Manuel’s NAG Record in the event, which she set back in 2013.

MEN’S 50 FREE

There were 4 guys under 20 seconds in the 50 free tonight, led by Drew Kibler, who clocked a 19.70 to reel in his 2nd individual gold of the meet. The next 3 swimmers were also in the 19-high range, with Jack Franzman (19.81) taking silver, followed by Bolles teammates Willie Davis (19.92) and Isaac Davis (19.93).

WOMEN’S 400 MEDLEY RELAY

  • GOLD: Nashville Aquatic Club, 3:38.11
  • SILVER: SwimMAC Carolina, 3:39.21
  • BRONZE: Gator Swim Club, 3:39.71

Nashville Aquatic Club got off to a blazing start after a 52.67 backstroke leadoff from Alex Walsh. SwimMAC Carolina moved up, with the 2 teams neck-and-neck as the freestylers took off. 13-year-old Gretchen Walsh came in clutch with a big 48.56 on the anchor leg to seal the deal for NAC.

MEN’S 400 MEDLEY RELAY

  • GOLD: Bolles, 3:13.90
  • SILVER: Zionsville Swim Club, 3:17.79
  • BRONZE: Carmel Swim Club, 3:18.80

The Bolles boys led the 400 medley relay by nearly 4 seconds, with Cal commit James Daugherty giving them a big boost after his 53.85 breaststroke split. After picking up a medal in the 50 free, Willie Davis helped them secure gold with a 43.50 on the freestyle leg.

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bobo gigi
7 years ago

Reece Whitley swam 4 seconds faster than one month ago in the 200 IM. 1.43.93 vs 1.47.93
At the same meet he was in 53.27 and 1.53.77 on breaststroke.
Of course it doesn’t mean he will go 51 and 1.49 this week but that’s promising.

With her 22.85 in the 50 free B-Final 13-year-old Gretchen Walsh is the 2nd fastest 13-year-old US girl since 1999 just after Missy Franklin in 22.71 in 2009. She’s now ranked 16th in the 13/14 all-time list just ahead of Dana Vollmer and Amanda Weir. 14-year-old Gabriela Albiero is now ranked 10th.

At college challenge one month ago, Drew Kibler swam 20.05/43.69/1.35.33/4.23.82.
This week so far he went 19.66/1.33.36/4.15.36
Around 42.50/42.70… Read more »

bobo gigi
7 years ago

Alex Walsh won the 200 IM in 1.56.20 last year at the same meet. 1.54.48 this year. It bodes well for her backstroke events.
Just a small correction Lauren, she’s now the 4th fastest 15/16 US girl ever in that event behind Dagny Knutson (1.54.07), Meghan Small (1.54.25) and Elizabeth Pelton (1.54.47).

24.43 for Kibler to close his 500 free. 24.08 the other day in his 4X200 free relay lead-off leg. He’s a killer in the last part of his races. A sign of a champion.
Reminder of his LCM summer: 22.80/50.13/1.49.04/3.55.49
I think his 100 free future is very bright. But maybe he prefers the 200….
The comparison with Yannick Agnel is too tempting when… Read more »

bobo gigi
7 years ago

Women’s 500 free. Logical win for Morgan Tankersley. Almost matched her time from last month. A huge progression for her this season. Madison Homovich is back! After posting impressive times at 13 and 14, I remember watching her at Tom Dolan Invitational, she has a little bit stalled. She’s back at 16 with a new PB in 4.40 and a very good second place.

Men’s 500 free. What can we say more about Drew Kibler? Another 15/16 NAG record after the 200 free in 4.15.36 and always a monster last 50 to finish his races. 24.43 this time. I love that. He can change gear when he desires. That’s the mark of champions. Robert Freeman not far from the previous… Read more »

About Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh is a former NCAA swimmer at the University of Arizona (2013-2015) and the University of Florida (2011-2013). While her college swimming career left a bit to be desired, her Snapchat chin selfies and hot takes on Twitter do not disappoint. She's also a high school graduate of The …

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