Reported by Lauren Neidigh.
WOMEN’S 800 FREE
- American Record: Katie Ledecky, 8:04.79, 2016
- U.S. Open Record: Katie Ledecky, 8:06.68, 2016
- Meet Record: Stephanie Peacock, 8:24.36, 2012
- GOLD- Ashley Twichell, NCAC, 8:30.63
- SILVER- Ashley Neidigh, UN-03, 8:34.71
- BRONZE- Taylor Ault, RMDA, 8:36.26
Ashley Twichell‘s lead was never in question, as the NCAC swimmer and open water world champion led from start to finish with an 8:30.63 to top the field by over 4 seconds. Indiana’s Ashley Neidigh overtook Georgia’s Stephanie Peters at the halfway mark and held onto 2nd position with an 8:34.71.
RMDA’s Taylor Ault made a big move to get into position to battle with Peters for the bronze in the last 100 meters. Ault pulled ahead on the 2nd to last 50 with a 31.91 and continued to stretch out her lead with a 31.13 to close. She touched in 8:36.26 for 3rd, while Peters wound up 4th in 8:37.95.
