Anthony Ervin Only Enters 50 Free At Nationals For 2nd Straight Year

2018 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

For the second straight year, Anthony Ervin will only swim the 50 freestyle at U.S. Nationals.

Last year, coming off an epic Olympic gold medal victory in the event in Rio (becoming the oldest swimmer to win an Olympic swimming event), Ervin only swam the 50 free at U.S. World Trials, placing 6th in a time of 22.09. He has elected to do the same this year, as the 37-year-old is seeded 6th in the men’s splash-n-dash.

Traditionally he had competed in both the 50 and 100 internationally, including winning a World Championship title in the 100 free back in 2001, and qualifying for the Olympic team on the 400 free relay in both 2000 and 2016.

But now, as he approaches 40, it looks like he’s putting 100% of his focus on the 50. He’s only done the 100 once this season, clocking a 54.44 at the Speedo Grand Challenge at the end of May. He only has three 50s under his belt in 2018, the fastest coming in at 23.19. Last season, prior to going 22.09 in Indianapolis, his fastest in-season was 22.74.

We’ll see what kind of form he’s in next week in Irvine, but with the likes of Caeleb DresselNathan Adrian and Michael Andrew reigning over this event in the U.S. right now, it will likely take a swim at least a few tenths under 22 to make the Pan Pac team.

In This Story

9
Leave a Reply

Subscribe
Notify of

9 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Kristiina
6 years ago

Last year Ervin was good Maccabiech games and World Championships trials finished 6th place after terrible season start. Last instagram photo was good. Good conditions her body.. Ervin is black horse..

bobo gigi
6 years ago

He plans his peak for 2020.

bobo gigi
Reply to  bobo gigi
6 years ago

Then retires. And comes back for LA 2028.

GSWIMMER
6 years ago

Sorry to say, but I think hes done. Doesnt seem to be putting the work or focus in and theres nothing wrong with that. Guy had an amazing and loooonnnnng career

Yozhik
6 years ago

That was indeed the night of super excitement: DiRado beats Hosszu, Ledecky makes 8:04 and on the top – the Gold Medal of Anthony Ervin.

Kristiina
Reply to  Horninco
6 years ago

I want see but can not. I am Estonian.. Please access old videos..

GrameziPT
6 years ago

never count out king Ervin He has shown us time and time again he is one of the most talented swimmers in history. What he did in 2012 and specially em Rio 2016 was like something scriptd from the most amazing book. I still think he is putting is eggs on qualifying for Pan american games, and then go all out to is tradional swimming quality and capacity and kill everybody em 2020 (and get a bronze medal behin dressel and benjamin proud or Bruno)

Boomcobson
Reply to  GrameziPT
6 years ago

He’s done

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

Read More »