Daiya Seto: “I’m Aiming For Phelps’ 400 IM World Record”

2021 JAPAN SWIM (OLYMPIC TRIALS)

Daiya Seto may have already qualified for the postponed Olympic Games by way of his 200m IM and 400m IM gold medals at the 2019 FINA World Championships. However, the 26-year-old isn’t resting on his laurels, still seeking to qualify for the home-based Olympics in the men’s 200m fly.

Today, Seto was one of six men in the semifinal who clocked a time under 1:56.30, displaying the depth the Asian nation has in the 2fly event with only two Olympic roster slots up for grabs. Seto is situated as the 2nd-seeded swimmer behind leader Tomoru Honda, with the former clocking 1:55.56 to the latter’s 1:54.93.

With one eye on the 2fly, Seto is also making it known he’s gunning for American Olympic icon Michael Phelps‘ world record in the men’s 400m IM come July. The father of two certainly has the right stuff to make a run at it, finishing with Olympic bronze in Rio and following up with bronze at the 2017 FINA World Championships and 2019 edition.

Seto owns a lifetime best of 4:06.09 in the event, a time he produced in January of 2020. Most recently the man put up a time of 4:09.02 to take the gold on night 1 here in Tokyo, further solidifying himself as the top swimmer in the world in the event at the moment.

“I’m aiming for the world record, but I want to get at least 4:04 at the Olympics,” Seto told The Japan Times after his 400m IM performance. “I’m still at a stage of building up swimming time and I haven’t recovered that pace yet.”

Seto, who was restricted from competing several months last year for an ethics code violation involving an extramarital affair, said, “A lot happened last year…..I want to produce results if the Games are held this summer, and repay everyone in the best possible way. I want to win the gold medal on teh first day to get the Japan swimming team going.”

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mcmflyguy
3 years ago

I’m not saying its impossible. he’s got within striking distance before. and come on we all thought his 200 fly record was almost untouchable. so… I say good luck man, I hope you do it. It will be a mammoth swim if he does it. and if you say you don’t want him to beat the record, means you don’t want to see some amazing swimming. get outta this website then.

Kiwiswimchick
3 years ago

Lewis Clareburt from New Zealand just went 4.09.87 tonight.

Fraser Thorpe
3 years ago

Just can’t see it happening but love that he’s setting the target and I’ll trust his judgment over mine any day. Very much hope he proves me wrong.

Leavingonthetop
3 years ago

Not a chance. And phelps could’ve broken 4minutes but he was too busy swimming 7 other events and winning gold.

Troyy
Reply to  Leavingonthetop
3 years ago

If he could’ve gone under 4 minutes he would’ve given it was his first even in Beijing.

Leavingonthetop
Reply to  Troyy
3 years ago

I know it was the first event. The focus was winning 8 golds. If his focus was to break 4 mins he’d have done it.

Last edited 3 years ago by Leavingonthetop
Aquaman
3 years ago

Any Kalisz sightings lately?

mileSwim
Reply to  Aquaman
3 years ago

Kalisz hasn’t put up any good times for a while, don’t count on him being a major force these games

casas 50.7 fly
Reply to  mileSwim
2 years ago

lmao

flex tape cant fix that
3 years ago

He needs to be around 54.0 / 1:02.5 / 1:09.5 / 57.5

swimfast
3 years ago

He can win the gold, but not break the WR

Sec
3 years ago

Who is Michael phelps

Booger
Reply to  Sec
3 years ago

I’ve seen him post a few times on social media about saving water while brushing your teeth, I think he also used to be a swimmer or something

PFA
Reply to  Sec
3 years ago

Some 15 year old kid who got 5th in the 200 fly in Sydney 2000.

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