Andrew, Armstrong, and Alexy Scratch 50 Back Final For Night 2 Of U.S. Open

2025 U.S. OPEN

The finals heat sheet for night 2 of the U.S. Open shows that tonight’s athlete line-up won’t differ greatly from this morning.

The event with the most top 16 scratches came from the men’s 50 back. A trio of U.S. Olympians – Jack Alexy, Hunter Armstrong, and Michael Andrew – all opted out of the sprint for the evening. For the former two names, the scratch decision seems to be made in preparation for the 50 free. In that event, Alexy is the #2 seed, and Armstrong will race in an outside lane of the consolation final.

Andrew, on the other hand, has no other guaranteed swims tonight. The 26-year-old world record holder is listed as an alternate for the 50 breaststroke.

In lieu of that trio, Bermudian Olympian Jack Harvey and power four swimmers Aiden Hayes (NC State) and Cornelius John (Ohio State) earned consolation final berths.

Andrew was the only name to scratch entirely from the evening’s program. Like Alexy and Armstrong, Alabama junior Cadence Vincent gave up her 50 back spot to focus on the 50 free. By contrast, NC State star Daniel Diehl will go all-in on the 50 back, foregoing his 200 IM consolation lane to do so. Hoosier breaststroke sensation Van Mathias is gunning for the 50 breast title, so he scratched the 50 freestyle.

All Championship/Consolation Final Scratches

Women’s 50 Back

• #10 Cadence Vincent (BAMA)

Men’s 50 back

• #10 Jack Alexy (CAL)
• #14 Hunter Armstrong (NYAC)
• #14 Michael Andrew (UN-AZ)

Women’s 400 free

• None

Men’s 400 free

• None

Women’s 200 IM

• None

Men’s 200 IM

• #15 Daniel Diehl (NCS)

Women’s 50 breast

• None

Men’s 50 breast

• None

Women’s 50 free

• None

Men’s 50 free

• #12 Van Mathias (ISC)