Atkinson 200 Breast Post Race Interview – 2014 Arena Grand Prix at Mesa

Swimming video edit by Coleman Hodges.

WOMEN’S 200 Breaststroke – Reported by Braden Keith

Alia Atkinson stole the show tonight in the 200m breaststroke leading from start to finish. Atkinson is a former NCAA Champion in the 200, but as a professional swimmer has had more success in the breaststroke sprints. Atkinson went out in a 33.57, and maintained consistent splits around 36-38 seconds for the remaining 50′s. What’s most impressive is that Atkinson had a body length lead over second place finisher Micah Lawrence going into the last 100, but managed to pull away further despite being more of a front half, sprint swimmer.

The finishing time of 2:25.52 was a lifetime best for Atkinson by about three seconds. According to Atkinson, after college, she focused a lot on improving her 100 with great success, and somehow lost the 200. This race might be an indication that we could see her having a lot more success in the 200 at international competitions in the near future.

Atkinson, who swims for Jamaica, posted time faster than any American this year. Micah Lawrence had a good closing 50, which is her specialty, to place 2nd in 2:26.60.

Breeja Larson, who with Lawrence represented the U.S. in this race at Worlds last year, was a 2:28.87 for 3rd, as this final brough a lot more fireworks than a relatively lackluster prelim heat.

Utah freshman Stina Colleou, a native of Norway, held up her good prelims swim fairly well with a 2:31.58 for 5th. Of note, another former NCAA Champion Caitlin Leverenz placed 7th in 2:33.51.

SwimMAC’s Katie Meili torched the B-Final in 2:33.23, a much better swim than she had in the morning in all facets.

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About Gold Medal Mel Stewart

Gold Medal Mel Stewart

MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly. As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …

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