2024 U.S. MASTERS SWIMMING SUMMER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
- August 21 – 25, 2024
- Marguerite Aquatics Complex
- Mission Viejo, CA
- LCM (50 meters)
- Meet Central
- Live Stream
- Live Results
Highlighting night 1 of competition in Mission Viejo was Chad La Tourette of The Olympic Club who swam to two new masters age group records in one race. He took the first 800 out of his 1500 freestyle in a 8:33.96 and then swam a 16:07.52 in the 1500 free.
La Tourette broke the previous record in the 800 of a 8:38.73 set by Rowdy Gaines in 1995. The previous record in the 1500 free stood at a 16:32.72 that Christopher Derks swam in 2008.
La Tourette notably holds the 30-34 age group records in both events as he swam a 8:28.76 in the 800 and a 15:52.24 in the 1500 back in 2019. He aged up to the 35-39 age group last October.
He was a distance swimmer during the peak of his swimming career as well, representing the US at the 2010 Pan Pac Championships and 2011 World Championships. He won silver in the 800 and 1500 freestyles at 2010 Pan Pacs. He just missed the US Olympic Team in 2012 as he finished 3rd in the 1500 free at US Olympic Trials.
The women’s 1500 free also took place on night 1. 32 year old Allison Arnold posted the fastest time of the night with an 18:32.91.
What was Rowdy’s reaction time in that 800 free?
Gregorio Paltrinieri is 29 now, so next year he has a chance of breaking these records 😛
You have to be registered with Masters.
And really should have to do it at a Masters meet.
Makes no sense to have people breaking “Masters” records at the Olympics or whatever. Defeats the idea of Masters swimming.
It’s either USMS Or world records that must be done in masters meets.
Masters start at age 19 (5 year age groups), so most Olympians could break the records. Whatever age elite swimmers “retire” they could keep going after a short break. It’s a fun way to make swimming a true life sport. If an elite swimmer can get over their ego, enjoy training a 2 -3 times a week it’s super fun! Yeah, you’re not as fast, but reset your goals and expectations and it makes aging up something you look forward to! I think it would really be great for our entire sport if swimmers would stop retiring and some of the greats kept swimming FOR LIFE!
Let’s not forget all of the Joy and Heartbreak this man brought people as the CEO of Underground Cellars.
Where’s my wine at, Chad?
Wonder what olympians of today will work to have the chance to become USMS record holders. I could see Ryan Murphy changing a 50 fly title
Today I learned Rowdy Gaines held an individual 800 free Masters record for 29 years
The man is absurdly talented in the water
He got into swimming in high school after watching the 1976 Olympics. 4 years later and he would’ve been the huge favorite in multiple events had USA gone to Moscow.
Huge favorite in which events???
100 and 200 free. He did end up winning the 100 in 1984, but he was the world record holder in both events going into Moscow and was in a decent position to win 5 golds that year with the relays. Then the US boycotted the Olympics.
He was not the 100 free world record holder going into Moscow. That was jonty skinner. He was the 200 free record holder, but had the propensity to lose to Mike Heath head to head.
Mike Heath. What a great swimmer and an even nicer person.
100/200 free.