Clark Smith: I kinda fell apart, but I don’t regret it (Video)

Reported by Mitch Bowmile. 

MEN’S 400M FREESTYLE

Top seed: Zane Grothe (3:47.03)
World record: 3:40.07 – Paul Biedermann (Germany)
American record: 3:42.78 – Larsen Jensen
U.S Open record: 3:43.53 – Larsen Jensen
U.S Nationals record: 3:43.53 – Larsen Jensen
JR World record: 3:44.60 – Mack Horton (Australia)
2012 Winning Time: 3:47.67 – Peter Vanderkaay

Clark Smith was out like a rocket right from the get-go in this race with only one plan in mind: to hold on. Up until the 300-meter mark he looked amazing, ahead of world record pace and fighting to keep his position as they approached the wall.

Dwyer made his move and turned first at the 300 with Smith holding on to second and Connor Jaeger advancing to third.

Top seed from prelims Zane Grothe turned in fifth behind Townley Haas as they all turned on the jets for the last 100.

At 350 it was Dwyer-Jaeger with Smith fading to third. With a 28.05 last 50, Jaeger pulled out ahead of Dwyer to clock in at 3:43.79 ahead of Dwyer’s 3:44.66.

Haas improved his placing to touch in for third in 3:45.04 with Grothe behind him in 3:45.60. Clark Smith faded hard on the final 50 and was forced to settle for fifth in 3:45.74.

  1. Connor Jaeger 3:43.79
  2. Conor Dwyer 3:44.66
  3. Townley Haas 3:45.04
  4. Zane Grothe 3:45.60
  5. Clark smith 3:45.74
  6. True Sweetser 3:50.71
  7. Grant Shoults 3:51.25
  8. Michael McBroom 3:52.60

For official results click here.

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Racer
8 years ago

This guy is going places!!!!!!!!

completelyconquered
8 years ago

This guy is going to be really good.

Hambone
8 years ago

maybe they should give these guys a chair for the interview – he looked like he was going to pass out.

phelps swims 200 breast rio
8 years ago

That was an amazing race to watch. I like how he was fearless, didn’t hold back, and just went for it.

Gary P
8 years ago

After qualifying 7th, I can’t blame him for his “go for broke” approach. And it wasn’t really as bad an idea as it looked when he got swum down at the finish. He was 3.8 seconds faster to 300 than in the prelims, and only .8 slower on the closing 100. Ended up with a personal best by well over a second. He can go home, head held high, no regrets, knowing he left nothing on the table. Respect earned!

PKWater
Reply to  Gary P
8 years ago

I think he has other plans than to go home. His 200 was stellar!

Gary P
Reply to  PKWater
8 years ago

Yes, yes it was stellar. I hope he at least makes the 800 relay.

Kristaps Porzingis
8 years ago

Nothing to regret! It takes serious onions to go out like that.

Steve Nolan
8 years ago

Oh my goodness that’s hilarious. This is the best one of these videos ever.

About Coleman Hodges

Coleman Hodges

Coleman started his journey in the water at age 1, and although he actually has no memory of that, something must have stuck. A Missouri native, he joined the Columbia Swim Club at age 9, where he is still remembered for his stylish dragon swim trunks. After giving up on …

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