David Plummer Goes 5th Fastest Time Ever in 100 Back

2016 U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS

In semifinal two of the men’s 100 back in Omaha, Minnesota alumnus David Plummer erupted for a new lifetime best, world-leading time, and fifth fastest swim ever of 52.12 to win the heat.

Plummer, who came in with a very recent lifetime best of 52.40, beat Matt Grevers in his heat, with Grevers touching 2nd in 52.64. Plummer was also quicker than Ryan Murphy, who swam a 52.28 to win the first semifinal.

Plummer now leads the world with his time, and Murphy sits at second. Plummer, Murphy, and Grevers go in 1-2-3 to the 100 back final, which looks like it’ll be THE race of the meet. The world and American record of 51.94 held by Aaron Peirsol is not far away.

Men’s 100 Back All-Time Rankings

  1. Aaron Peirsol 51.94
  2. Matt Grevers 52.08
  3. Camille Lacourt 52.11 (TIE)
  4. Mitch Larkin 52.11 (TIE)
  5. David Plummer 52.12

Peirsol’s record is well in reach– Plummer and Murphy were both under WR pace at the 50 mark. Tomorrow night’s final will be electric, and the two selected athletes will prepare to take on Aussie Mitch Larkin in Rio.

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SamH
8 years ago

First off, let me establish that I wish Plummer the best, and no matter what the outcome is tomorrow night- this is a win for the U.S. However, people are putting way too much hype and huge phrases out there like, “he is a lock for Rio!” You are just going to make things more sad if he does not finish top 2. It only matters who swims fast the at that moment, not anywhere else.

Lol
8 years ago

I knew he had it in him! Who will place 2nd? Because Plummer is definately heading to rio!

Shibly
Reply to  Lol
8 years ago

Plummer will pull off with a WR …..Murphy will be closest second…..both Missy and Grevers will fail to defend their title….sorry for both of them….

Attila the Hunt
8 years ago

Murphy should have gone SLOWER so he can swim in OUTSIDE LANE in the final!

Attila the Hunt
8 years ago

We know Murphy can swim fast when there is NO PRESSURE!!
But can he go as fast when there IS PRESSURE?
We are still waiting if he can swim 52.00 when the PRESSURE IS ON!!
And I REPEAT why is everyone swimming so FAST in the semis!
There is NO NEED to swim fast in the semis!! There is NO NEED to swim fast in the Trials!! The Olympics is the only important thing people!!

E GAMBLE
Reply to  Attila the Hunt
8 years ago

There is more pressure and speed in our Olympic trials than Rio will be in the 100 backstroke. There is a need to swim fast if you want to make the team. Go USA!!!!!!!!

Swim smart
Reply to  Attila the Hunt
8 years ago

Ummmm, would you really risk swimming “slow” and try to secure one of those top 2 spots? You have to swim fast to make it to semis, then to make it to finals. You can’t risk not to at an elite meet like this.

aquajosh
8 years ago

Plummer has the perfect tempo and turnover rate for the 100 back. I hope he gets both the WR and the win tomorrow night.

SwimmerFoxJet
Reply to  aquajosh
8 years ago

I would like the Wr for Grevers.

shehulkswim
8 years ago

I haven’t been able to watch any of the races but know Plummer got killed on the UW in 2012. How did he look this race? Grevers has already done so much in this sport I am definitely pulling for Plummer this time around. Don’t really care who gets second.

riley
Reply to  shehulkswim
8 years ago

Very good. Murphy and Grevers still a little better though. Plummer is undeniably the best on top of the water, imo

shehulkswim
Reply to  riley
8 years ago

yes, in 2012 i thought he was by far the fastest swimmer of the stroke… if only there were no turns in the race he’d be best all time

riley
Reply to  shehulkswim
8 years ago

Agreed, but based off of the race tonight he has been focusing on his dolphins. Not perfect, but still better than everybody in his heat except maybe Grevers. Just think though, all three of those guys have now been within .24 of the WR. If Plummer is now 5th all time, I would assume Murphy is 6th with his 52.1 from last year. Three of the top 6 ALL TIME in one heat, and one won’t make it. It’s gonna be good.

shehulkswim
Reply to  riley
8 years ago

it’s really a shame. in 2012 plummer could have won the bronze medal if they could bring 3 from the US. it’d be the same this year i’m guessing.

Irish Ringer
Reply to  shehulkswim
8 years ago

SHEHULKSWIM, that’s unfortunate you haven’t been able to watch. Won’t HULKSWIM let you near the computer, phone, tablet or TV?

Ferb
Reply to  shehulkswim
8 years ago

His start wasn’t great in 2012 either. Plummer has historically had some trouble with slipping on the start, and I think the backstroke ledges are allowing him to really go for it on the start.

riley
8 years ago

Man I’m already nervous for tomorrow. As much as I like all three guys, I really hope Plummer can pull it off.

50free
Reply to  riley
8 years ago

Yeah same here he has been around so long. Murphy has a good chance and their will be other chances for him

About Karl Ortegon

Karl Ortegon

Karl Ortegon studied sociology at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, graduating in May of 2018. He began swimming on a club team in first grade and swam four years for Wesleyan.

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