Justin Ress Pulls off Upset with Championship Record 24.4 50 Back

2017 U.S. NATIONALS/WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TRIALS

Justin Ress has been having an incredible 2016-17 season, and tonight was no exception. On day 3 of the 2017 U.S. Nationals/World Championships Trials, he pulled off a slight upset over Olympic backstroke champions Matt Grevers and Ryan Murphy to win the 50 back and tentatively secure his spot on the World Championships Roster.

Ress’s winning time tonight was a 24.41, giving him a couple of tenths of an edge over Murphy (24.64) and Grevers (24.67). With that, he took down the former Championship Record in the event, which stood as a 24.52 done by Olympic backstroke medalist David Plummer at the 2013 National Championships. He was also less than a tenth shy of the American Record and U.S. Open Record. The American Record is a 24.33 done by Randall Bal during the supersuit era in 2008. The U.S. Open Record was set at a 24.36 done by Japanese backstroke star Junya Koga in a time trial at 2015 U.S. Nationals.

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Swimdad
6 years ago

I was next to the NC state coaches during that final. They were going nuts. Fun to see.

Swimmer
Reply to  Swimdad
6 years ago

Best coaches ever!!!

tea rex
6 years ago

Did anybody Pick’Em???

He could be dirrrrrty in the 100 back tomorrow.

Shasha
Reply to  tea rex
6 years ago

Wolfpack is full of guys with dirty undies

Shasha
Reply to  Shasha
6 years ago

I stole that from Blake Pieroni’s interview

a_trojan
6 years ago

“slight” upset?!? he beat two individual gold medalists!

Attila the Runt
Reply to  a_trojan
6 years ago

Can’t remember, though, how long (if ever) it’s been that the 100 back gold medalist also was the best 50 backer in the world. Two different sports.

Lauren Neidigh
Reply to  a_trojan
6 years ago

Yeah but given how great he was in season it’s not a total shock that he was on fire tonight. That’s what I meant by slight.

Swimmomma
Reply to  Lauren Neidigh
6 years ago

Agree

2Fat4Speed
6 years ago

Who would have guess that Ress makes the team but Held does not?

Swimmer
Reply to  2Fat4Speed
6 years ago

The races have been crazy fast.

NCSwimFan
Reply to  2Fat4Speed
6 years ago

Coming in, I thought both had a shot to make the sprint free relay. Ress ended up 10th in that. This one was a complete shock, though. As he said, he’s been in their sprint group for only a few months now. Incredible!

About Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh is a former NCAA swimmer at the University of Arizona (2013-2015) and the University of Florida (2011-2013). While her college swimming career left a bit to be desired, her Snapchat chin selfies and hot takes on Twitter do not disappoint. She's also a high school graduate of The …

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