Justin Wright Attributes Success to Bulky Fly Sets… Really Bulky Fly Sets (Video)

2018 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Reported by Lauren Neidigh.

MEN’S 200 FLY:

  • World Record: 1:51.51- Michael Phelps, 2009
  • American Record: 1:51.51- Michael Phelps, 2009
  • Championship Record: 1:52.20- Michael Phelps, 2008
  • U.S. Open Record: 1:52.20- Michael Phelps, 2008
  1. GOLD: Justin Wright– 1:54.53
  2. SILVER: Zach Harting– 1:55.11
  3. BRONZE: (T-3) Jack Conger– 1:55.21
  4. BRONZE: (T-3) Gianluca Urlando– 1:55.21

Arizona’s Justin Wright, a newly signed pro with A3, brought the thunder tonight. Coming into this meet, he had never been under 1:56. Wright was 7th through the halfway mark and 5th going into the final lap, but he stuck to his race plan and brought it home, dropping another second in 1:54.53. He’s now the 7th fastest American in history, just 6 hundredths behind Jack Conger.

Conger led the way through the 150, but faded on the final 50 as Louisville’s Zach Harting busted out a lifetime best 1:55.11 to take 2nd and 16-year-old phenom Gianluca Urlando ran him down to tie for 3rd in 1:55.21. Urlando is now the 2nd fastest 15-16 year old ever behind only Michael Phelps, who was a 1:54.58 at that age.

Just a hundredth shy of the top 4 was Tom Shields, who put up a 1:55.42. That was his 2nd fastest swim ever. The only time he’s been better was with a 1:55.09 at 2014 nationals. Chase Kalisz touched behind him tonight in 1:55.42.

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BSWIMMER
6 years ago

Really like his point about developing your strengths instead of sacrificing time to work on them to develop weaknesses. Thats something I think a lot of people can learn from.

Fiveos
Reply to  BSWIMMER
6 years ago

Age groupers should focus on everything, because they don’t know yet how each stroke will develop as they age. Once they become senior swimmers, I completely agree.

Yabo
6 years ago

Love him! I wanna know what one of these bulky fly sets this…

James
6 years ago

Justin, great interview and great swim. As someone who grew up swimming in Dinuba, means a great deal to see someone from the central valley hit the National stage and further validate the talent pool in the region is always getting deeper. Keep up the great work and enjoy every moment of the journey….no need to rush into the “real world” when you can enjoy more good years competing in our great sport!

Taa
6 years ago

Pay attention kids. The guy gives honest and thoughtful answers. He is a breath of fresh air.

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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