Kieran Smith Shatters SCM 400 Free U.S Open Record To Win In Indy – 3:35.99

2022 FINA WORLD CUP – INDIANAPOLIS

MEN’S 400 FREE – FINAL

  • World Record: 3:32.25, Yannick Agnel (FRA) – 2012
  • World Junior Record: 3:37.92, Matt Sates (RSA) – 2021
  • World Cup Record: 3:32.77, Paul Biedermann (GER) – 2009

Podium:

  1. Kieran Smith (USA) – 3:35.99
  2. Danas Rapsys (LTU) – 3:37.50
  3. Jake Magahey (CLB) – 3:38.02

After picking up two silver medals in the 400 freestyle in Berlin and Toronto, Kieran Smith claimed his first World Cup victory in Indianapolis. He did so in record-setting fashion, ripping 3:35.99 for a new U.S. Open record. The 22-year-old, who’s in his first yeas as a pro, was dominant in the final. He led the entire race, maintaining his lead against swimmers like Jake Magahey and Matt Sates who are known for their back-halves. Ultimately, he won the race by 1.51 seconds ahead of second-place Danas Rapsys.

The previous U.S Open Record stood at 3:38.84, which Elijah Winnington set at the Lewisville stop on the 2019 ISL tour. Smith blew past that mark by 2.85 seconds. The top three swimmers in this final were actually all under the old record. According to USA Swimming’s records, the SCM U.S Open record in the 400 free has only been held by two people besides Smith–Winnington and Michael Klueh. Klueh established the record at 3:40.05 at the 2011 Duel in the Pool.

Like many U.S swimmers, Smith does not swim SCM meets very often. Therefore, this also marks a new best for the Florida pro, beating the mark of 3:37.27 that he swam in Berlin.

Split Comparison: Smith, Indianapolis vs. Berlin

Smith – Indianapolis World Cup Smith – Berlin World Cup
100 51.71 52.77
200 1:46.30 (54.59) 1:47.94 (55.17)
300 2:41.18 (54.88) 2:43.22 (55.28)
400 3:35.99 (54.81) 3:37.27 (54.05)

Smith swam a remarkably even-split race in Indianapolis. You can see that Smith closed faster in Berlin, but he had been slower through the first 300 meters.

“I’ve been chasing a win for the past three weeks,” Smith said. “It was really important to get it done here on home soil in Indy. It’s one of my favorite pools. I executed the best of the three weeks so far.”

Having executed well here, Smith can now turn his attention to this race at SC Worlds in Melbourne next month. That was on his mind too after the race. “This puts me in a really good spot for Australia in six weeks,” he added. “So I’m really excited to swim it at Short-Course Worlds too.”

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Zane
1 year ago

Duel in the pool 2015 was SCM in Indy and had 4 swimmers under 3:40

JimSwim22
1 year ago

I would love to see the US Open record posted for every event.
Also, what is the US record?

Samboys
Reply to  JimSwim22
1 year ago

I can’t give you the US Open records, but these are the US records. 400m free is 3:34.81 by Vanderkaay.

https://www.fina.org/swimming/records?recordCode=NR&eventTypeId=&region=&countryId=1dce49f3-9980-42d5-89c9-d4c6184df85a&gender=M&pool=SCM

artiebeer
Reply to  JimSwim22
1 year ago

Not sure if it’s 100% accurate but looks believable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_records_in_swimming

Andrew
1 year ago

Kieran Smith’s freestyle is picture perfect and looks effortless.

Notaswimmer
1 year ago

How is he so amazing?? 🥹🥹😍😍

About Sophie Kaufman

Sophie Kaufman

Sophie grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, which means yes, she does root for the Bruins, but try not to hold that against her. At 9, she joined her local club team because her best friend convinced her it would be fun. Shoulder surgery ended her competitive swimming days long ago, …

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