Texas sophomore Will Licon picked up his second individual NCAA title of the meet, touching out two-time defending NCAA champion and American record holder, Kevin Cordes. Licon finished with the fourth fastest time in history of 1:49.48. Cordes finished second with the fifth fastest time in history at 1:49.53.
Tonight also marks the first time in history that two swimmers went under 1:50 in the same race. Licon became the second swimmer ever to break 1:50 this morning, but Cordes didn’t do it with him.
Their race strategies were much different. Take a look at their splits below:
Cordes:
- 24.39
- 27.65 (52.04)
- 28.26
- 29.23 (1:49.53)
Licon
- 25.06
- 27.11 (52.17)
- 28.55
- 28.76 (1:49.48)
I know Kalisz (in the 400 IM) and Cordes did not seem to be at their best here, but kudos to Licon for beating both former NCAA champions in the same meet!
I am confused when people keep saying Cordes is a great finisher.
Maybe in the situation where he doesn’t have anyone very close or in front of him.
In international competitions where there are many top breastrokers (such as during 2013 worlds) that can go toe to toe with him right from the start, Cordes tightened up in the last 50. It seems he panicked more often than his competitors (resulting in DQs and tightened up).
… what I am trying to say is that he doesn’t do too well under pressure.
I think he needs to work on that issue if he wants to win in Kazan and Rio.
I’d say he was under pressure during the 100 breast and he was still within two tenths of his best time for the win. He added a bit here, and yeah he got second, but it seems to have been an off year for him, regardless. I think he went out a bit too aggressively, sure, but his finals performance here was much better than Nationals this summer. He’s stepping up his mental game, it just takes time.
Racer
Hook ‘Em Horns! Proud of you Will! Going to my roof tonight to watch the UT Tower light up!