Lilly King on 200 Breast: “2:22’s kind of becoming the new norm”

2021 PRO SWIM SERIES – MISSION VIEJO (#3)

• April 8-11, 2021
• Marguerite Aquatics Center, Mission Viejo, CA
• LCM
• Prelims – 4:00pm PST/Finals – 10:00am PST
• Meet central
• Meet information
• Psych sheets
• Live stream (USA Swimming – evening prelims & 800 free Thursday)
• Live stream (Olympic Channel – mid-day finals)
• Live results

Reported by Anne Lepesant.

WOMEN’S 200 METER BREASTSTROKE – FINAL

• Pro Swim Record: 2:20.77 Annie Lazor (2019)
• Trials Wave II: 2:30.49
• Trials Wave I: 2:33.29

Podium:

1. Lilly King 24 Indiana Swim Club 2:22.38
2. Annie Lazor 26 Mission Viejo Nadadores 2:22.73
3. Emily Escobedo 25 Condors Swim Club 2:23.58

Lilly King attacked the 200 like it was a 100, getting out in front of the field by 1.2 at the 50 wall with a first 50 of 31.7. She built her lead to 1.5 seconds at the 100, turning at 1:07.97. Annie Lazor began to close the gap over the second half of the race, outsplitting King on the 3rd 50 by .4 and on the 4th 50 by .7. King held on, though, and got the win, 2:22.38 to 2:22.73.

King explained she had been working on race strategy, musing, “Why would I swim like a 200 breaststroker when I’m a 100 breaststroker?” Her plan is to go out and see how long she can hold on. With a body and a half lead on the field at the halfway mark, she had enough cushion to power through to victory.

Lazor came up .35 short and finished second with 2:22.73. Both she and King have been a touch faster this season.

Emily Escobedo finished third with 2:23.58.