Mallory Comerford Smashes U.S. Open Record with 52.81 to Win 100 Free

2017 U.S. NATIONALS/WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TRIALS

Louisville’s Mallory Comerford popped a blistering 52.81 to set a new U.S. Open Record and National Championships Meet Record. In doing so, she out-touched reigning Olympic champion Simone Manuel, who was also under the former U.S. Open Record in 53.05 for 2nd place.

Comerford took down the former U.S. Open Record of 53.12 set by current world leader Sarah Sjostrom at the 2016 Arena Pro Swim Series in Austin. The former Nationals Meet Record stood at a 53.26 done by Comerford in prelims. Before today, it was a 53.28 set by Abbey Weitzeil at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials.

 

Comerford’s swim was also just .11 shy of the American Record, which was set by Manuel at the Rio Olympics. This is the first time the Americans will ever send 2 women to a major international meet who have lifetime bests below 53 seconds. Comerford is just the 2nd American ever to break the 53 barrier.

Splits Comparison: Women’s 100 Free

Swimmer 1st 50 Split 2nd 50 Split Final Time
Mallory Comerford (2017 Nationals finals)  25.54  27.27  52.81
Mallory Comerford (2017 Nationals prelims) 25.67 27.59 53.26
Sarah Sjostrom (2016 Austin PSS) 25.83 27.29 53.12

Coach Arthur Albiero on Comerford’s Swim:

“We always talk about putting ourselves in the position to ‘shock the world’  and I guess we did that tonight. Tonight was a paradigm shift for our program,” said UofL head coach Arthur Albiero. “What a swim by Mallory and for Kelsi Worrell too. She guaranteed her spot on the relay. We will wait for final selections for Team USA Junior Worlds and Team USA World University Games, but we believe we should have a few more selected.”

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ERVINFORTHEWIN
6 years ago

One thing with Mallory that she said is essential : they have been working on the last 20 meters in practice !!! thats a very important aspect of the 100 and 200 free . Very smart coaching

Zanna
6 years ago

Swimswan, can you post the other races like how you want posted the Women’s 100 free (race, interview and medal ceremony. Thank you.

Joe
6 years ago

I don’t know whether Comerford can drop even more time this summer, but I know she can now be considered a medal contender at Worlds. Good for you, americans.

I also think Manuel has more to give. I suspect she’s just half-rested here, and based on last summer she knows how to rise to the occasion. Long ways to go if Sjostrom brings her A game, though.

bobo gigi
6 years ago

Great job Mallory. And great job by her coach too.
I knew she would be huge this summer in the 100 free. By far her best event in long course for the moment.
The girl has no fear. She steps up at the big meets.
A gift for American freestyle relays.

musty
6 years ago

damn i hate her stroke

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  musty
6 years ago

stop hating – just dont like it , its enough – but hey , its efficent !!

Dan
6 years ago

Louisville, Stanford, Stanford, Louisville, Georgia, Stanford, NC, Georgia

ERVINFORTHEWIN
6 years ago

She has such a unique very efficient stroke & great underwaters !

ACC fan
6 years ago

Gosh her 200 is going to be so exciting! Mallory may or may not beat ledecky at world’s but at this meet, with ledecky not rested, my money is on Mallory for the 200 win!

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  ACC fan
6 years ago

great battle i suspect form those 2 power house . Leah Smith will be there in the mix …..

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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