Nathan Adrian reveals new race strategy in the 100 free (Video)

Reported by Karl Ortegon.

MEN’S 100 FREE FINALS

  1. Nathan Adrian (Cal) 48.66
  2. Duncan Scott (GBR) 49.33
  3. Joao De Lucca (Cardinal Aquatics) 49.60
  4. Jacob Pebley (Cal) 49.76
  5. Luca Dotto (Italy) 49.79
  6. Filippo Magnini (Italy) 49.80
  7. Ali Khalafalla (Indiana University) 50.03
  8. Bruno Fratus (UNAT) 50.06

Nathan Adrian of Cal posted a 48.66, taking the win using a 24.73 back half to blow out the field. GBR’s Duncan Scott swam his way to 2nd with a 49.33, followed by Cardinal Aquatics’ Joao De Lucca. Adrian’s time looks to slingshot him to number 1 in the world in 2017.

2016-2017 LCM MEN 100 FREE

DUNCANGBR
SCOTT

01/29
48.75
1 SHINRI
SHIOURA
JPN 48.75 02/18
3 LUCA
DOTTO
ITA 48.77 12/16
3 KATSUMI
NAKAMURA
JPN 48.77 11/19
3 TAE HWAN
PARK
KOR 48.77 11/17

VIEW TOP 66»

Jacob Pebley showed off some sprint skill with a 49.76 to just get ahead of Italians Luca Dotto (49.79) and Filippo Magnini (49.80). Taking the B final was Federico Grabich of Argentina (49.43).

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SWIMMANIC
7 years ago

Bought tickets Budapest World Champs for Men 100free heats – final & Men 4×100 med relay heats – final. Front row seats, close to finishing line (all sold out), for 2 people. Cannot go now due to personal issues. Selling now at the purchased price. if anyone wants them, let me know http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/262894433414?

sven
7 years ago

Nathan Adrian is one of the smartest, most analytical swimmers in the game right now. He knows what he needs to do to stay competitive, and it’s clear that, in the absence of full body super suits, it’s all about doing what you need to do to finish strong. If it were all about going out fast, there wouldn’t be any difference between the 100 and the 50.

Attila the Runt
7 years ago

He seems to play around with this idea in off years. Did a great 200 yard free a couple of years ago, saying it would help with his back half. When the money’s on the line though, he’ll be 22 high to the feet. Sometimes I think he’s either psyching himself up with this for his back off, or scaring the crap out of the competition when he’s half a body length ahead at the wall and they’re thinking, “He’s building this?”

Person
7 years ago

That’s risky business there… if he doesn’t go out under 23 with a taper then no 24.7 at the end is going to save him. Chalmers and McEvoy (Chalmers especially) swim it in a similar way. This could also be for the mind games. If he swims it this way some of the time and his normal way (being pretty much equally good both 50s) and can go the same time for both, then nobody will know what he plans to do in a big final. The element of surprise can really work in his favor, look how it worked for Chalmers.
I’ve always found Adrian to be remarkably consistent, and I’d go far enough to say he’s the… Read more »

Aquajosh
Reply to  Person
7 years ago

It could be a bit like Camille Muffat (R.I.P.) before London. Pellerin had her build her confidence by splitting her races every different way possible and still trying to get her hand on the wall first. I remember some crazy Mare Nostrum swim where she went out in 2:03 or 2:04 and came back in 2:00 or 1:59 on a 400 free. By the time she got to London, even though she was nervous and didn’t swim as fast as she could have, she had every race strategy available as part of her toolbox, and it kept her in front of a hard-charging Allison Schmitt. Obviously, a 400 free leaves a little more room for strategy than a 100, but… Read more »

Steve Nolan
7 years ago

Hm. Wonder if this’ll impact his 50?

Swimnerd
7 years ago

Nate Dogg isn’t riding out anymore? Say it ain’t so!

PACFAN
7 years ago

Closing sub 25 while tired, good strategy. And then when taper hits, just using that easy speed. That’s how Adrian can really maximize his potential.
23.9 and 24.7 untapered.
If he can close in the same speed while tapered, but go out in anywhere from 22.5 to 22.9, he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with, regardless of if Chalmers, McEvoy, Magnusson, Zetao, or whoever is on their absolute A game.

I truly think Adrian has an incredible swim left in him for the 100 free. 46 high 47 flat. I know… the clock is ticking as he ages. But I’d love to see him win in Tokyo, you can’t help but root for this guy.

Huh
7 years ago

Like most age group coaches have been preaching for years…

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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