South African Roland Schoeman made his final World Championship preparations on Saturday at the 2013 Arizona State Masters Championships with a pair of wins in the 50 meter fly and then the 50 meter free.
Those are the two events he’s expected to swim in Barcelona as part of a smaller-than-normal South African contingent, and given the timing and the lack of competition, his results were stellar.
He started with a 23.26 in the 50 fly. That’s not as good as the time that Schoeman used to qualify for World, but only 6 men aside from him have been better. This race will be an outstanding chance at a medal for him in Barcelona.
Then, just about an hour later, Schoeman put up a 22.13 in the 50 free. This 50 free field is as deep as any at this year’s World Championships, but that leaves Schoeman a puncher’s chance at a making a final, though it would take a really special swim from him to break into the top three. His start continues to be right on target, which in the massive wake generated in the men’s sprint events, getting out quick can be a big advantage.
With both swims coming at a Masters meet, both also break the Masters World Records for the 33-year old Schoeman in the 30-34 age group. The freestyle broke Sabir Muhammed’s old record of 22.39, and the fly broke Ozzie Quevedo’s old record of 24.15.
Full meet results are available on the Meet Mobile App on the smartphone.
Schoeman should stick with the Masters meets.
Before that he’s got a lot to teach these youngsters. A great, humble and friendly world record holder to whom I wish all the best. I’ve got also the feeling that he’s highly respected among other swimmers.
I definitely hope to see him at Masters Worlds when the time is right but it’s not yet.
Can’t hang with the big boys in the 50 fr. Fly might be different but no final is Schoeman’s freestyle future. Stick to masters meets for that one unfortunately.
Stick a fork in Schoeman…he’s done!
He’s done? Are you serious? With his 23.26 he would have won the 50 fly at the US championships! 😆
53.57 for Ryan Murphy in the 100 back in Athens (Georgia USA, not Greece) at sectionals.
Interesting to note that Nic Fink and Shannon Vreeland also swim there.
Thursday results
http://athensbulldogs.com/pages/meets/hostedmeets/sectionals13/thurs
Friday results
http://athensbulldogs.com/pages/meets/hostedmeets/sectionals13/fri
Saturday results
http://athensbulldogs.com/pages/meets/hostedmeets/sectionals13/sat
With Adrian, Mags, Vlad, Cesar, Ervin, Florent, Bousquet, Marcelo…not sure there is room for another in the 50 free final, but he surprised many by making the final at the Olympics last year.
50 fly Schoeman has a shot to final with an outside shot at a medal.
Can´t see him final on 50 free..
and on 50 fly he has a medal shot.. but I think there is a possibility that Cielo and Nicholas can go 1-2 in this race..and we also have Bousquet, Proud, Manadou as medal contenders..