Shaine Casas Swims 1:40.88 4×200 Free Relay Lead-Off, Becomes 2nd Fastest American Man

2024 Short Course World Championships

Shaine Casas announced himself earlier in the meet as he put together arguably his best performance in an international championship final, downing Ryan Lochte‘s Championship and Americans record on the way to gold in the 200 IM (1:49.51). After his race, Casas shared that “for the longest time, [he] didn’t know if that swim was ever going to come back,” referencing the “ups and downs” he went through during the last Olympic quad.

Not only did he find that record-setting swim, his excellent meet has continued. He swam a 1:40.88 leading off the men’s 4×200 freestyle relay, becoming the second-fastest American in event history. The swim puts him within .39 seconds of the American record sits at 1:40.49, swum by Townley Haas in 2020.

Casas had never swum a short-course meters 200 freestyle before today, but he’s already joined Haas as the only American men to break 1:41 in event history.

Top 5 U.S. Performers, Men’s 200 Free (SCM)

  1. Townley Haas — 1:40.49 (2020)
  2. Shaine Casas — 1:40.88 (2024)
  3. Kieran Smith — 1:41.04 (2022)
  4. Ryan Lochte — 1:41.08 (2010)
  5. Blake Pieroni — 1:41.15 (2018)

Casas was out well under Haas’s American record pace, attacking from the start like he did in his 200 IM final. He was out in 23.09 to the feet, then split 25.63 on the second 50, turning at the halfway point in 48.72. He was still under Haas’ pace, as Haas was out in 49.00 during his record-setting swim.

Haas’ record line made up a few-hundredths on the third 50, as he split 25.83 to Casas’ 25.86, but the real difference came over the final 50 meters, as Haas brought his race home in 25.66, while Casas felt his early speed and split 26.30.

The U.S. prelims quartet of Casas (1:40.88), Trenton Julian (1:42.39), Daniel Matheson (1:45.53), and Kieran Smith (1:42.89) qualified first for tonight’s final. Team USA still has several options for tonight’s final, including bringing in Olympic bronze medalist Luke Hobson. While it remains to be seen if Casas will get another crack at the American record today by leading off the final relay, he’s certainly earned his spot on the relay with his swim.

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Adam Depmore
4 hours ago

ASCA Clinic in 2023, Eddie Reese talked a lot about how the UT guys trained and alluded to Shaine and his training. He said the best was yet to come. Having the fortunate opportunity to talk to Shaine, I can see why. Great job Shaine. Loving this 2024 bounce back!

LBSWIM
Reply to  Adam Depmore
3 hours ago

looks like he just needed Bowman to help get to the next level.

bobthebuilderrocks
4 hours ago

This is what we’ve been waiting for so long, and now it’s coming to fruition. Multi-event threat at worlds next year.

HeGetsItDoneAgain
4 hours ago

He’s beginning to ascend

Big Zippy
4 hours ago

Casas swimming that well is a great problem to have
I’m sure the original plan was keep Kieran but swap on Alexy, Hobson and Giuliano

Now what?
Casas + the three Fresh Bodies?
Casas and Smith and you have to pick 2 of 3?
Stick to the plan?

Again Good problem to have.

Samuel Huntington
Reply to  Big Zippy
4 hours ago

Should go Casas, Smith, Foster, Hobson.

James
Reply to  Samuel Huntington
57 minutes ago

Hobson first. He is a great lead off swimmer.
He should break the world record

Kevin
Reply to  Big Zippy
4 hours ago

Kieran, Casas, Hobson, and one of Carson/Giuliano/Alexy. Probably Carson or Giuliano since Alexy is more sprint oriented then them. I think lineup wise they should go Casas, Giuliano, Hobson, and Kieran

RealSlimThomas
Reply to  Big Zippy
3 hours ago

I have seen this elsewhere, but I think you have to run Smith, Casas, Alexy and Hobson (not that order). Guiliano only gets subbed in at Alexy’s expense I’ll wager.

Hank
Reply to  Big Zippy
3 hours ago

Lots of options

RealSlimThomas
4 hours ago

Casas please swim through this quad! The potential 2fr/2bk/2IM combo is giving strong Lochte vibes. It’s even more fitting that he broke his long standing 2IM record.

Hank
Reply to  RealSlimThomas
3 hours ago

An individual WC gold (plus relay gold) is going to fire him up.

Swimmer
4 hours ago

This is great. I’d like to see some consistent great too. The highs are high but the lows are low.

RealCrocker5040
4 hours ago

BOWMAN EFFECT

1:54 NEXT SUMMER

BR32
5 hours ago

I love bowmanified Shaine Casas

About Sophie Kaufman

Sophie Kaufman

Sophie grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, which means yes, she does root for the Bruins, but try not to hold that against her. At 9, she joined her local club team because her best friend convinced her it would be fun. Shoulder surgery ended her competitive swimming days long ago, …

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