Simonas Bilis Lowers Lithuanian 50 Free Record From This Morning

2016 SHORT COURSE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

After lowering the Lithuanian 50 free record national record this morning in 21.43, Simonas Bilis further lowered it tonight all the way down to 21.15. That swim gives him the #2 seed heading into tomorrow night’s final behind Russian powerhouse Vladimir Morozov.

The record he broke this morning stood for 22 years, and in one day he has lowered it by nearly four tenths of a second. Raimundas Mazuolis previously held the record, set all the way back in 1994 at 21.52.

Bilis has been an NCAA All-American numerous times for NC State, and was an NCAA champion in 2016 in the 400 freestyle relay. His success has translated over to long course, earning a berth in the final of the 50 free at the Olympics this past summer. He’ll be dangerous in tomorrow’s final, and will look to join the elusive sub-21 second club.

Bilis still has the 100 free on his schedule, with the prelims taking place on Saturday morning. He failed to advance to the final yesterday in the 200 free, finishing 28th.

 

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About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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