2018 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
- Wednesday, July 25 – Sunday, July 29, 2018
- William Woollett Aquatics Center, Irvine, CA
- Prelims 9 AM / Finals 6 PM (U.S. Pacific Time)
- Meet website
- Meet information
- Event Order
- Full selection procedures
- Psych Sheet
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- TV Schedule
- Pick ‘Em Contest
- Omega Results
- Wednesday Prelims Heat Sheet
A pair of teenagers put up historic age group swims in prelims of the men’s 200 fly at Nationals this morning: 16-year-old Gianluca Urlando moved to #2 all-time in the 15-16 age group while 18-year-old Jack Levant jumped to #3 all-time in the 17-18 bracket.
Ulando fought defending national champ Jack Conger the entire way in his heat, blasting a 1:56.01 that qualifies him 6th into tonight’s final. Urlando is also the only Junior Pan Pacs eligible swimmer in the A final, virtually guaranteeing him a spot on that travel roster with a clean swim tonight. The DART Swimming flyer moves to #2 all-time among Americans in the 15-16 age group, trailing only the legendary Michael Phelps, who was 1:54.58 back in 2001. Urlando jumps past Andrew Seliskar, who previously sat #2 in the age group at 1:56.42.
Top 15-16s All-Time, 200 Fly
- Michael Phelps – 1:54.58
- Gianluca Urlando – 1:56.01
- Andrew Seliskar – 1:56.42
- Justin Lynch – 1:57.80
- Justin Wright – 1:57.90
Levant, meanwhile, battled eventual #1 qualifier Justin Wright one heat earlier, going 1:55.89 for the third qualifying spot into tonight’s final. Levant, competing for the North Texas Nadadores, also jumps past Seliskar (1:55.92) in the all-time 17-18 ranks, trailing only Phelps (1:53.93 in 2003) and Bobby Bollier (1:55.67).
If he holds his place tonight, Levant should have a shot at a Pan Pacs berth, and if he can move up, he’ll be in line for a 2019 World Championships spot as well, though we’ll have to wait for Pan Pacs for that roster to finalize.
Top 17-18s All-Time, 200 Fly
- Michael Phelps – 1:53.93
- Bobby Bollier – 1:55.67
- Jack Levant – 1:55.89
- Andrew Seliskar – 1:55.92
- Zach Harting – 1:56.92
he’s an incredible talent. Huge feet, incredible kicker, soft hands, and trains like a beast. He can swim every stroke, every distance, and he is a fearless racer. Totally rare.
Luca has great short course skill and is backing it up with the long course swims. Trains well and has not grown yet. A good head on his shoulders and should continue to flourish under coach Doughty at DART.
How tall is he now?
What was Milak time at 16?
Milak was 1:56.77 at 16. So, Urlando is faster than that.
Nice, that’s very good company.
He also just recently turned 16
This Urlando kid. Is he our last hope against Milak come 2021+beyond?