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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- 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
wpDiscuz
This Urlando kid. Is he our last hope against Milak come 2021+beyond?
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
We see Luca at swim meets from time to time, and the breadth of his expertise is mind-boggling. Add on to that that he has yet to fill out his frame, in my opinion, and you can’t help but think he has a great future ahead. Way to go Luca! Best of luck.
How tall is he now?
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.