Watch: Litherland Chase Down Dwyer in 200 Free in Santa Clara

2017 ARENA PRO SWIM SERIES – SANTA CLARA

The 2017 Arena Pro Swim Series stop in Santa Clara is now in the books, as competition concluded on Sunday night at the George F. Haines Aquatic Center in Santa Clara, California. The 3rd night of competition brought one of the closest races of the meet: The men’s 200 free.

Georgia’s Jay Litherland stepped up to the blocks just one event after winning the 400 IM by a landslide. Litherland was up against a stacked field that included Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger, Chase Kalisz, Conor Dwyer, and Long Gutierrez. Through the 150-mark, Olympic medalist Dwyer led the field, but Litherland blasted off the final wall toreel him in, hitting the wall 1st in 1:49.28. Cal’s Gutierrez also managed to out-touch Dwyer at the finish, taking 2nd in 1:49.34 to Dwyer’s 1:49.53.

Check out the video below, courtesy of USA Swimming’s YouTube channel. For a full recap of Saturday night’s events, click here.

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LPman
6 years ago

Don’t get me wrong, 1:49 is a great time. However I am very worried about our depth in this event when no one is breaking 1:49 and we are 3 weeks out from trials. It makes me wonder how many Americans will be sub 1:46 and how vulnerable our 4 x 200 will be.

Attila the Runt
Reply to  LPman
6 years ago

It’s not like any other country is setting fire to the 200 free this year, but I think you’re right — probably several guys (Conger, Benz, Dwyer, Haas, some others) who will be 1:46’s. Haas might go 1:45, but I don’t see Dwyer doing it. I see Litherland more in the 1:47 range — just not enough front end speed. It’s actually a wide open event like the 200 IM.

Caleb
Reply to  Attila the Runt
6 years ago

Is Haas even swimming this summer? If not, the answers are “0 to 1” and “not vulnerable at all.”

ERVINFORTHEWIN
6 years ago

Dwyer better be ready at Trails because some guys are hungry to make that team . Jay is simply impressive and has serious endurance under his sleeve .

Hswimmer
6 years ago

1:49 after a great 400 IM!! I wouldn’t be surprised if he went 1:46 in 200 free.

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Hswimmer
6 years ago

He might have a solid 1.47 low for trails .

Fan
6 years ago

Litherland is a beast!

About Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh is a former NCAA swimmer at the University of Arizona (2013-2015) and the University of Florida (2011-2013). While her college swimming career left a bit to be desired, her Snapchat chin selfies and hot takes on Twitter do not disappoint. She's also a high school graduate of The …

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