Watch Luca Urlando Topple Legendary Phelps 200 Fly NAG (Race Video)

2019 CLOVIS PRO SWIM SERIES

Read the full report on the NAG here.

Originally reported by James Sutherland

MEN’S 200 FLY FINAL

  • Pro Swim Series Record: Li Zhuhao, 2017 – 1:55.29
  • 2020 U.S. Olympic Trial cut: 2:01.19
  1. Luca Urlando, DART, 1:53.84
  2. Justin Wright, FORD, 1:58.61
  3. Ben Miller, TTSC, 2:00.41

17-year-old phenom Luca Urlando produced an absolutely incredible performance in the men’s 200 fly final, soaring to the win by close to five seconds in a new boys 17-18 National Age Group Record of 1:53.84.

The swim lowers an iconic record that had stood since 2003 – Michael Phelps clocked a 1:53.93 in the semi-finals at the 2003 World Championships. Urlando is now the third fastest American in history, only trailing Phelps (1:51.51 – WR) and Tyler Clary (1:53.64), and is 11th all-time.

His previous best time was 1:54.35, done in May at the Mel Zajac International meet in Vancouver. He is now the #3 ranked swimmer in the world this year.

2018 U.S. National Champ Justin Wright was the runner-up in 1:58.61, just off his season-best of 1:57.93.

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Hugo
4 years ago

Urlando vs Milak will sure he interesting in 2020

rsginsf
4 years ago

Urlando will get close to or under 1:50 in this event I predict. His fly is perfect & awe-inspiring to watch.

Luis Vargas
4 years ago

Some of the all time best performances from 08 09 are done with the old full body tech suits. Phelps did not wear the full body suit for his world record but did wear a full leg one. Luca looks so smooth in this 2 fly its amazing.

ERVINFORTHEWIN
4 years ago

with Dressel & Urlando , Usa is again in full force for the fly events …..So so good for the sport

Joel Lin
4 years ago

I’m really waking up the older generation with this comparison, but when I watch this kid swim a 2 fly it reminds me of a combo of the way Craig Beardsley & and Jeff Stuart swam the stroke. Stuart lesser known, but man was that guy smooth through the water. Deep kick, no bubbles on the catch & just always seeming to be leaning forward in the water. If there was a 400 meter long course fly, I’d have loved to see what Beards & Stuart could’ve put up for a time.

But Luca is the best fly technician I think ever we’ve seen. He’s technically perfect in the event.

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Joel Lin
4 years ago

Mel and I agree 100 % – His stroke is fabulous & so efficient

Anonymous
4 years ago

After watching the video, I honestly think he is only going to get faster 0_o

ERVINFORTHEWIN
4 years ago

The day he has a 200 free matching his 200 butterfly , this guy will be dangerous !!!! His endurance is amazing for a 17 year old .

Pvdh
Reply to  ERVINFORTHEWIN
4 years ago

If that happens, we’d have a freak combo of teenage Phelps and teenage Thorpe. I’d be happy with 1:46 low this year for him

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Pvdh
4 years ago

yep – i could see a Haas , Urlando , Pieroni & Dressel/ Farris combo for the 800 free in Tokyo …

ERVINFORTHEWIN
4 years ago

That first 50 was paced perfectly with his hands hitting the wall just on time ….this way he does not loose any speed on the turn …on the contrary . Amazing smooth technique …a delight to watch .

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