By Lauren Neidigh on SwimSwam
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
- SwimSwam Previews Index
- TV Schedule
- Pick ‘Em Contest
- Omega Results
- Wednesday Prelims Heat Sheet
We’re getting ready for the first session of the 2018 U.S. Nationals in Irvine, California. The meet kicks off with the 200 fly, 100 free, women’s 800 free, and men’s 1500 free.
We have one scratch out of the top 8 for day 1, with junior star Michael Brinegar opting out of the 1500 free. Brinegar made headlines this season when he won Winter Juniors in a blistering 14:37 mile, then later in the spring popped a 14:35 to become the 3rd fastest 17-18 American ever. He was just a second off PJ Ransford’s NAG Record and dropped nearly 20 seconds from his time throughout the season. The women’s distance race got a scratch as well as 14-seed Leah Stevens of Stanford has opted out of the 800 free.
The only other major scratch for day 1 came from Florida’sMaxime Rooney in the 200 fly. Rooney was the 15th seed there, but will instead focus only on the 100 free tomorrow, where he’s seeded 10th. Scratching out of the 100 free, on the other hand, was Olympic backstroker Jacob Pebley, the 18th seed.
Rooney is definitely more well known for his freestyle races, but he did show some potential in the 200 fly after putting up a lifetime best 1:58.57 at the 2017 U.S. Open. He’s been as fast as 48.87 in the 100 free before, making him a definite contender for a finals spot. The 200 fly will come before the 100 free in tomorrow’s session, so this move gives him a better shot at a final in that race.
Stanford’s Ella Eastin is still entered for the 200 fly tomorrow. Eastin, who has been sick with mononucleosis, could have potentially missed the meet altogether, but it looks like she may be going for it despite her illness.
Top 24 Scratches – Wednesday Prelims:
- Women’s 200 fly- N0ne
- Men’s 200 fly- #15 Maxime Rooney
- Women’s 100 free- None
- Men’s 100 free- #18 Jacob Pebley
- Women’s 800 free- #14 Leah Stevens
- Men’s 1500 free- #8 Michael Brinegar
Read the full story on SwimSwam: 2018 U.S. Nationals Day 1: Brinegar (1500 free, #8), Rooney (200 fly, #15) Scratch out; Eastin Still in