Claire Weinstein produced the best time in the world this year in the women’s 200-meter freestyle final, and it was just enough to edge Katie Ledecky for the win at the U.S. Swimming Championships on Wednesday in Indianapolis.
Weinstein, 18, rebounded from being fourth at the midway point, finishing in 1 minute, 54.92 seconds.
Ledecky came in second at 1:55.26, and Torri Huske took third place at 1:55.71.
Asked postrace on Peacock about what spurred the victory, Weinstein replied, according to Olympics.com, “I’d just say getting racing reps in. I used to be scared of this race because I would kind of go in and not know what to do, but now I’ve raced it so many times, I know exactly what I need to do. It’s just muscle memory.
“My training this year has been really good. I think this year I’ve just been more consistent than I have in previous years, and I’m excited that’s showing in my races.”
Ledecky, a 28-year-old veteran with nine Olympic gold medals, will swim in the 400 freestyle on Friday.
In other Wednesday action, Gretchen Walsh set a U.S. and meet record in the 50-meter butterfly at 24.66 seconds. Kate Douglass took second place at 25.39, with Brady Kendall claiming third at 26.02.
According to Swimswam.com, Walsh’s time is the fourth fastest ever in the 50 butterfly. Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom holds the other nine spots on the top 10, including the world record of 24.43, set in 2014.
Luke Hobson set a U.S. Open record in the men’s 200 freestyle, touching in 1:43.73. The old mark of 1:44.10 was established by Michael Phelps in 2008. Only four swimmers, including Phelps, have gone faster than Hobson did on Wednesday.
Gabriel Jett was the runner-up in 1:44.70, and he was followed by Rex Maurer at 1:45.13.
Douglass captured the 200 breaststroke in 2:21.45, topping Alex Walsh (2:22.45) and Katie Christopherson (2:26.65).
In the men’s 200 breaststroke, Josh Matheny (2:08.87) prevailed ahead of AJ Pouch (2:09.31) and Gabe Nunziata (2:09.71).
Claire Curzan won the women’s 200 backstroke in 2:05.09, with Regan Smith (2:05.84) and Leah Shackley (2:06.66) rounding out the top three.
Jack Aikins earned the men’s 200 backstroke championship in 1:54.25, the best time in the world this year. Keaton Jones (1:54.85) and Daniel Diehl (1:55.08) were next.
Dare Rose was the men’s 50 butterfly champion in 23.06, topping Michael Andrew (23.21) and Shaine Casas (23.29).
–Field Level Media
