January 20, 2008

Michael Phelps Impressively Doubles at Second Day of Long Beach

Posted by David

It’s tough to say that any double (or triple) that Michael Phelps swims is more impressive than the other, but this is one that at least Americans can appreciate: the 100 free/500 free combo.  If being within a second of the American Record in the 100 wasn’t enough, he was also just two off the 500 Record as well.  But seriously, was anyone else anticipating the match-up between him and newly crowned American Record holder in the 1000, Erik Vendt?

Let’s get straight to it.  Kara Lynn Joyce started off the night in style with a 47.85 victory in the 100 free.  Breaststroke American Record Holder Jessica Hardy continues to progress in the sprint frees as well, taking the runner-up position in a swift 48.64.  Also showing versatility was 200 Fly World Championships Medalist Kim Vandenberg, third in 48.79.  Word to the wise, keep an eye on the 17 year old pair of Allison Schmitt (49.51) and Karlee Bispo (49.77).

This brings us to Michael’s first race, the 100 free.  Normally someone might be intimidated by an American Record holder, but certainly not Phelps.  The greatest swimmer ever took down long course stud Jason Lezak (3rd at 42.64) and a strong effort from Matt Grevers (42.24) to bust under 42 seconds (41.93), 8th fastest all-time. Note, Grevers (20.07) was a full .6 faster than Phelps (20.63) to the fifty.  Phelps’ time is just .3 off of Anthony Ervin’s record of 41.62.

Mary Descenza continued to bring home golds, this time in the women’s 200 fly (1:53.09) in which she held off a strong charge from resurgent 2004 Olympian Dana Kirk (1:54.45).  Kirk was out a half second faster (54.89) than Descenza (55.23) but could not hold off the Georgia star.  Third place was Kim Vandenberg (1:54.46) and fourth was Kaitlin Sandeno (1:56.41).

On the men’s side, NCAA Champion Davis Tarwater took the title in 1:42.19, just off his best effort.  Arizona-alum Juan Veloz was second (1:44.77) ahead of recent transfer to Trojan Aquatics, Pat Cary (1:44.84).

The 200 back short course has been an event dominated by three people recently: Ryan Lochte, Aaron Peirsol and Matt Grevers.  While Lochte (at 1:36) is clearly the class of the field, Grevers did something tonight that only these three gentlemen have ever accomplished: break 1:40.  The Northwestern alum seems to be enjoying his new digs in Tucson, as he cruised a 1:39.99, ahead of Trojan Aquatics’ Peter Marshall (1:42.12).

1000 free champ Kaitlin Sandeno repeated her efforts from the night before with a 4:40.44 victory in the 500 tonight, ahead of that 17 year old star mentioned earlier (and fellow Club Wolverine’er) Allison Schmitt (4:41.68).  2004 Olympian Karly Piper was third (4:43.56).

Which brings us to the most (in my mind) anticipated event of the evening: the men’s 500 free.  It’s cool to be a distance swimmer again, and Erik Vendt has played a large role in that resurgence of American distance swimming.  Tonight though the crown goes to Mr. Phelps, who rocketed to an unbelievable 4:10.43.   That eclipses that wussy 8th fastest 100 of all-time, by making him the 4th fastest performer all-time in that event.  Only Peter Vanderkaay (third in the race with a 4:21.06), Larsen Jensen (fifth in the race at 4:24.20) and Tom Dolan have gotten under 4:10.  Vendt would have to settle for second at a very swift 4:13.41 (note: he was out in 4:14 in his 1000).  Fourth place went to Long Course 400 American Record Holder Klete Keller (4:23.12). 

What a great night of swimming.

Full Results Available Here