5 Overlooked Performances From the TYR Pro Series Stop in Indianapolis
From Kate Douglass’ world record-breaking performance in the 50-meter freestyle to Van Mathias’ continued breakout year, last week’s TYR Pro Series visit to Indianapolis jumpstarted what is shaping up to be a thrilling summer in the pool. From the Commonwealth Games to the European Championships to the Pan Pacific Championships, speedy efforts should be the norm over the next few months.
But Indy offered more than the record-breaking marks of Douglass and Mathias. During the four-day competition, several athletes delivered high-quality performances that flew under the radar. For these athletes, the momentum gained in Indianapolis could be a launching pad to bigger days.
Here’s a look at five performances that didn’t receive their proper due.
William Mulgrew/Max Carlsen – 800 Freestyle
Coming into this meet, the 800 freestyle did not quality as a highly anticipated event. With the always dependable American-record holder Bobby Finke seeded seven seconds ahead of his next competitor, it seemed unlikely there would be much of a surprise. That is, until William Mulgrew and Max Carlsen entered the pool.
Mulgrew and Carlsen finished second and third over 16 laps, as Finke used his trademark finishing speed to win. However, Mulgrew and Carlsen gave the Olympic gold medalist a serious challenge. Carlsen led for all but the final 50 meters, getting out in front with his efficient stroke. The swim was a personal best by a whopping five seconds for the junior at North Carolina State. Combined with his third-place finish in the 400 freestyle, Carlsen has certainly exhibited growth.
Mulgrew, meanwhile, stuck with Finke the entire way, before blasting past Carlsen for second place. The Harvard standout was just three seconds off his time from the Fort Lauderdale Open a month ago, and just .30 from tying Finke. Mulgrew looks like he’s developing into a long-term presence in the distance events.
Kennedi Dobson – 400 Freestyle
As was the case in the men’s 800 freestyle, the attention in the 400 freestyle went to another Florida distance superstar: the incomparable Katie Ledecky. Although Kennedi Dobson finished seven seconds behind the all-time great, she still put together a fantastic swim.
The Georgia sophomore’s time of 4:06.11 sits 18th in the world this season, and it was a half-second drop from her previous best. For good measure, Dobson went 8:26.33 in the 800 freestyle, another top time.
Kaii Winkler – 100 Backstroke
Kaii Winkler’s weekend was one to remember, as he made his presence felt in multiple events. The sprinter set a German record with his second-place swim in the 100 butterfly (50.92), and he added third-place efforts in the 100 freestyle (48.40) and 50 backstroke (24.85).
However, Winkler’s performance in the 100 backstroke is one that might have been overshadowed. The N.C State star dropped almost three seconds in the event between prelims and finals, earning him a runnerup finish behind multi-time Olympian Ryan Murphy, 52.80 to 53.22. That time made Winkler the No. 2 performer in German history, behind only Helge Meeuw (52.27).
Although best known for his freestyle talent, Winkler clearly exhibited his versatility in Indianapolis. He’ll be a fascinating athlete to watch in the coming months.
Liberty Clark – 100 Freestyle
Liberty Clark is hardly an “under-the-radar” athlete after a second-place finish at NCAAs in the 200 freestyle, where she cracked the 1:40 barrier. Nevertheless, the sprinter’s spectacular race was overshadowed in the 100 freestyle, as she competed against some of the best sprinters in the world.
The Indiana sophomore finished fifth in the 100 free, which was won by Anna Moesch in 52.11. But Clark was solid, going 53.51 for a top-20 global time and a personal best by .15. If Clark can continue to develop her speed, she could be an eventual option for the United States in relay action.
