PHOENIX, Arizona. July 9. MORNING Swim Show host Peter Busch gives his Day 3 Finals predictions for the USA Swimming National Championships:
So, I was wrong to doubt Aaron Peirsol. Won't happen again. Yesterday, I predicted that the emperor of backstroke would have to wait until Rome to reclaim his world record.
Other than that miscalculation, I have to say my picks were pretty sharp. I got the winners right in every event, and predicted that Michael Phelps would come closer to his record in the 200 fly than the 200 free.
Tonight's finals look a little tricky to call. I'm more lukewarm than a diving well on some of these picks, but here we go anyways.
Women's 100 Breast
Rebecca Soni's back half this morning told me all I need to know. She was in total control and has enough juice to go out faster tonight and hold on. Soni wins with a 1:06.4, and Keri Hehn gets second by a fingernail to make it a 1-2 finish for the Trojans.
Men's 100 Fly
I did not think that Michael Phelps was ready to take down a world record. I mean seriously, the guy barely touched chlorinated water for 4 months after Beijing. Tonight, he'll show why he really is a freak of nature. He snares the record that has eluded his grasp for so many years, and wipes Ian Crocker off the books. 50.28 is the time. A new roof will be needed in the IU Natatorium.
Women's 50 Free
Dara Torres is more than a middle-aged marvel. She is by far America's best chance at a medal in this event in Rome. She will not break her own national record, but she will win by a half-body length.
Men's 50 Free
Did Sabir Muhammad really just make the finals? I hadn't heard that name since Bill Clinton was president. Good for Sabir. I'd love to pick him as my upset special, but Cullen Jones brought his A-game to Indianapolis. He'll be the fastest American in the pool tonight, but he won't break any records. I predict a 21.60.
Women's 400 IM
The Americans are absurdly deep in this event. None of them can touch Stephanie Rice or Kirsty Coventry right now, but it's a great sign when you have half a dozen women capable of breaking 4:40. For this summer at least, America's best hope in this event is Julia Smit. She wins tonight with a 4:32, and Dagny Knutson officially joins the world championship team with a distant second-place finish.
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July 9, 2009 Mr. Busch should play the tables in Vegas. Pretty good predictions! Submitted by: mario2007
July 9, 2009 mad mad mad props to peter busch for getting .06 off phelps' time in the 100 fly. prophetic. Submitted by: lightbulb12
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