Streamlined News: World Records in France, College Meets Heating Up

PHOENIX, Arizona, November 16. AFTER taping yesterday's Streamlined News, we learned that a short course world record was broken at the French nationals by Yannick Agnel in the 400 free. Agnel swam a 3:32.25 to break Paul Biedermann's mark of 3:32.77 from 2009's techsuit era. This was more than a seven-second drop from his previous lifetime best, and Agnel looks like he's returning in fine form to the middle distance freestyle after choosing to not swim the 400 at the Olympics.

As if that were not enough, Agnel's teammate Camille Muffat broke a world record today in the 800 freestyle, shattering the record by more than three seconds with an 8:01.06. Muffat had an amazing 1:59.28 final 200 and a super-quick 57.3 opening 100.

Agnel pulled double duty in the pool today, first setting the European record in the 800 free with a 7:29.17 in an early heat, then winning the 100 free final with a 46.68.

Also swimming well was Jeremy Stravius, who broke the national record in the 200 IM yesterday with a 1:54.50, then returned today to set another French record in the 400 IM with a 4:06.85.

Take a look at our recaps of the first two days of competition on our world channel at swimmingworld.com for more from the French nationals.

College swimming was in full force Thursday night all over the country. Sarah Henry almost broke the NCAA record in the 500 free yesterday with a time of 4:33.07, about five tenths slower than Allison Schmitt's collegiate record. Henry also was impressive in the 200 IM last night, swimming a 1:56.22.

Henry's time in both events are the fastest so far in this collegiate season, and she barely earned that distinction in the 200 IM. Caitlin Leverenz of UC-Berkeley won the 200 IM last night at the Arena Invite in California with a 1:56.84. She had a tough battle on her hands with teammate Elizabeth Pelton, who swam a 1:57.11. Leverenz and Pelton are certain to be much faster at the end of the college season.

Another great swim came from Michael Flach of South Carolina, who is now the fastest male 500 freestyler this season. He won at the Hokie Invite with a 4:18.38, the first sub-4:20 swim of the college season. Flach took off last season to train for the Olympic Trials, and it appears that he's back with a vengeance.

You can read recaps from top college meets on our college channel at swimmingworld.com.

This weekend will feature even more college invites and dual meets across the country. Many teams will be looking to post fast times before the Thanksgiving holiday, while others will begin to taper for the USA Swimming nationals in early December. We'll bring you recaps of them on swimmingworld.com.

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