Race Footage: Watch Arkady Vyatchanin, David Plummer Do Battle in 100 Back

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CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, May 17. RUSSIAN Olympic Arkady Vyatchanin, who has already defected to the United States but has yet to secure citizenship, put up a sterling effort in the men’s 100-meter back at the Arena Grand Prix in Charlotte.

Vyatchanin topped the event in 53.81 to move to ninth in the SwimVortex world rankings. Ever since leaving Russian Swimming after nationals last year, Vyatchanin has been unsuccessful in finding a path to citizenship in the U.S. He may wind up having to swim out the rest of his career without a chance at international competition.

David Plummer threw down a swift 53.86 of his own to now stand tied for 12th in the world rankings with Jeremy Stravius. Junya Koga picked up third overall in 54.93, while Eugene Godsoe touched fourth in 55.04.

Charlie Boldison (55.24), James Wells (55.49), Omar Pinzon (55.50) and Pavel Sankovich (56.12) comprised the rest of a pretty deep and talented championship field.

Drew teDuits turned in a winning time of 55.60 in the consolation heat, while Shane Ryan placed second in 55.90. Corey Main (55.93) and Albert Subirats (56.05) wound up third and fourth.

Michael Andrew (56.39), Pedro Oliveira (56.73), Jonathan Carlisle (56.84) and Aaron Greene (57.22) wrapped up the rest of the B final.

=== Championship ===

1 *Arkady Vyatcha 30 New York Athleti 55.35 53.81 NAT
26.12 53.81 (27.69)
2 David Plummer 28 New York Athleti 54.70 53.86 NAT
26.06 53.86 (27.80)
3 *Junya Koga 26 Club Wolverine-M 55.81 54.93 NAT
26.43 54.93 (28.50)
4 Eugene Godsoe 26 Palo Alto Stanfo 56.13 55.04 NAT
27.06 55.04 (27.98)
5 *Charlie Boldis 21 Great Britain 55.55 55.24 NAT
27.22 55.24 (28.02)
6 James Wells 22 Badger Swim Club 55.63 55.49 NAT
27.14 55.49 (28.35)
7 *Omar Pinzon 24 Bolles School Sh 56.09 55.50 NAT
26.93 55.50 (28.57)
8 *Pavel Sankovic 23 Belarus 55.92 56.12 NAT
27.55 56.12 (28.57)

=== Consolation ===

9 Drew teDuits 20 Unattached-WI 56.99 55.60 NAT
27.41 55.60 (28.19)
10 Shane Ryan 20 Unattached-MA 56.33 55.90 NAT
26.53 55.90 (29.37)
11 *Corey Main 19 Gator Swim Club- 57.20 55.93 NAT
27.07 55.93 (28.86)
12 Albert Subirats 27 Auburn Aquatics- 56.73 56.05 NAT
26.80 56.05 (29.25)
13 Michael Andrew 15 Indie Swimming-M 56.95 56.39 NAT
27.45 56.39 (28.94)
14 *Pedro Oliveira 26 Cardinal Aquatic 57.18 56.73 NAT
27.69 56.73 (29.04)
15 *Jonathan Carli 21 Great Britain 57.12 56.84 NAT
27.44 56.84 (29.40)
16 Aaron Greene 19 Una UOFL-KY 57.31 57.22
28.06 57.22 (29.16)

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