Reece Whitley Ties Michael Phelps in 200 Breaststroke – Video Interview

Photo Courtesy: Peter Bick

Reece Whitley won the Junior National title in the 200 breast last week in San Antonio, and he stuck around awhile longer to race the big boys at Senior Nationals. Whitley did not make the championship final in the event, but he rebounded to win the B-final at night in a personal best time of 2:11.30, the exact same time that Michael Phelps put up to finish fifth in the event.

With the meet complete, Whitley discussed how he felt about dropping a full second off his best time and almost five seconds on the season and why he would have loved to be in the A-final. He also previewed the upcoming Junior World Championships in Singapore, sharing his feelings about representing the U.S. for the first time and getting to swim a new event, the 50 breast.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

Name*

Email*

11 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

liquidassets

8 years ago

Interesting that he says the 50 is too short for him. In the other strokes, at least freestyle for sure, height is considered an advantage. Maybe it’s the opposite in breaststroke, eh.

liquidassets

8 years ago

But wait, never mind what I just said. Adam Peaty!!

Susan L. Lansbury

8 years ago

The future ?

Swimming Winner

8 years ago

Reply to Susan L. Lansbury

+1 :

Swimming Winner

8 years ago

Cool info thanks :

Sue Brown

8 years ago

Luke Brown

Suzanne Rudnicki

8 years ago

I think it should read: “Michael Phelps ties Reece Whitley”…which is the bigger accomplishment!

lyle

8 years ago

Reply to Suzanne Rudnicki

That is correct. Whitley performed his time first. THEN, Phelps tied the time in the next heat!

Robeson White

8 years ago

He dropped 5 seconds this season. Imagine if he drops another 5 seconds (2:06:30) wr.

Kristie Wisniewski

8 years ago

But a Phelps isn’t a breast stroker. Reece needs to drop 3 seconds before trials next summer to make it to Rio. He probably will not qualify until the Olympics after Rio but fantastic for a 15 year old.

Mark J

8 years ago

Hi there,
A general question, please …
How many National Titles has Michael Phelps won?
(Including Olympic Trials titles, of course)?
I remember reading, years ago, that Tracey Caulkins won more than 70;
Has Michael surpassed that?
Thank you for your time,
Mark