U.S. Nationals: Bobby Finke Wins 1500 Free by Nearly Five Seconds

Photo Courtesy: Connor Trimble

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Men’s 1500 Free (Bobby Finke)

There’s no doubt that the distance freestyle events are among the weakest for the American men these days. Perhaps Bobby Finke is a guy who can provide a spark. Behind a time of 14:51.15, Finke comfortably won the 1500 freestyle at Nationals, bettering Zane Grothe (14:56.10) and Michael Brinegar (15:00.82).

Unlike the women’s 800 freestyle, in which Ally McHugh had to rally from last to prevail, Finke was in control through the 30-lap event. Finke went through the 800-meter mark in 7:51.54 and is well-positioned to enjoy a strong week at Nationals. For Grothe, his performance was a major improvement over his showing at Worlds, where Grothe managed a time of only 15:21.43 in prelims.

Finke is now ranked ninth in the world for 2019 while Grothe moved up to 15th.

Brinegar also returned from the World Championships but he swam the open water events two weeks ago. He was 12th in the 5K in his first World Championships.

Arik Katz (15:05.93) and Jake Mitchell (15:11.52) were fourth and fifth while Eric Knowles (15:13.52) placed sixth. Seventh went to Jack Collins (15:15.75) and in eighth was Ross Dant (15:22.06).

2019 World Rankings:

14:36.54, Florian Wellbrock, GER
14:37.63, Mykhailo Romanchuk, UKR
14:38.34, Gregorio Paltrinieri, ITA
14:44.72, David Aubry, FRA
14:45.35, Henrik Christiansen, NOR
14:46.51, Daniel Jervis, GBR
14:47.75, Alexander Norgaard, DEN
14:48.52, Jan Micka, CZE
14:51.15, Bobby Finke, USA
14:52.03, Domenico Acerenza, ITA

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Ja Bounce

4 years ago

Split times per 50… Makes my lungs burn! Congrats