Speedo Sectionals: Michael Brinegar Cruises to Victory in 800 Free in College Station

Michael Brinegar (Mission Viejo Nadadores)

Several weeks of USA Swimming Speedo Sectionals kicked off on Thursday night with distance events, the meets being held in College Station, Texas and Carlsbad, California. The highlight of the evening was Michael Brinegar’s 8:03.34 winning effort in the 800-meter freestyle in College Station, which is racing in long course during the night session.

Representing the Mission Viejo Nadadores, Brinegar was nearly four seconds quicker than runnerup David Heron, who touched the wall in 8:07.11. Brinegar, the son of 1976 Olympian Jennifer Hooker, is taking a redshirt year from Indiana University to prepare for the United States Olympic Trials, where he will focus on the 800 freestyle and 1500 freestyle. Brinegar has a best time in the 800 freestyle of 7:54.56, produced at last year’s Summer Nationals. During his freshman year at Indiana, Brinegar was the runnerup in the 1650 freestyle at the NCAA Championships, where he also contested the 500 freestyle.

In women’s action in College Station, Clare Vetkoetter was the only individual to dip under 17 minutes, going 16:58.86.

The Carlsbad stop of the Speedo Sectionals series featured short-course racing, with Liberty Williams of the Riverside Aquatics Association beating the field in the 1000-yard freestyle. Williams was the only swimmer to break 10 minutes, going 9:47.15. Williams’ RAA teammate and sibling, Jude Williams, was the winner of the 1650 free in 15:07.73.

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8:03.34 twice

4 years ago

8:03.34 finished first and second?