Coming off a climactic first night, the 2019 Pan American Games entered its second day of competition with excess momentum. Staged in Lima, Peru, the multi-sport competition is the largest athletic event ever hosted by the country, attracting nearly 9,500 athletes and officials in addition to spectators. With swimming being one of the most popular of the 39 sports, the atmosphere is nothing short of electric. Far from an aftershock of the World Championships, the Pan Am Games boast some of the top names in the sport, as the Americas prepare to take their talents overseas in the coming year.
The United States upheld its monopoly of the women’s 200 free, as Claire Rasmus and Meaghan Raab engaged in a dramatic sprint to the finish, passing Canada’s Katerine Savard on the third lap. The two came within striking distance of the Pan Am record (1:56.23) set by Allison Schmitt, the reigning national champion in this event as of last week. Despite seizing two spots on the podium for the States, the women faced a challenge in Brazil’s Larissa Martins de Oliveira (1:59.78), whose front-end speed seemed to create a nearly impossible deficit for the Americans. Patricia Ackman of Canada was the last woman under 2:00, turning in a 1:59.92 to edge out Cuba’s Elisbet Gamez Matos (2:00.25) for fourth.
Known for their strength in this event, Brazil landed another in the top eight with Manuella Lyrio’s 2:00.44, which proved good enough to take down Canada’s Katerine Savard (2:01.18), known for her blazing front-half speed. Mexico’s Allyson Alba rounded out the heat with a notable time of her own, clocking in at 2:03.41 to send the meet to its next event.
Congratulations Claire and Meaghan! ???
Great job Claire!! We are so proud of you ????♀️❤️
Claire enjoyed watching you win the 200.
Well done , well deserved!