2019 Pan American Games: Thomas Shields Edges Out Luis Martinez for 100 Fly Victory

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Thomas Shields (51.59) contributed to the U.S. dominance of night two with a come-from-behind win in the men’s 100 fly. It didn’t come easily, as Guatemala’s Luis Martinez sought to reset the Pan Am record he dropped in prelims, sprinting to a 51.63 finish to come just shy. The Auburn University alum tallied Guatemala’s first ever medal in men’s swimming to make for a historic swim, punting Brazil’s Vinicius Lanza (51.88) to third in the process.

Argentina’s Santiago Grassi narrowly missed the podium, as he turned in a 52.15 to beat Matthew Josa (52.22) of the United States. Mexico continued to make its presence known in the championship finals with an impressive performance from Long Gutierrez (53.67), who has quickly become one of the country’s marquee athletes in international competition. Paraguay made its first appearance in an A-final with the help of Benjamin Hockin, whose 53.70 earned him seventh over Colombia’s David Aria (54.05).

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