5 Races to Watch at the 2016 Atlanta Classic Swim Meet

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Many Olympians and Olympic hopefuls are choosing next weekend’s Atlanta Classic Swim Meet over the Arena Pro Swim Series in Charlotte. Though Michael Phelps pulled out of the meet on Tuesday, there is still enough start power to make for an exciting lineup, and leave us with a number of great races to watch.

Here are 5 events next weekend that are sure to impress.

1. Women’s 400 IM

Half of the potential Olympic Trials final could match up next weekend in Atlanta. Maya DiRado was on fire in Mesa, and has the tenth fastest time in the world this year. Elizabeth Beisel is a two time Olympian in the event and currently holds the world’s eighth best time.

2015 NCAA champion Sarah Henry will also be in the mix in this race. Though seeded sixth, 2016 NCAA Champion Ella Eastin is continuing her short course speed into long course, and finished third in the 400 IM in Mesa. Katie Ledecky is also entered in both IMs, in addition to her four freestyles.

2. Men’s 200 Freestyle

In January Townley Haas swam a 1:48.35 in the 200 freestyle at the Arena Pro Swim Series in Austin. That was before his scorching short course American Record in March that left swim fans wondering what the 19 year old could put together this summer. Though not yet Omaha, Haas will swim the race this weekend, along with other NCAA stars Jack Conger and Caleb Dressel.

3. Women’s 100 Freestyle

Many of the United States’ top sprint freestyle threats are coming together a month ahead of Trials. Simone Manuel is the top seed, followed by Lia Neal and Amanda Weir. Natalie Coughlin, Shannon Vreeland, Katie Ledecky, Felicia Lee, and Natalie Hinds complete the top eight.

That potential Championship final includes the 2015 NCAA top three in the short course event. Five of the top eight seeds are 2012 Olympians. Olivia Smoliga was a sprinting force in the small pool in March and could rise into the mix next weekend as well.

4. Men’s 100 Freestyle

Though the men’s race lacks as much depth as the women’s, Nathan Adrian has been consistently quick in the sprint freestyles and he’ll be up again in Atlanta. He holds the world’s fifth best 100 at the moment. Dressel could be a force in this race as well.

5. Men’s 100 Breaststroke

Andrew Wilson leads the way after dipping under a minute earlier this year in Austin, giving him the world’s current 12th best time. Age group star Reece Whitley will challenge him, as will Josh Prenot and Will Licon who went 1-2 in the 200 breaststroke in March.

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