Chad Le Clos Tops 100 Fly to Cap South African Nationals

Photo Courtesy:Joao Marc Bosch

By Evan Dulaney

Chad le Clos’ victory in the men’s 100-meter fly final came as little to no surprise at the South African Nationals.

The Olympian is now 10th in the world following his 52.03. Nico Meyer finished second in 53.68, and George Du Rand ended up third in 54.88.

Sebastien Rousseau took the crown in the 400-meter IM in 4:16.07. That put Rousseau 14^th in the world rankings. Michael Meyer has finished in the top three in most of his races and cruised to second place in 4:19.48. Jarryd Baxter rounded up the top three in 4:26.92.

Aryton Sweeney took advantage of Cameron van der Burgh’s scratch in the 200-meter breast final to win in 2.11.64. Sweeney now finds himself 26^th in the world rankings. Jarred Crous nabbed second in 2:17.50 while Francois Theron wound up third in 2:17.75.

The top three finishers in the men’s 50-meter free matched their semi-finals order at finals. Roland Schoeman held on in 22.50 to get first. Douglas Erasmus (22.93) outlasted Shaun Harris (22.96) to finish second. Schoeman, Erasmus, and Harris were the only three swimmers under 23 seconds for the second consecutive session.

René Warnes carried momentum from her 200-meter fly victory earlier in the meet to a wire-to-wire win in the women’s 400-meter IM. Her time of 4:49.04 just missed cracking the top 50 in world rankings. Kirsty McLauchlan finished second in 4:51.22 and Kate Beavon ended up third in 4:58.69.

After capitalizing off Karin Prinsloo’s semi-final scratch in the women’s 100-meter free, Erin Gallagher held on to her top spot at finals in 56.46. Marlies Ross (57.34) touched out Jessica Ashley-Cooper (57.96) for second place.

Tatjana Schoenmaker exhibited her breaststroke prowess in the women’s 200-meter breast final by winning in 2:29.23. Kaylene Corbett came in second after posting a 2:31.31. Kelly Gunnell followed her for third in a 2:32.27.

Vanessa Mohr busted out a 27.29 to blow away the women’s 50-meter fly final. Hannah McLean-Leonard touched second in 28.40 with Bailey Desmarais right behind her in 28.56.

In the men’s 1500-meter free final, Matthew Meyer was able to pace 1:02s and 1:03s throughout much of the race to seize first place in 15:38.82. Danie Marais swam a 15:38.02 to get second, and Josh Dannhauser came in third after his 15:38.64.

Martin Binedell dropped enough time to win the men’s 200-meter back final in 2:00.79 and position himself 46^th in the world rankings. Ricky Ellis improved nearly three seconds to get second in 2:01.71. Darren Murray earned third in 2:04.59.

Myles Brown received some much deserved rest on the sixth day of South African Nationals. He set the pool ablaze earlier in the week winning the 100, 200, 400, and 800-meter free. Brown was not entered in any events today, so he had the chance to relax and watch the final day of the meet.

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