Dutch Edge Out Americans in Prelims of Mixed 400 Free Relay

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Photo Courtesy: SIPA USA

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Mixed 400 Free Relay

The Americans edged out the Netherlands for the World title in the inaugural mixed 400 free relay at the FINA World Championships two years ago in Kazan, but it was the Dutch claiming the top seed over the USA for the event’s finals. Ben Schwietert (48.97), Kyle Stolk (48.06), Femke Heemskerk (52.77) and Maud Van Der Meer (54.09) combined to finish in 3:23.89.

The American team of Blake Pieroni (48.23), Townley Haas (48.32), Lia Neal (53.98) and Kelsi Worrell (53.40) qualified four hundredths back in 3:23.93.

Both teams will likely make changes for the final, with Ranomi Kromowidjojo coming in for the Netherlands, and Simone Manuel, Mallory Comerford, Nathan Adrian and Caeleb Dressel all possibilities for the Americans (although Dressel’s busy event schedule makes his participation less likely).

Canada’s team of Yuri Kisil (48.57), Markus Thormeyer (49.35), Sandrine Mainville (53.75) and Chantal Van Landeghem (53.40) qualified third in 3:25.07, and Penny Oleksiak could join the team at night.

Also making the final were Hungary (3:25.45), Italy (3:25.71), Japan (3:26.91), Russia (3:26.94) and Australia (3:27.49).

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