Gabriel Jett Delivers an Underwater for the Ages at Pan Pacific Championships
Gabriel Jett couldn’t see his opponents as he made the final turn of the 800 freestyle relay.
But he knew what he had to do.
Jett unleashed an underwater off the final turn that was as stunning as it was fast. Especially since he wasn’t looking – literally.
“I swim with my eyes closed, so I had no idea where I was,” Jett said.
The entire crowd at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine was itching for the chance at a world record, and just when it looked out of reach, Jett turned on the jets.
Now, ultimately, the U.S. didn’t set a world record but broke the meet record by four seconds and finished in 6:59.37, two seconds ahead of the Aussies.
Jett anchored in 1:44.09, the fastest split by anyone in the field. It was because of his final push off the wall, which kept him underwater several seconds longer than the crowd expected and you could hear the gasps as they saw what was unfolding.
“I do that on my last wall every race. It gives me an extra boost. I was breathing toward the crowd on the way home and it was just such an emotional swim. I just gave it everything on my last turn,” Jett said. “(I do that) a lot. I do it every day in practice against my teammates because they are all so fast and if I beat them, I know I am in a good spot.”
He had to beat Australia’s anchor, Sam Short, to be in that final good spot of the night.
“No truthfully (the push didn’t feel extra big or any different),” Jett said. “I know Sam was next to me and was going to be coming strong. I just poured everything I had.”
And Jett, who has swam extremely well this week, was excited to join Luke Hobson, Aaron Shackell and Patrick Sammon on top of the podium.
It was a meet record and a swim to be proud of and Jett gave the crowd the gasp of anticipation that brought everyone to their feet.
“I am just so proud of these guys. The U.S. is so deep in this event,” Jett said. “Breaking seven minutes is just such a great time.”
