Junya Koga Edges Nick Thoman In 100 Back Final At USA Nationals

Photo Courtesy: David Farr

Junya Koga used a blisteringly fast first 50 to edge Nick Thoman in the men’s 100-meter back final at USA Nationals. Koga again took out the first half of the race in under 26 seconds to seize an earl lead in the race. From there, his only job was to fend off a storming Thoman. Kona had just enough on the final lap to hold on to the gold medal.

Koga: 25.68/27.52

Thoman: 26.05/27.18

It turned into a two-man race on the second 50 meters as the remainder of the field fell behind Koga and Thomas. Luke Kaliszak took the bronze in 54.23. Dale Taylor (54.44) and Jacob Pebley (54.53) fell just outside the top three to take fourth and fifth, respectively.

Eugene Godsoe capitalized on Arkady Vyatchanin‘s scratch, and moved up into the final heat and placed seventh in 54.74. Vyatchanin, who was seeded fourth tonight, scratched for medical reasons. Jack Blyzinskyj took eighth in 54.79.

2015 USA Swimming Long Course Summer Nationals: Live Results – Results

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