Katie Meili Gets Second National Title With 100 Free Win At USA Swimming Nationals

Photo Courtesy: Griffin Scott

GREENSBORO – Two days after winning the 200 IM on the strength of a strong breaststroke leg, SwimMAC Carolina’s Katie Meili showed off her freestyle powers with a 48.18 to win the 100 free at the USA Swimming short course nationals.

Formerly a standout at Columbia University, the 23-year-old dropped seven tenths off her best time to hold off a very talented field. Faith Johnson, the 50 free champion, snuck in for second with a 48.53, and a 24.79 on the final 50 yards helped Katie Ledecky get third about 80 minutes after her American record in the 1650 free with a 48.60. Johnson was just a tenth off her best time, while Ledecky scored another lifetimes best tonight by half a second.

Linnea Mack was also in the hunt, but couldn’t get on the podium, placing fourth with a 48.66. Michigan’s Ali Deloof (48.85), Louisville’s Kelsi Worrell (49.03), Carmel’s Veronica Burchill (49.13) and Phoenixville’s Rhi Jeffrey (49.16) also swam in the championship heat.

Lake Erie’s Kaitlyn Johnson won the B final with a 49.20, beating out the 49.50 from Grace Vertigans and the 49.58 from Indiana’s Kennedy Goss, who had just swum in the 200 back final. Becca Postoll of SwimMAC Carolina took the C final with a 49.51, while Alexia Zevnik was second with a 49.90. Melissa Gates took third with a 50.02.

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