Kirsty McLauchlan got off to a winning start at the seventh annual Bill Nixon Memorial Pro-Am in Lewisville, Texas. The meet, in its second year as a Pro-Am, drew some other heavy hitters including Olympic gold medalist Breeja Larson, Olympian Liliana Ibańez, and Olympic silver medalist Jimmy Feigen. The Bill Nixon Memorial is also home to a wildly entertaining (and rewarding) 50 Free Shootout. Winners of the shootout, as well as winners of the 100s of each stroke, are awarded cash prizes.
Tonight, however, began with the 400-meter IMs. McLauchlan, an NCAA qualifier from SMU, dominated the event in 4:55.32. Lauren Pitzer placed second with a 5:03.08, while Abigail Kozco took third in 5:06.18
Jack LeVant, 15, took the men’s 400-meter IM in 4:44.18 without much of a challenge. Blake Maczka silvered with his 4:53.81 effort, and Austin Whalen, LeVant’s teammate, finished third in 4:56.64.
The Bill Nixon Memorial Pro-Am continues through Sunday.