Mare Nostrum Series to Wrap Up in Barcelona; Duncan Scott Scheduled to Join Fray
The final leg of this year’s Mare Nostrum Series will take place this weekend in Barcelona, with eyes focused on the Netherlands’ Marrit Steenbergen. The Dutchwoman is coming off a performance of 51.86 at the Canet stop of the tour, an effort that was the second-fastest in history. Only Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom has been faster than Steenbergen, with Sjostrom owning the world record at 51.71.
Could Steenbergen crack the 2017 global standard in the 100 freestyle. The event will be part of Saturday’s program and Steenbergen is again expected to battle with Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey, who is a two-time Olympic medalist in the 100 freestyle. In Canet, Haughey finished second to Steenbergen, but was able to break the series record in the 200 freestyle, going 1:54.13. Steenbergen is also entered in the 100 backstroke in Barcelona, where the United States’ Leah Shackley is the top seed.
In men’s competition, Ilya Kharun will again be in action, looking to complete a three-leg sweep of the 50 butterfly. Kharun won the event in Monaco and Canet, his time of 22.64 in Monaco among the fastest times in history. Kharun will also race the 100 butterfly and 200 butterfly, the longer event set to feature a duel with American Gabriel Jett, who prevailed in the race in Canet. Adding to the intrigue in the 200 fly is Great Britain’s Duncan Scott, who is joining the series after bypassing the first two legs.
Mare Nostrum Barcelona – Entry Lists