Michael Phelps Opens Trials Competition with 200 Fly First Seed

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Photo Courtesy: Brian Honicky

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World record holder Michael Phelps opened his Trials schedule with a 1:56.68 swim for the top seed in his signature event, the 200 butterfly. Phelps’ time moves him into the top twenty world rankings for 2016.

Pace Clark led the way through the second circle seeded heat and finished in 1:56.90. At U.S. Nationals last summer Jack Conger finished second to Phelps. This morning he was a 1:57.33.

With an Olympic berth already under his belt, Chase Kalisz swam a 1:57.34 for the fourth seed. Kyle Higgins (1:57.41) will return to semifinals in fifth.

Tyler Clary, who will also have a 200 freestyle final tonight, will return in the sixth spot after posting a 1:57.42 this morning.

Matthew Klueh demolished his seed time with a 1:57.59 to come back seventh. Adam Hinshaw (1:57.60) and Justin Wright (1:57.68) will be eighth and ninth.

Junior World record holder Andrew Seliskar posted a 1:57.77 for tenth. In 1:57.94 Zach Harting also earned a lane in tonight’s semifinals.

Tom Shields was eighth at the 2015 World Championships in this event. This morning he was out quickly but finished in 1:57.96 for twelfth. Mick Litherland (1:58.43), Bobby Bollier (1:58.44), Georgia Bulldog Gunnar Bentz (1:58.61), and christian McCurdy (1:58.70) also earned spots in tonight’s semifinals.

Reed Matthews was the first swimmer under two minutes this morning with a 1:59.10 and he will be the first alternate.

Photo Courtesy: Omega Timing

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