Natalie Hinds Surges to Triumph in 100 Freestyle to Close Atlanta Classic

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Natalie Hinds Surges to Triumph in 100 Freestyle to Close Atlanta Classic

Through the first two days of the Atlanta Classic, Natalie Hinds couldn’t separate herself from the competition. That wasn’t a problem on Sunday night, as Hinds earned her second victory of the weekend by taking the 100-meter freestyle in 54.29. She was followed in second place by Olivia Smoliga, who clocked in at 54.36.

Prior to her triumph in the 100 freestyle, Hinds tied for the 100 butterfly title with Gretchen Walsh, and tied for second place in the 50 freestyle. In the 100 free, Hinds stood alone and continued her preparation for the United States Olympic Trials, slated for next month in Omaha. With six spots available to the Tokyo Games in the 100 freestyle, Hinds cannot be forgotten as a relay-berth contender.

As for Smoliga, her runnerup finish was the latest strong point in an excellent weekend. Previously, Smoliga won the 100 backstroke in a personal best of 58.31 and registered a career best of 1:57.04 in the 200 freestyle.

On the men’s side, Caeleb Dressel led qualifying in the 100 freestyle in 48.00, but opted to scratch the final and head back to his Gainesville training base. The absence of the two-time defending world champion left the door ajar for Cristian Quintero to win the event in 49.38.

In the men’s 800 freestyle, Luxembourg’s Tommy-Lee Camblong prevailed in 7:58.66, followed by Jake Magahey in 7:58.99. Meanwhile, Bobby Finke recorded a mark of 15:09.91 in the 1500 free.

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