Pan American Games, Day 4 Prelims: American Sprinters in Strong Positions

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Pan American Games, Day 4 Prelims: American Sprinters in Strong Positions

American sprinters are in strong positions in both 50 freestyle events after the fourth day of preliminaries at the Pan American Games on Tuesday. But especially on the women’s side, there’s one name lurking poised to spring a surprise that could disrupt the 1-2 running order in both events in the morning.

The full recap from Centro Aquatico in Santiago, Chile:

Women’s 50 Freestyle

Americans sit 1-2, with Catie De Loof leading Gabi Albiero to the wall. De Loof went 24.79 to post the top time, Albiero following in 25.03. De Loof was the bronze medalist in the 100 free.

But all eyes will be on 100 free and 100 fly champ Maggie MacNeil. She coasted into the final in third in 25.28. Her best time is 24.79 from Canadian Trials this summer, her only sub-25 swim career.

Stephanie Balduccini, the 100 free silver medalist, was fifth in prelims, behind countrywoman Cristina Versiani.

Men’s 50 Freestyle

Again it’s Americans in the top two spots. Leading the way is Jonny Kulow, who went 21.90. That’s just .03 off his best time from this summer. The Arizona State sprinter won silver in the 100 free.

David Curtiss is the second seed after a 22.10. He’s a tenth up on Alberto Mestre of Venezuela, followed by Gabriel Castano of Mexico in 22.38. Victor Alcara (22.46) and Gui Caribe (22.47) of Brazil are also in the mix.

Women’s 400 Individual Medley

The only American in the race, Lucy Bell, posted the top time of the morning. She clocked in at 4:49.68, edging by a tenth the winner of the heat after her, Canada’s Julie Brousseau. Those two should duke it out in the final.

Third was Nathalia Siqueira Almeida of Brazil in 4:51.33, a tenth up on teammate Gabrielle Roncatto. Puerto Rico’s Kristen Romano was fifth, 2.80 seconds off the pace.

Men’s 400 Individual Medley

Olympic silver medalist Jay Litherland is in the driver’s seat with a time of 4:21.48 from prelims. He’s .66 seconds ahead of Canada’s Collyn Gagne, and Ian Grum of the U.S. was third in 4:22.35. Both Brazil’s Brandonn Almeida (4:22.46) and Erick Gordillo of Guatemala (4:22.59) appear to be in the medals mix.

Women’s 800 Freestyle Relay

Canada is hoping to go 2-for-2 in the relays, and they’ve started themselves off in fine position. The foursome of Katerine Savard, Brooklyn Douthwright, Emma O’Croinin and Sydney Pickrem set the pace in 8:05.98, 1.42 seconds up on the Americans. That’s with 200 free individual champ Mary-Sophie Harvey and possibly Maggie MacNeil to be added to the mix.

The Americans were second in 8:07.40, with Amy Fulmer, Rachel Stege, Olivia Bray and Kelly Pash. There’s a massive gap back to third place, though Cuba hopped up impressively into the spot thanks to a 2:02.34 from Andrea Becali in the second leg. Brazil is fourth but with significant changes to the prelims lineup likely.

Men’s 800 Freestyle Relay

There’s no way around the shock of seeing the United States in fourth place after prelims, even if only seven teams stepped to the starting line. Expect major changes from the foursome of James Plage, Mason Laur, Luke Miller and Chris O’Connor after a dismal 7:32.57 that left them 10.19 seconds adrift of the Brazilians.

Brazil, with a fairly strong squad, led the way in 7:22.38. Luiz Altamir Lopez, Fernando Scheffer, Leonardo Coelho and Felipe Ribeiro de Souza comprised that squad, the first two being the only swimmers in the race to break 1:50. Canada was second in 7:25.45 with Mexico third in 7:30.47.

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