Performance of the Week: Jay Litherland’s 400 IM

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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Swims like Jay Litherland’s are what make the U.S. Olympic Trials the most exciting meet in swimming. Who would predict Ryan Lochte, the seasoned Olympic veterans and defending gold medalist in the 400 IM, would be run down in the last 25 meters by a college sophomore whose first international experience was just last summer? Finishing second behind Georgia teammate Chase Kalisz, the University of Georgia swimmer touched the wall in 4:11.02 to punch his ticket to Rio de Janeiro to represent the United States in his first Olympic Games.

One of three Litherlands swimming at the University of Georgia (his brothers, Mick and Kevin, also swim for the Bulldogs), Litherland’s sole international experience is a gold medal from the 2015 World University Games in the 400 IM. While Litherland’s time isn’t close to any records or vault him to the top of the world rankings (although it did move the 20 year old to fourth in the world), it nevertheless was the swim that made him an Olympian. That’s why this is the most pressure-packed meet there is. It’s all about who can get their hand on the wall first. If you have a lane, you have a chance.

Congratulations Jay Litherland on earning Swimming World’s Performance of the Week!

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