TYR Pro Swim Series – Mission Viejo: Hunter Armstrong Fires Off Sub-53 Effort in 100 Backstroke; Big Night For Cal (Men’s Recap)

TYR Pro Swim Series – Mission Viejo: Hunter Armstrong Fires Off Sub-53 Effort in 100 Backstroke (Men’s Recap)

The final night of the TYR Pro Swim Series stop in Mission Viejo wasn’t short on talent, thanks to the presence of athletes such as Hunter Armstrong, Ryan Murphy, Grant House, Ryan Held and Youssef Ramadan. The meet has served as one of the final tuneups for the United States National Championships in Indianapolis, and for several international stars, this summer’s World Championships in Fukuoka.

Here is a look at the action from Saturday night’s competition at the Marguerite Aquatic Center.

Men’s 800 Freestyle

Three men cracked the eight-minute barrier in the 800 freestyle, topped by Egypt’s Marwan El Kamash. Coming off an opening-night win in the 1500 freestyle, El Kamash secured another distance decision when his performance of 7:53.56 bettered the 7:55.61 of Turkey’s Yigit Aslan. Placing third was Alec Enyeart in 7:59.66.

Men’s 100 Backstroke

Continuing what has been a strong first few months of the year, Hunter Armstrong (Cal) popped a mark of 52.82 to emerge victorious in the 100 backstroke. Covering the front half of his race in 25.76, Armstrong closed in 27.06 and placed ahead of Ryan Murphy (53.36). Going sub-53 at this point in the season is a positive sign for Armstrong, who was the bronze medalist in the event at last year’s World Champs, with Murphy the silver medalist. Taking third in Mission Viejo was Justin Ress, who touched in 53.77.

Men’s 200 Breaststroke

Fending off a late charge by Nic Fink, Jake Foster picked up a big win in the 200 breaststroke. More than a second ahead of Fink heading into the last lap, Foster got to the wall just ahead of his countryman. Foster was timed in 2:11.58, followed by Fink in 2:11.72 and Brandon Fischer in 2:12.52.

Men’s 100 Butterfly

Dare Rose gathered some momentum heading into the summer campaign when he covered his two laps in 51.47, good for a decisive victory over Youssef Ramadan, who was timed in 52.02. A standout for the Cal Bears, Rose has looked sharp in several meets this year and figures to be a contender for Team USA duties in the 100 fly and 200 fly this summer. Trenton Julian was third in 52.26.

Men’s 200 Individual Medley

The Cal roll continued on the 200 medley, where Spain’s Hugo Gonzalez was the lone athlete to break the two-minute barrier. Gonzalez beat the competition behind a time of 1:58.52, which was more than a second quicker than the 2:00.09 of Trenton Julian, who was just coming off the 100 fly. Grant House went 2:00.58 for third place.

Men’s 50 Freestyle

Bjorn Seeliger made it three Cal-Berkeley wins in a row when he edged Ryan Held by the slimmest of margins in the 50 freestyle. Seeliger, from Sweden, produced a time of 22.11, with Held just behind in 22.12. Rounding out the top three was Jonny Kulow, who touched the wall in 22.27.

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