U.S. International Team Trials: Day Four Prelims Heat Sheets; Major Backstroke Clashes On Tap

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U.S. International Team Trials: Day Four Prelims Heat Sheets; Major Backstroke Clashes On Tap

The fourth day of preliminaries at the USA Swimming International Team Trials will begin with a buzz in the air, thanks to Hunter Armstrong capping Night Three with a world record in the 50-meter backstroke. Armstrong’s performance punctuated another impressive night at the Greensboro Aquatic Center, where American records went down to Michael Andrew in the men’s 50 breaststroke and Katharine Berkoff in the women’s 50 backstroke.

Armstrong will carry his momentum into the 100 backstroke, where he will battle the likes of Ryan Murphy, Shaine Casas and Justin Ress. The world record in the event is 51.85, set by Murphy at the 2016 Olympic Games. Prior to the meet, that standard did seem to be in danger, but with Armstrong breaking the 50 backstroke mark, the global mark over 100 meters is on the table.

Day Four Prelims Heat Sheets

The women’s 100 backstroke will be equally intriging, with Berkoff coming off her American record in the 50 backstroke and Regan Smith seeking a bid to the World Champs. The race will also feature Rhyan White, Claire Curzan and Olivia Smoliga, all among the premier backstrokers in the world.

After a day off, Katie Ledecky will return to the pool in the 400 freestyle and coming off victories in the 800 freestyle and 200 freestyle. On the men’s side, Kieran Smith is the favorite in the eight-lap event, with Carson Foster an intriguing athlete to watch, and coming off a triumph in the 400 individual medley.

In the 100 breaststroke events, Andrew and Nic Fink are scheduled to face off in men’s action, with the past two Olympic champions, Lilly King and Lydia Jacoby, going to head to head in women’s competition. Andrew edged Fink with an American record in the 50 breast while King has already prevailed in the 50 and 200 distances and will be looking for a sweep of the breaststroke events.

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