U.S. Nationals: Australian Maddy Gough Lands American Title in 1500 Freestyle

U.S. Nationals: Australian Maddy Gough Lands American Title in 1500 Freestyle

Over in England, the Australian squad is off to a stellar start at the Commonwealth Games. Relay victories and podium sweeps have been highlights of the first two days of action for the Dolphins. But the Aussies are not only excelling in Europe, they’ve also made a mark on the United States National Championships in Southern California.

Leading off the final night of Nationals at the William Woollett Aquatic Center, Maddy Gough won the 1500-meter freestyle in 16:07.34, with Mariah Denigan placing second in 16:12.44. Gough sat in second place through the first 500 meters and then picked up the pace to pull away from the field. Third place went to University of Alabama standout Kensey McMahon, who was also third in the 400 freestyle and 800 freestyle. McMahon, who was timed in 16:16.22, has announced she will return to the collegiate scene for a fifth year and will be part of a deep Crimson Tide program.

Gough was part of the debut of the 1500 freestyle on the Olympic program last summer in Tokyo, finishing eighth in an event that was won by Katie Ledecky. Coincidentally, Ledecky sat in the NBC broadcasting booth during Gough’s triumph, mixing commentary on the race with reflections on her career.

“I was happy with that,” Gough said. “I knew it was going to be a tough race. It’s been a great trip to be in America.”

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