US Nationals Day 3 Finals: Emma Weyant Pushes Back Half to Win Women’s 400 IM, Grimes Makes Late Move for 2nd
The women’s 400 IM final looked to be one of the few events that more than a couple of swimmers were serious challengers for World Championships rosters spots, heading into Day 3 of the U.S. National Championships.
After prelims there were four that looked to have a serious shot with a couple outside chances.
There have been several events that were easily predictable, so kicking off the third night with an up-in-the-air race got the excitement going in Indianapolis.
In the end it was Emma Weyant, who again pulled away from the field at a big race.
Katie Grimes took the early lead after the butterfly leg and it was teen Audrey Derivaux who led at the halfway points after a strong backstroke leg, as she did in prelims.
Then it was on to the breaststroke. Emma Weyant took the lead at the breaststroke turn and continued to build throughout the stroke, while Leah Hayes moved into second.
Weyant was a body length ahead at the final turn, while Grimes tried to keep up with Hayes, furiously passing Hayes in the final 20 meters to finish second.
Weyant won in 4:34.81. Grimes went a 30.52 in her final split to take second in 4:37.22. Hayes was third in 4:38.46, while Teagan O’Dell took fourth in 4:41.31, ahead of Derivaux (4:41.39).
NCAA champion Caroline Bricker won the B final in 4:41.65.
Results at US Nationals:
