U.S. Nationals: Top-Seed Max McHugh Disqualified; Fink Takes Top Spot in 50 Breaststroke

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

U.S. Nationals: Top-Seed Max McHugh Disqualified; Fink Takes Top Spot in 50 Breaststroke

The parade of disqualifications continues at the U.S. National Championships in Indianapolis.

After Emma Weyant, and a slew of 400 IM swimmers were disqualified, Max McHugh, who had the fastest time in the men’s 50 breaststroke prelims, was disqualified for a butterfly kick during the swim.

His time was 26.84, the only swimmer sub-27 in the event.

But with his disqualification, Nic Fink took the top seed in 27.08, followed by Michael Andrew (27.19), Mitch Mason (27.38), Noah Nichols (27.40), Henry Bethen (27.51), Tommy Cope (27.66), Charlie Swanson (27.70) and Kevin Houseman (27.72).

Several swimmers were disqualified this morning after video review. It happened so often fans continuously booed every time it was announced, and cheered extra loud when there was no disqualification.

Disqualifications are obviously part of the sport, but it is rare to see two top names, and nearly every heat of the 400 IM have a DQ at U.S Nationals. Most were for butterfly kicks or alternating kicks during the breaststroke or breaststroke leg of the races.

It now looks to be a showdown between Fink and Andrew. Andrew bounced back after missing the final in the 100 fly just minutes earlier.

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Frances Teague

10 months ago

Finally officials willing to make the call that has been happening for years. It’s not rare at all. It’s rare to have the swimmer DQ’ed for this because officials aren’t willing to make the call.