World University Games Gold Medalist Kaersten Meitz Withdraws From US Nationals

Kaersten Meitz has pulled out of the US Nationals due to appendicitis. Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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2019 US Nationals

Palo Alto, California

400 freestyle top seed Kaersten Meitz of Boilermaker Aquatics has pulled out of the 2019 US Nationals due to appendicitis, sources have confirmed to Swimming World. The meet started today in Palo Alto, California. Meitz was set to swim the 800, 400 and 200 free, where she was seeded first in the 400 and sixth in the 800 and 200.

Meitz is coming off a successful summer where she won the 400 free at the World University Games in early July, swimming a 4:05.80 to win the gold medal in Naples by almost five seconds. She also led off the gold medal winning 4×200 free relay for the United States in Naples with a 1:58.23, which would have won the silver medal behind Gabby DeLoof.

Meitz is currently ranked third in the United States in the 400 free behind Katie Ledecky (3:59.28) and Leah Smith (4:01.29). She is also ranked seventh in the 800 and 10th in the 200 free in the nation this year. Meitz would have been a favorite to collect multiple top three podium places this week at Nationals.

Meitz’s withdrawal from the meet opens the door for Haley Anderson, who was seeded second behind her already in the 400 free. Meitz was also set to swim the 800 free fastest heat on Wednesday night but Sierra Schmidt will move up to the fastest heat to be swum tonight.

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Helen zolvinski

4 years ago

So sorry to hear this but things happen. Take it easy and know you will be in my thoughts and prayers Kaersten❤️