Yasuhiro Koseki Gives Japan Its First 2018 Pan Pacs Gold In 100 Breast

Photo Courtesy: Delly Carr

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The Americans had been on fire in the pool to start the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Tokyo, taking out the first three gold medals available. But Japan has a rich history in the men’s breaststroke events, and it was Yasuhiro Koseki who won Japan’s first gold medal at the 2018 Pan Pacs with his 100 breast swim.

Koseki took the lead early and held on with a 59.08. Koseki successfully defended his Pan Pac title as he won four years ago in Australia. He was also off the meet record of 59.04 by Japanese legend Kosuke Kitajima. Koseki was faster this year with his 58.78 from the Mare Nostrum as he is still third in the world rankings.

In a stunning race, Australia’s Jake Packard finished in the silver medal with his 59.20, tying him for seventh in the world rankings. Brazil’s Joao Gomes (59.60) finished in the bronze medal, leaving the Americans Andrew Wilson (59.70) and Michael Andrew (1:00.04) off the podium in fourth and seventh.

China’s Wang Lizhuo (59.76), Australia’s Matthew Wilson (59.83) and Canada’s Richard Funk (1:00.62) also competed in the A-Final.

Australia’s Zac Stubblety-Cook (1:00.20) won the B-Final ahead of Japan’s Ippei Watanabe (1:00.49) and American Josh Prenot (1:00.63).

Andrew and Wilson will retain their spots for the World Championships next year with their times from US Nationals.

2018 World Rankings:

Adam Peaty, GBR, 57.10
James Wilby, GBR, 58.64
Yasuhiro Koseki, JPN, 58.78
Anton Chupkov, RUS, 59.06
Arno Kamminga, NED, 59.14
Andrew Wilson, USA, 59.19
Jake Packard, AUS, 59.20
Kirill Prigoda, RUS, 59.20

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