Zane Grothe Smashes U.S. Open And Championship Records In 800 Free

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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Zane Grothe captured his second National title of the meet with a new U.S. Open and championship record of 7:44.57. That breaks Connor Jaeger’s 2013 record by more than two seconds, and is the first time that Grothe has been under 7:50 in this event. That time also puts him at #1 in the world for 2018. Grothe was actually under American record pace for much of the race, but ended up less than a second short of Michael McBroom’s 2013 record.

In second was 2016 Olympian Jordan Wilimovsky in 7:47.51, which moves him up to fourth in the world rankings and is a best time by more than 10 seconds. Wilimovsky looked like he may be able to reel in Grothe around the 600 meter mark, but Grothe was able to hold him off and pull away further in the final 100 meters.

In third was Robert Finke in 7:51.45, followed by Cal’s Nick Norman (7:54.47) and Logan Houck (7:54.80).

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