Zane Grothe Uses Stellar Back Half to Steal 400 Free

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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For years, Zane Grothe could never get it done. Grothe had been in numerous appearances in A-finals at NCAA’s and Nationals over the year and could never quite get over the hump to make a major team. When he moved to Badger Swim Club a couple years ago, he looked like he was on the cusp of making that next step. Grothe was a few spots away from making the Olympic team last year, but did not give up. On Friday night, he won the national title out of lane 1 thanks to a stellar back half in the final of the 400 free.

Grothe won with a 3:44.43 to run away from the Texas duo of Clark Smith (3:45.91) and Townley Haas (3:46.41). Grothe makes his first individual appearance at a major meet with that win. He made the 4×200 free relay on Wednesday night. Smith also picks up his first individual swim after getting on the relay Wednesday night.

Grant Shoults (3:48.73), Mitch D’Arrigo (3:50.61), Kevin Litherland (3:51.84), Trey Freeman (3:51.99) and Andrew Abruzzo (3:53.37) also competed in the A-final.

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