First Night of Finals was full of Fireworks

What a great way to start the 2016 Olympic trials with the crowd singing the National Anthem, because the microphone went out on the singer. Even I knew the lyrics. 

Well fireworks were set off and the place rocked. First race Men's 400 IM. It came down to the last 50 and Dynamo's/UGA Jay Litherland,  out touched Ryan Lochte to punch his ticket to RIO. Jay split a 28.5 to Ryan's 30.3. Chase Kalisz won, who also swam for UGA a year ago.

Women's 100 Fly is really a two swimmer race, as both Dana Vollmer and Kelsi Worrell look to go one two at finals, based on their semi final performances. 

The men's 400 Fr was an awesome tactical race. The first 200, the boys from Texas went after it pretty solid, but the guy from Michigan, Connor Jaeger out split everyone on the last 100 to be first in an excellent 3:43.7. The other Conor with one "n" was second. I believe Connor two "n's" will not only win the 1500, but will break the American Record later in the week. He looks that good.

The women's 400 IM was a solid race between the two favorites and it turned out like I predicted, with Maya and Beisel getting 1-2. I talked to Coach Chuck, Elizabeth's coach, after the race and apparently she has been sick and they are just glade she gets a chance to swim FASTER at the games.

Finally the Men's 100 BR and our first American Record from Kevin Cordes, 58.94.

Day two RAYS Swims

Alec swam the 200 Fr today and just couldn't get going. I really feel for him, as this was his last swim ever. Although I think he might come back one more time. Hey Phelps did.
Well Melissa keeps getting better and better every race she does. She dropped another second in the 100 Bk this morning, going a 1:02. Northwestern has done and outstanding job with her. Its great to see her smile after each race. I believe she could give a great talk on the "process" of getting better throughout your swimming career. In 2012 when I bought Melissa here, she was scared and not prepared. 4 years later, night & day. So proud of this young lady.

Finals night two predictions

Women's Final 100 Fly - Dana Vollmer & Kelsi Worrell

Men's semi finals 200 Fr - Local favorite to make Top 8 - Gunner Bentz Dynamo/UGA

Women's semi finals 100 BR - Local favorite to make Top 8 - Melanie Margalis UGA

Men's Final 100 BR - Cody Miller & Kevin Cordes (surprise upset could be Josh Prenot)

Women's Final 400 Fr - SURPRISE - Katie Ledecky & Leah Smith (possible World Record)

Men's semi finals 100 Bk - Local favorite Michael Taylor Dynamo

Women's semi finals 100 Bk - Missy Franklin will be not be in the top 3 "tonight" and Natalie Coughlin not in top 8