Historic IUPUI Natatorium, Indianapolis, IN
Jeff's first event of the meet on day 1 was the 200 M Fly. The 200 Fly was a late event addition for Jeff when he reached a qualifying cut in the 100 Fly several weeks ago (which added another bonus event for him). Jeff's best time entering the meet was a 2:08.23 from earlier this summer. Jeff was in the first heat and got out to a great start in his first 100 with a 59.23 split. He payed the price for the fast start a bit in the last 50, but was able turn in a phenomenal 2:05.60 prelim time. This time was fast enough to not only make it back to the finals session in the Bonus heat (the top-24 make it back), but it also set a new Niagara LSC record for the 17-18 y/o Mens 200 Fly. Quite an impressive feat since this year is really the first year Jeff has begun to concentrate on the 200 fly, and Jeff only turned 17 a few weeks ago.
At finals later that night, Jeff tried to swim the race a little differently by going out a bit more conservatively and having a little more left coming home..... He did exactly that: out 1 second slower, back 1 second faster. End result...... basically the same time as the prelim swim 2:05.80. This was good enough to maintain 23rd place, which was his overall final place. Considering 1 year ago at this time, his best time in the 200 M Fly was a 2:17, all of us were very pleased with his swims today.
Day 2's race was the grueling 400 M IM. Jeff had turned in a remarkable 4:34 earlier this year out of nowhere at the Columbus Grand Prix meet. That swim was out of the blue, but is a pretty lofty bar to set for yourself. As this event rolled around today, Jeff was admittedly a little too amped up and nervious. Already a pretty tough event, the big stage (a National Championship meet) and a very competitive field both combined to fray Jeff's nerves a bit. Not usually prone to nerves, he swam a little tighter then usual and went 4:36.97. This was a seasonal best swim by almost 2 seconds, but just off from his lifetime best from Columbus. Jeff was a little disappointed, but it really ended up being a great lesson for him (as it should be for all swimmers). Sometimes, even as an elite level swimmer, you can let the moment overtake you and your training by over thinking a race. It's always best to stay as relaxed and focused when going into any race (big or small). There is such a thing a putting too much pressure on yourself to perform. All swimmers do it at every level, but teaching yourself to relax and just swim for the pure joy of it, will help you to overcome nerves, even in the biggest moments.
It was by no means a bad race and in fact was the 2nd fastest time he has every swum that race, but the lessons that he (and all athletes) can take from it in the long run are probably more valuable then the time itself. Adversity itself never defines the athlete, it's their response to it that ultimately will. We all feel really good about the day at this point and Jeff's time still ended him up in 30th place (out of 60 competitors), which is basically where he was seeded at so that is something really be proud of. After the race, we stopped up in big foyer area where 1992 Olympic Gold medalist Melvin Stewart happened to be and after some good, inspiring words, we were able to get a shot with him, Jeff and Phil.
Jeff, Phil and Mel Stewart.
The next two days, we go on to really fun and enjoyable events for Jeff. The 100 Fly tomorrow and the 200 Free on Thursday. He can really just go out there and have some fun which is the plan. That is, after all, exactly what this sport is for, no matter what level you are swimming at. Tonight, Phil and I will go to the coaches & officials social in downtown Indianapolis for some food, beverages and something called duck bowling (??).
So far, so good..... More tomorrow.
