Matt Grevers turned in the second-best time in history in the 100m backstroke, as he and Nick Thoman qualified for the American team in London.
2012 Olympic Swimming Trials: Matt Grevers Nearly Sets World Record In 100m Back
The world record is held by Aaron Peirsol, who took gold in 2008 while Grevers took second. With Peirsol retired from competition, there were two slots open for the U.S. contingent in the event. Grevers was clearly setting quite a pace through the first 50 meters, hitting the turn just .02 seconds behind the world-record split. He kept up the dominant pace and was half a body length clear of the field at the touch.
The race for second was more intriguing, as a number of swimmers were in a pack heading towards the final wall. A strong push down the end from Thoman allowed him to touch second and book a spot in London.
Here are the full results from the event:
- Matt Grevers: 52.08Nick Thoman: 52.86David Plummer: 52.98Ben Hesen: 53.03Eugene Godsoe: 53.61Ryan Murphy: 53.92Kyle Owens: 54.31Jack Conger: 54.63
Stay with our StoryStream for the latest from the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Swimming in Omaha as Team USA is decided.
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