For the first time since the 2010 Pan Pacific Championships, the event is back on American soil. Although Pan Pacs doesn't always get the same hype as World Championships or the Olympic Games, this year's meet is loaded with must-watch matchups.
World records will be on life support, old rivalries will be renewed, and new stars will emerge. Here are five storylines worth clearing your schedule for:
Finke's was the man to beat in the 800 freestyle after the Olympics in Tokyo, but he hasn't looked like his best self since Paris. Enter 22-year-old Sam Short, the Australian who swept the 400, 800 and 1500 at this summer's Commonwealth Games. Short is having an exceptional summer and is looking to continue his hot streak at Pan Pacs.
Short's race plan typically the opposite of Finke's. He likes to go out fast and make the competition hurt early, while Finke has built his career on an impressive back-half. If Short can build enough of a cushion before Finke's motor kicks in, the race could over at the halfway mark. If not, expect Finke to close well, flexing his iconic closing speed down the stretch.
Betting against Ledecky in the 800 free is historically a bad idea. She owns the world record and has rarely been challenged in the final 200 meters of this race as she's spent a decade making it look routine.
#since #pacific
World records will be on life support, old rivalries will be renewed, and new stars will emerge. Here are five storylines worth clearing your schedule for:
Finke's was the man to beat in the 800 freestyle after the Olympics in Tokyo, but he hasn't looked like his best self since Paris. Enter 22-year-old Sam Short, the Australian who swept the 400, 800 and 1500 at this summer's Commonwealth Games. Short is having an exceptional summer and is looking to continue his hot streak at Pan Pacs.
Short's race plan typically the opposite of Finke's. He likes to go out fast and make the competition hurt early, while Finke has built his career on an impressive back-half. If Short can build enough of a cushion before Finke's motor kicks in, the race could over at the halfway mark. If not, expect Finke to close well, flexing his iconic closing speed down the stretch.
Betting against Ledecky in the 800 free is historically a bad idea. She owns the world record and has rarely been challenged in the final 200 meters of this race as she's spent a decade making it look routine.
#since #pacific
3 days ago
