Campbell McKean Leading a Youthful Uprising in Men’s Breaststroke Events
Every now and again, a handful of upstarts emerge on the scene in a specific stroke, sparking excitement for the future. It seems the sport has arrived at one of these junctures, as the men’s breaststroke events are rich with potential. At the moment, the United States, Japan and Great Britain are feeling good about the years ahead, thanks to the talent of a triumvirate that has emerged over the past couple of months.
American Campbell McKean and Japan’s Shin Ohashi initially led the youth charge we are seeing in the breaststroke events, but they were eventually joined by Great Britain’s Filip Nowacki. Only McKean will race at this month’s World Championships in Singapore, but down-the-line meetings between the trio are enticing.
Heading into the United States Trials for the World Champs, McKean was surrounded by hope. A University of Texas recruit from Bend, Oregon, the youngster had routinely cut time in all three breaststroke distances and was poised for a strong showing in Indianapolis. What he delivered, though, was something beyond expectations, as McKean claimed victory in the 50-meter breaststroke and 100 breaststroke.
McKean will enter the World Champs with the 12th-fastest time in the world in the 50 breaststroke, a 26.90 performance. But it is the 100 breaststroke where he stands out greatest. The 18-year-old sits No. 2 in the world over two laps, with his personal best of 58.96 trailing only China’s Qin Haiyang (58.61). Critically, McKean provides the United States with a potent breaststroke leg for the medley relay.
Ohashi is positioned to carry the Japanese breaststroke legacy forward. Only 16 years old, he was fourth in the 200 breaststroke at his country’s World Champs Trials, but has since elevated his standing. Ohashi recently clocked 2:07.27 in the 200 breast to establish a world junior record. That time currently ranks No. 1 in the world, and was complemented by a 59.03 effort in the 100 breaststroke.
As for Nowacki, he has enjoyed a spectacular week at the European Junior Championships in Slovakia. After earning the silver medal in the 50 breaststroke (27.61), the 17-year-old set a European junior record in the 200 breaststroke, going 2:08.32. Nowacki was the runnerup in the event at the British Trials in the spring, but his time did not equate to selection for the World Championships. The Brit’s response has been to drop three seconds and set himself up for eventual senior competition.
Clearly, this youthful crew figures to see much of one another in the future. If their talent continues to develop, some epic clashes await.