Nathan Adrian and Kate Douglass Nail Down 50 Free Triumphs at Indy Pro Series
How will the longtime staples of Team USA fare at the upcoming United States Olympic Trials? That is a question that can be applied to a number of athletes who have long been valuable contributors – in the water and as leaders – for Team USA. One individual who is looking for another Olympic nod is Nathan Adrian, the veteran sprinter who will be on the cover of Swimming World Magazine’s June issue.
Ahead of the Olympic Trials in Omaha, Adrian claimed victory in the 50-meter freestyle on Saturday night at the TYR Pro Series in Indianapolis. Although he called the performance “sloppy,” Adrian still generated enough speed to win the event in 22.15, with Koko Bratanov placing second in 22.25. Reigning Olympic champion Anthony Ervin won the consolation final in 22.64.
“The start and the first 25 were terrible, but the second 25 was good. That’s kind of how I feel about it,” Adrian said. “I’ve done this for enough time to where I’m not super upset about it, but I’d like that one back. We’ll definitely step up and race again when we get home and try and clean up that first 25 a bit.”
An Olympic in 2008, 2012 and 2016, Adrian is one of the United States’ best-known stars, someone who has not only flourished in the water, but has been a leader for Team USA on various international trips. Now in his early 30s, he is seeking a fourth Olympic nod. Adrian indicated that he is being smarter about training these days, listening to his body and adjusting his workouts to meet the needs of his body.
At Trials, Adrian will be part of sprint-freestyle fields that will feature the likes of Caeleb Dressel, Michael Andrew, Blake Pieroni, Ryan Held and Zach Apple, among others.
In the women’s 50 freestyle, Kate Douglass was the runaway winner, going 24.54 to fend off Erika Brown (24.87). Douglass will have a busy schedule at the Olympic Trials, with the 100 butterfly, 200 individual medley and 100 freestyle also expected to be on her program. By going 24-mid, Douglass placed herself in the middle of a crowded field for Omaha. Simone Manuel will be the favorite, but Douglass is a growing presence, as is rising teenager Claire Curzan, who went 24.17 on Friday night for a world junior record.
