OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Another defending Olympic champion has gone down at the U.S. swimming trials.
Tyler Clary finished third in the 200-meter backstroke Friday night behind California Aquatics teammates Ryan Murphy and Jacob Pebley, who will represent the U.S. team at the Rio Games.
Murphy grabbed the lead on the second lap and pulled away to win easily in 1 minute, 53.95 seconds. He completed a sweep of the backstroke events, having also won the 100.
Pebley held on for the second spot, touching in 1:54.77 to earn his first trip to the Olympics.
Clary was next at 1:55.33, ending his hopes of defending the gold medal he won in London.
Murphy seemed happier for his teammate, turning toward Pebley and screaming when he saw a “2” beside his name. Pebley held a hand over his face, and then defiantly splashed the water in triumph.
Clary hung alone on a rope in the third lane, unable to take his eyes off the scoreboard. Finally, he climbed over to congratulate the two swimmers who ended his Olympics hopes.
Murphy wasn’t the only one pulling off a sweep.
Lilly King followed up her victory in the 100 breaststroke by winning the 200 in 2:24.08 seconds. The 19-year-old from Indiana was followed by Molly Hannis, a 24-year-old who swims for Tennessee Aquatics. She took the second spot for Rio at 2:24.39, yet another swimmer who will be an Olympic rookie.
It wasn’t totally a night for the upstarts.
Anthony Ervin and Nathan Adrian were the top two qualifiers in the semifinals of the 50 freestyle.
The 35-year-old Ervin led the way in 21.55, while Adrian was second quickest in 21.60. Both men are already on the team, with Ervin still seeking an individual event to go with his relay duty and Adrian set to defend his 100 free title from the London Games.
Cullen Jones, silver medalist four years ago, was third quickest in 21.93 at age 32. Jimmy Feigen was fourth in 22.02 going into Saturday’s final.
The biggest race of the night was still to come: Michael Phelps vs. Ryan Lochte in the final of the 200 individual medley.
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