Thomas Heilman Wins Two Events on Final Night of Richmond Super-Sectional

A Super-Sectional is taking place in Richmond, despite the fact that most sectional meets take place at the end of July. This makes it possible for all swimmers from the Eastern Zone who have qualifying times to compete.

Highlighting the final night in Richmond was Thomas Heilman. Heilman won the 100 freestyle touching in a time of 50.05. This was his first victory of the evening. Heilman swam a 50.27 at Pro Swim-Westmont a month prior, so that was a season high. Additionally, it was his best time ever for the event during the season. Heilman finished ahead of Lucas Bureau who touched in a 50.76, about half a second off of his best. 16 year old Joshua Howat was third in a 51.51, a personal best time.

Following that, Heilman won the 200 IM with a time of 2:03.32. His previous best was a 2:04.61 time that he had achieved in Westmont, so this was a personal record by over a second. NC State commit Simon Bermudez was second in a 2:05.91 and Owen Hoban was third in a 2:10.10.

Winning the 1500 freestyle was 15 year old Nathan Szobota in a 15:54.99. Szobota won the 400 and 800 free events earlier in the meet, and he then completely dominated the distance free events. Finishing behind Szobota was Bryce Rohr who swam a 15:56.75. Coming in third was Brady Begin who touched in a 16:00.89.

16 year old Kenneth Barnicle won the men’s 200 back by almost a full two seconds as he touched in a 2:03.48, a best time by half a second. JT Schmid and Ben Ackerly were second as they both touched the wall in a 2:05.31.

Highlighting the final night on the women’s side was 16 year old Leah Shackley who swam a personal best in the 200 back as she touched in a 2:08.42. At the beginning of the month, Shackley swam a 2:08.65. In the past year, she has decreased her time by nearly six seconds. Shackley sits as the third fastest American in the event so far this season as only Regan Smith and Claire Curzan have been faster.

Emily Thompson finished behind Shackley finished in 2:14.76 seconds, which is a personal best. 15 year old Virginia Hinds was third in a 2:17.80.

Erin Gemmell picked up another win on the final night as she swam a 55.01 in the 100 free. Gemmell’s best time in the competition is 54.13. Anna Moesch was second in a 55.25, and Lauren West was third in a 57.78.

16 year old Elle Scott won the 200 IM in a 2:17.82 earning the win over Camille Spink who touched in a 2:18.12. 15 year old Caroline Agee was third in a 2:20.29, a best by over four seconds.

Andrea Dworak won the 800 free in commanding fashion as she touched in a 8:57.77, a huge best time as her previous best was a 9:51.53 from 2019. She was the only one under the 9 minute mark as Claire Stuhlmacher was second in a 9:02.19. Lauren Tucker rounded out the top 3 in a 9:06.86.

Reference: swimswam.com