Austin Grand Prix Results - Comparison to Ryan's Times

The Austin Grand Prix event took place this weekend, and although Ryan did not participate, here are the best times by Americans in the events I believe Ryan will swim at the 2009 National Championships (and hopefully the 2009 World Champs).

For purposes of comparison, also listed are Ryan's best times in these events in 2009 and his all-time personal bests.

100m Back

54.84 – Ben Hesen - Austin GP
54.92 – Nick Thoman - Austin GP
55.16 - Ryan's best time 2009 - Missouri GP
53.37 - Ryan's all-time best - 2008 Olympic trials

200m Back

1:59.65 - Ian Clark - Austin GP

2:01.47 - Nick Thoman - Austin GP

1:57.73 - Ryan's best time 2009 - Missouri GP

1:53.94 - Ryan's all-time best - 2008 Olympics (World Record)

100m Free

48.88 - Garrett Weber-Gale - Austin GP

49.43 - Dale Rogers - Austin GP

49.80 - Peter Vanderkaay - Austin GP

49.86 - William Copeland - Austin GP

50.58 - Ryan's best time 2009 - Missouri GP

48.65 - Ryan's all-time best - 2008 Olympic trials

200m Free

1:46.87 – Peter Vanderkaay - Austin GP

1:49.63 – Garrett Weber-Gale - Austin GP

1:51.22 - Ryan's best time 2009 - Missouri GP
1:45.61 - Ryan's all-time best - 2008 Olympic trials

200m IM

1:59.31 – Eric Shanteau - Austin GP

2:00.59 - Ryan's best time 2009 - Missouri GP
1:55.22 - Ryan's all-time best - 2008 Olympic trials

400m IM

4:17.97 – Andrew Gemmell - Austin GP

4:19.49 - Ryan's best time 2009 - Missouri GP
4:06.08 - Ryan's all-time best - 2008 Olympic trials

It appears the most difficult individual events for Ryan to qualify in for the World Championships will be the 100m Back, 100m Free and 200m Free. This has nothing new, and has not changed from the 2008 Olympic trials. Ryan is super fast, but is technically not a sprinter, particularly since he continues to train for the 400m IM. Thus, it is probably not realistic for Ryan to qualify in the 100m Free as an individual event. Nevertheless, I believe he will swim it in an attempt to qualify for the 400m Free Relay.

The times at the Austin GP, particularly for the professional swimmers, have been impressive. Ryan will do fine, but he has his work cut out for him in the 100m Back, 100m Free and 200m Free.