Matt Grevers, 2012 US Short Course Nationals 50 Free Champion

Video coverage presented by A3 Performance

After top seed Nathan Adrian scratched 50 free finals due to a jammed finger, Matt Grevers got the center lane. Grevers won the event in 18.88 which was just two hundredths shy of Adrian’s meet record set Thursday morning. It’s a shame Adrian had two scratch because these two likely would have had a great race here. Also worth a mention in this event is Louisville’s Joao De Lucca, who got scratched in and used the opportunity to move up several spots to take fourth in a time of 19.61.

ADRIAN BACKSTORY – JAMMED FINGER: 

Due to a jammed finger, top seed Nathan Adrian has scratched the 50 free finals of AT&T Nationals in Austin Thursday night. Adrian jammed his finger on a lane rope while warming down after the morning session, Rowdy Gaines reported prior to the start of finals Thursday.

Adrian had a very strong performance in prelims with an 18.82 morning swim that was less than two tenths shy of his American record, which is 18.66. Matt Grevers, who swam a 19.11 this morning, will move into the top spot. Louisville’s Joao De Lucca–who was just .01 behind Garrett Weber Gale this morning with a 19.80–will move into the final heat.