Ervin Splits 47.3 on US Worlds Men’s 4×100 Relay Prelim, The Web Buzzes, The Debate Continues

Day 1 “swimming” prelims of the 2013 FINA World Championships are in the can. As expected Sun Yang cruized to 3:44 in the men’s 400 free, Katie Ledecky controlled the women’s 400, and  Roland Schoeman–the elder speed master–warmed our hearts qualifying first in the 50 butterfly.

But it was another old statesman of the sport that wowed us this morning in Barcelona, Anthony Ervin.

Ervin dropped a 47.38 on the men’s 4×100 freestyle relay. Ervin flew 2nd on the prelim US Team relay after Jimmy Feigen’s leadoff (48.39). Berens was 3rd off the blocks splitting an impressive 47.56, and Conor Dwyer anchored in 48.36.

The web has been buzzing with predictions over who will win the 2013 World Crown in the men’s 4×100 free relay. Most fans put little stock in Team USA’s chances for gold, particularly after a sleepy and slow US World Trials in the men’s 100 free, where Nathan Adrian won in 48.10, followed Feigen’s 48.24, Ervin’s 48.49, and Ryan Lochte’s 48.58.

Swim coaches and swim analysts will tell you a proper flying relay start should give you a time .6 to .7 tenths faster than your flat start. That would’ve put Ervin in the 47.8-9 range stepping and swinging his arms into a relay leg. Off Ervin’s US World Trials 100 free (48.49), his 47.38 is a 1.1 second improvement, and Berens’ 47.56 relay split this morning is also a 1.1 second improvement over his 48.68 US Trials time.

PRELIM MEN’S 4×100 FREE RELAY  RESULTS: USA – 3:11.69, RUSSIA – 3:12.43, AUSTRALIA – 3:13.04, FRANCE – 3:14.01

Prelims are prelims, however, forgotten after the big show, the final. SwimSwam readers know this, and many, while perhaps rethinking their top 3 picks for the 4×100 free relay final, are sticking to their guns, calling Russia and/or Australia (with star James Magnussen in the batter’s box) to win the World Championship. Moreover, a second debate is developing over who will swim on the 4×100 free realy final (as many countries keep their top talent fresh for the medal race). Here’s what a “few” are saying this morning after the prelim relay results came in:

LIQUIDASSETS

Great 47.3 for Ervin, solid 47.5 for Berens, Feigen lead off at 48.3 and Dwyer anchored with the same. Adrian, Ervin, Feigen, 3 choices for 4th spot: Berens, Lochte, or Grevers?? I’d say Berens. 

WHOKNOWS

Berens was .07 on relay exchange…. but had great leg of the race…. Ervin really pulled off a great swim!

DON

 Looks like Feigen and Ervin tonight.

ERVINFORTHEWIN

He (Anthony Ervin) was hungry to be part of that relay and happy he did a fast split . The question is : What will Adrian split ( for his first race of the meet) and in which position ? this is gonna be exciting tonight .

HKSWIMMER

Given Beren’s swim – I would say he’s got a very strong claim to be that 4th leg swimmer. The choice by the US coaches will be a really interesting decision – especially given that Ervin’s undoubtedly sealed his place on that relay tonight. Going out in a 21.74 is ballsy – but I’m even more glad that he managed to keep it together coming home. I remember him talking about hoping that he would get a relay start instead of a lead-off swim – looks like the prophecy has come true.

With these swims I fear for my picks. I put Russia in first, but I actually backed Rus->Aus->Fra->USA. No way the US doesn’t medal. I fear for France, even though they have a lot of room for improvement in the final with 3 new people coming in.

Amaury Leveaux was disgraceful leading off. 49.1! Bobo you’re right about the hamburgers…

BOURDAIS

Gilot was okay, the rest of the French were quite merde. Expected more out of Meynard. The Australians in general have also been disappointing so far, McKeon and Barratt were the clear number two ranked swimmers in the 400m, but both missed the final by a big margin. And the Australian men and women were average in the relays, especially the men. Roberts with a 48.57 leadoff, I hope he is holding something in for the final but this isn’t usually the case for him. Targett was underwhelming as well.

Predicting RUS – USA – AUS – FRA

BOBO GIGI

Well, I’ve just watched the prelims and I’m back to comment them. Very interesting first session. We have already learned many things for the rest of the week. My dear American friends, you can wake up!!!! You can can be happy! Most of your swimmers, unlike Australians and French, have been really good.

ZANNA

The American Men’s Relay has a deep field. Better than most people expected. Everybody is out to prove themselves and win that gold! Lochte and Grevers already has multiple events which they should save their energy for. Ervin a true sprinter and Berens is going all out after a disappointing trials. With Adrian and Fiegen, they are great contenders for that gold! Go USA!

SEE 109 COMMENTS IN THE PREVIOUS 4X100 FREE RELAY DEBATE HERE.