Caitlin Leverenz Is Better Than She’s Been Since Olympic Trials

TORONTO 2015 PAN AMERICAN GAMES

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Edited by Coleman Hodges

Shot and reported by Mitch Bowmile

WOMEN’S 400m IM

• World record: 4:28.42 – Ye Shiwen (China) 2012
• Pan Am Games record: 4:37.74 – Caitlin Leverenz (USA) 2015
• Americas record: 4:31.12 – Katie Hoff (USA) 2008
• 10th fastest time in the world this season: 4:37.56

Medallists

1. Caitlin Leverenz (USA) 4:35.46
2. Sydney Pickrem (Canada) 4:38.03
3. Joanna Maranhao (Brazil) 4:38.07

Emily Overholt of Canada and Caitlin Leverenz attacked the race right from the get go, separating themselves from the pack and locking together in a battle for gold.

At the touch it was Overholt, however it was later revealed after the race that she was disqualified and Leverenz was awarded the gold medal.

Leverenz made a big push on the breaststroke and was well ahead of everyone besides Overholt the majority of the race.

Sydney Pickrem, who originally was to take bronze, grabbed the silver due to Overholt’s disqualification. She was a 4:38.03, making up a lot of time on the last 100-meters of freestyle. Pickrem was almost passed by Joanna Maranhao of Brazil who split an amazing first 50 of freestyle in 31.86, however she managed to hold off her advances.

Maranhao finished just behind Pickrem by four one-hundredths of a second in 4:38.07.

With Leverenz’s winning time, she broke the Pan American Games record for the second time that day. The time also ranks her fourth in the world this season and ahead of all other American swimmer.

Leverenz also managed to swim the fastest she has since the 2012 Olympic Trials, dropping into a very solid range as the 2016 U.S Olympic Trials approach.