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Clark Smith is Now #7 American Ever with 7:50 800 Free

2017 U.S. NATIONALS/WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TRIALS

On the final night of competition at the 2017 U.S. Nationals/World Championships Trials, Zane Grothe and Clark Smith returned for another distance free battle. Smith held a strong lead for most of the race, but Grothe began to close the gap with a big move on the final 100 meters. At the touch, Smith was able to hold him off, winning in 7:50.43 to Grothe’s 7:50.97.

With that, Smith moves up to #7 on the all-time top American performers list. Grothe is now #8 on the all-time top 10 list, but improves on his time in the standings, as he was formerly ranked #7 with a 7:51.58. True Sweetser, who finished 3rd tonight in 7:55.29, is just off the all-time top 10 Americans list at #11 with his personal best 7:53.32 from the 2016 U.S. Open.

Top 10 American Peformers of All Time:

1 Michael McBroom 7:43.60
2 Connor Jaeger 7:44.26
3 Larsen Jensen 7:45.63
4 Chad La Tourette 7:46.52
5 Peter Vanderkaay 7:46.64
6 Erik Vendt 7:49.75
7 Clark Smith 7:50.43
8 Zane Grothe 7:50.97
9 Michael Klueh 7:52.31
10 Sean Killion 7:52.45

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bobo gigi
7 years ago

Smith must do much better. He’s very talented. No doubt about that. But now he has to show that talent to the world.

Christiansen 800 free bronze in Budapest
Reply to  bobo gigi
7 years ago

Yes, I believe the 800 medals will go in the 7:38-7:42 territory.

Bearly Breathing
7 years ago

Your list has omitted Sean Killion, former American record holder in this event at 7:52.45

Reply to  Bearly Breathing
7 years ago

I’ll edit that. Was missing from the database search for some reason. Thanks!

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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