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Defending Champion Sydney Pickrem a Medical Scratch in 400 IM Prelims at SECs

Braden Keith
by Braden Keith 15

February 21st, 2019 College, News, SEC

2019 SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE SWIMMING & DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The defending SEC Champion in the 400 IM, Texas A&M senior Sydney Pickrem, left an empty lane in Thursday’s prelims of the event. While she didn’t scratch pre-meet, and was named as the top seed on the prelims heat sheets, she wound up not swimming the race.

In her absence, South Carolina senior Emma Barksdale took the top seed in 4:03.96, a new South Carolina School Record; followed by Florida freshman Vaness Pearl (4:05.23) and Florida senior Hannah Burns (4:06.25). The Aggies still put a swimmer in the A-final: Monika Gonzalez-Hermosillo qualified 5th in 4:07.22.

Update #2: Texas A&M has updated their information, and Pickrem has received a ‘medical scratch’ from the 400 IM. That means, that in theory, she still has 2 individual events to swim, though it would be on a very tough 200 back/200 breast double.

Pickrem has two individual entries left, in the 200 back (as the #4 seed) and 200 breaststroke (1st seed). Both of those races are on Saturday.

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Gaucho
5 years ago

Tennessee fans wish her the best of luck. The health of swimmers at big meets–both mental health and physical health–is something all Tennessee fans should be aware of. We hope to see you in the 200 back AND 200 breast, Sydney.

IAGDTBA
5 years ago

It looked like after 200 IM there was a pause and a medical team around her. She eventually got up and walked away but did not go to the medal ceremony. Hope shes okay!

KDSwim
Reply to  IAGDTBA
5 years ago

Yes she was laid out flat behind the clothes baskets for at least 5 minutes with a large group of staff and medical people around. The meet was delayed. She did get up and walk off and it looked like she did make the medal stand, or a teammate accepted her medal by putting it on around her neck which seems odd if it was not Sydney.

bula
5 years ago

Not really a team player move…

Texas A&M Swim Fan
Reply to  bula
5 years ago

Not knowing anything about what is/was occurring, your comment is atrocious to say the least!! You should be ashamed of it but I’ll bet not!! She’s been a team player throughout her stay at A&M! I’m willing to bet that it was more than just disappointment.

SaintJoseph
Reply to  Texas A&M Swim Fan
5 years ago

BULA should be “ashamed”, I agree!!!!!!

VolPo
5 years ago

She was a no show for the 200 IM Medal ceremony last night as well.
I saw her on the livestream running out of the pool area being chased by her coach and teammates after the 200 IM. She seemed very upset but she did do a massive best time…

Hoping for the Best
Reply to  VolPo
5 years ago

Any insight into what it may have been? I guess after all, these are young people still growing up! Was this a peaceful protest at the 400 IM? Not sure which is more painful, giving up your team’s 25+ points or doing the actual race.

wowok
Reply to  VolPo
5 years ago

then who was on the medal stand? because I watched a livestream and im pretty sure she was up there….

SaintJoseph
5 years ago

Sounds like she was sleeping…too bad for Aggies GREAT for She-VOLS!!!

Jimbo
Reply to  SaintJoseph
5 years ago

Um ok. I would be worried if she got hurt or something it’s a meet who cares who wins I’m just worried about her

Texas A&M Swim Fan
Reply to  SaintJoseph
5 years ago

Read my comment to “Bula” below. It pertains to you as well!!

Texas A&M Swim Fan
Reply to  SaintJoseph
5 years ago

As noted in update in article above: A “medical scratch”! I hope you are not indicative of the Tennessee fan base. I would never “gloat” over another swimmer’s misfortune like you have. There is no shame for the shameless but there is a lot of honor for Sydney Pickrem & the A&M women’s swim team and swimming staff in Aggieland no matter how this meet turns out! Gig em forever!!!

John
Reply to  Texas A&M Swim Fan
5 years ago

As a UT swimming fan, that comment is not indicative of the majority of the fan base. I hope she is alright. That was a fantastic race between her and Small.

Pickrem is a wonderful swimmer to watch.

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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