The 2015 Pan American Games began with just insanely fast 100m freestyle swims in prelims this morning. In addition to Natalie Coughlin’s Pan American record on the women’s side, the men saw Federico Grabich snag himself a brand new Argentinian national record in the 100m event.
Coming into the meet, Grabich’s top time of 2015 was the 49.07 he clocked at Mar del Plata, which punched his ticket to Kazan, as well as positioned him as the 43rd-fastest swimmer in the world. Knock that time down by a remarkable .47 of a second and you now have Grabich as not only the top seed headed into finals at these Pan Am Games, but as the new Argentinian national record holder with his personal best performance of 48.60. That one swim rocketed the 25-year old to 17th in the world rankings for 2015.
For perspective in this particular race at this meet specifically, Grabich was one of three men who cracked the 49-second mark, joined by 2nd seed Canadian Santo Condorelli (48.88), Brazilian Marcelo Chierighini (48.92). Americans Darian Townsend (49.88) and Cullen Jones (50.09) made tonight’s B-Final.
Grabich already holds his country’s national records in the 200m freestyle (1:47.78), 50m backstroke (25.16) and 100m backstroke (54.32). He is slated to swim the 200m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 50m freestyle in addition to relays at these Games.
Federico Grabich is trains in Argentina,with the natuonal team. They bringed a specialist trainer from Australia (i think,not sure about that). But he is in constantly progress
Who’s Fredrico Grabich?!
Never heard of him and he’s 25. Does he train in Argentina or somewhere in Europe?
I’m pleased that Conderelli(sp?) and Kisil made the A Final, both of them with pretty good swims. Be very nice to see one of them on the podium tonight and both of them under 49.
Jones’ time is soft. Dang.