University of Florida-bound Maxime Rooney had quite the impressive summer, both home and abroad. In addition to winning a World Junior Champion title in the 200m freestyle while in Singapore, Rooney claimed a U.S. National title in the same event in San Antonio, thus securing his spot on the United States’ National Team roster. Rooney also collected an array of impressive relay splits, including a monster 1:46.55 2nd leg on the U.S. men’s 800m freestyle relay in Singapore.
Along with several of his Pleasanton Seahawk club teammates, Rooney is now setting his sights on the 2015 FINA World Cup Series. On November 2nd and 3rd, Rooney and his squad will descend on the Hamad Aquatic Center in Doha, Qatar to take on the international competition during the 2nd-to-last stop of the series’ final cluster.
Australia’s Dan Smith has had a streak of 200m freestyle wins thus far during the World Cup, clocking times ranging from 1:46.70 in Beijing to 1:48.81 in Hong Kong. With Rooney’s recent times spanning from 1:49.10 at Junior Nationals to 1:47.10 at Senior Nationals, the 17 year-old is absolutely within striking distance of potentially securing a World Cup podium spot while in Doha.
Below is the roster of teammates provided by Maxime Rooney:
Pleasanton Seahawks
Maxime Rooney
Christopher Jhong
Anthony Jhong
Christina Chong
Katie Woods
Miranda Heckman
Moriah Simonds
Samantha Howell
Its been awhile since someone new has represented Pacific! You go Pleasanton! Jeah!
I love this kid. Everything about him is a class act. His freestyle is a thing of beauty. Looking good for a shot at that Rio 800 relay, and who knows- maybe a shot at the 200FR individual as well! And good luck to his Seahawk teammates in DOHA! What an exciting trip!
If Rooney Is in good form he would easily make the podium, but he probably wont be rested. Therefore, I predict a 1:50-1:49 in the 200m
Hopefully the times will be fast this final cluster, maybe the juniors can put some since in these people, so events like the 100 back aren’t won in times like 55 seconds.
Good choice. Get amongst it in Doha. It should be great preparation in an Olympic year.