The 2013 US Open shaping up as very fast meet. Here’s some fun stuff from the scene in Irvine California on the 4th day of competition.

whoa that was close. (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)

back off. (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)

Nick Thoman throws one back. (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)

Thoman ready. (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)

Ryan Murphy – fastback (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)

Nick Thoman (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)

race ready. (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)

Anival Rodriguez (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)

Morgan Priestley working hard covering all the action (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)

Ohio State’s Bill Wadley leading a strong contingent of Buckeyes (photo: Mike Lewis, Ola Vista Photography)
And for those who don’t know, 53.06 for Vyatchanin.
In the same race, I’m a little disappointed by the time of Ryan Murphy. 53.62 is still good but after his new PB in the 200 back I expected a little bit faster time.
Great first big meet for Nick Thoman since London. 53.65! Impressive!
Vyatchanin’s time in the 100 back would have been second at worlds, is there a reason why he wasn’t on the Russian team?
I don’t like to compare the times from 2 different meets to draw some conclusions. It’s too easy to say he would have finished second. It’s one thing to swim that time well ahead without pressure and it’s another thing to do it at the world championships with all the pressure and much bigger competition. But it’s clear he’s back at his best level.
For your question, Vyatchanin is in conflict with his federation for a few months now.
http://swimswam.com/arkady-vyatchanin-to-consider-nationality-change-after-worlds/