At home site Aquatics center, Minnesota swimmers turned in multiple winning performances at the Speedo Championships. Gophers swimmers are facing a much tougher challenge at the 2009 U.S. Open, where meet record-holders include Olympians Michael Phelps and Aaron Peirsol.
The Gophers received their first Gold Medal of the open in the second night of competition with a win in the 400-meter freestyle relay. After posting the second best time in the relay heading into the event, Minnesota’s Michael Richards, Curt Carlson, Steve Miller and Alex Wold finished the relay in 3:20.64, good for the first place finish.
The Gold medal time not only earned Minnesota its first Gold Medal, but also set a new school record, shattering the old record by over four seconds.
During individual competition, Alex Wold set a career best in the 400-meter IM final with a time of 4:16.75, good for third place.
Minnesota sent two representatives to the 100-meter final. Carlson posted a time of 50.36, while Miller finished in 50.48, good for seventh and eighth, respectively.
