That maybe used to be considered top step range in those events, but that 1650 barley beats Ledecky. Of course he is only a freshman, so certainly time to close that gap for sure. But likely he will have to choose the sprints, because just sub 19 gets you no where these days, certainly not in the top 2 heats at NCAA's.

I think if Marchand did the 1650, he likely would be in the 14;30 +/- a few seconds, but certainly near the old records and quite a bit ahead of Katie..(-;

So did anyone see Dressel in the 50 the other day? He barely made the finals in the outside lane and then proceeded to rip the heat apart. But apparently the timing system was wonky and they did not get results for awhile. He and Alexi were the two that seemed to be in contention for the win, but in the end it was someone else getting 2nd and Dressel taking the win in 21.8. Really stoked for the guy to being going this fast during training blocks, and of course all the bearded guys in the heat are peaking for NCAA's coming up later. Good signs for our free relays that Alexi is backing up his break out year last year too, would be great to have those two making it in the 50 and 100 at Indy this June...

Almsot forgot, Caleb's starting block malfunctioned too, so could be why he was not ahead at the start as usual.. Here is a good work through of the race for those inclined to watch sprinting in slow motion;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khyX1PbLWkQ