Allison Schmitt captures Women’s 400m freestyle gold: Day two – 2012 Columbus Grand Prix
Allison Schmitt of North Baltimore captured gold medal of the Women’s 400m freestyle on second day of the 2012 Columbus Grand Prix at the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion on Saturday, March 10.
The 21-year-old Schmitt faced no trouble in claiming gold medal of the eight-lap freestyle event. With her invincible efforts, she went full throttle in the mediocre distance freestyle event and ended her swim first in a time of 4 minutes and 08.88 seconds.
Her effort remained nearly nine seconds slower from the world record of 3 minutes and 59.15 seconds, set by Federica Pellegrini of Italy in 2009.
She was followed by her team-member, Gillian R Ryan, who was 0.82 seconds slower from the gold medallist and clocked a time of 4 minutes and 09.70 seconds for gold medal.
Leah G Smith of Jewish Community proved her eligibility for the third fastest spot of the race as she hit the wall with the timing of 4 minutes and 09.89 seconds. Smith remained just 0.14 seconds ahead of Chelsea Nauta of Athens Bulldog Swim Club, who settled
on the finishing end as fourth finisher by posting 4 minutes and 10.03 seconds.
Subsequently, Matthew Patton of Club Wolverine-M dictated terms to his competitors in the Men’s 400m freestyle playoff. The 24-year-old Patton ensured his gold finish on the medal rostrum by submitting a time of 3 minutes and 51.83 seconds.
He was trailed by David Verraszto of Hungary, who remained almost two seconds slower from his foregoing competitor and secured second position of the event by posting 3 minutes and 53.55 seconds for silver medal.
The 23-year-old Verraszto was chased by Reed H Malone of New Trier Swim Club, who remained nearly three seconds slower and hit the wall with an effort of 3 minutes and 56.26 seconds.
The 16-year-old Malone was 0.72 seconds ahead of Arturo P Verti of MEX, who ended his swim in a time of 3 minutes and 56.98 seconds for fourth position.
In addition, the position holders were invited on the victory stand for their undeniable efforts in the 400m discipline at the prize distribution ceremony after the session.
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