Irvine, Calif. — Former Gator Ryan Lochte (Daytona Beach, Fla.) capped off Florida’s participation in the 2010 Mutual of Omaha Pan Pacific championships by winning the 200-meter individual medley Saturday night in Irvine, Calif. University of Florida head swimming coach Gregg Troy, head coach for the men’s United States Pan Pacific Swim Team, helped lead Lochte and Team USA to the top of the overall standings in the year’s biggest international meet.
Lochte, a former All-American during his time at Florida (2002-06), won the 200 IM with a time of 1:54.43, the third-quickest time in history. The time was a meet record as well as fastest time in the world this year. Lochte, who captured a meet-high six gold medals during the course of the week, was named the Men’s Swimmer of the Meet for his performances.
“I wasn’t focused on the world record or anything,” Lochte told USA Swimming. “I was just focused on racing tough. I knew I had it in my sight, but I think all the races I had this week kind of tired me out a bit. But I put up a really good time, and I’m really happy.”
Joining Lochte as Gators who represented the United States on the medal stand this week were junior Teresa Crippen (Conshohocken, Pa.) and incoming freshman Elizabeth Beisel (North Kingstown, R.I.). Crippen earned silver on the first day of competition in the 200-meter butterfly, while Beisel won gold medals this week in the 200-meter backstroke and 400 IM.
Florida Medal Winners
Ryan Lochte* — Gold: 200 free, 200 IM, 400 IM, 200 back, 400 free relay, 800 free relay
Elizaebeth Beisel — Gold: 200 Back, 400 IM
Teresa Crippen — Silver: 200 Fly
Florida Finishes for Saturday, August 21, 2010
Men’s 50 Free
28. Brett Fraser – 23.20
37. Shaune Fraser – 23.57
Men’s 200 IM
1. Ryan Lochte* – 1:54.43^
17. Sebastien Rousseau – 2:03.98
Women’s 200 Breast
14. Sarra Lajnef – 2:34.30
Women’s 200 IM
16. Elizabeth Beisel – 2:12.13
21. Teresa Crippen – 2:15.49
Men’s Final Team Rankings
1. USA – 489.5
2. Australia – 311.5
3. Japan – 234
4. Canada – 177
5. Brazil – 70
6. New Zealand – 50
7. Korea – 36
8. South Africa – 28
9. China – 19
10. Chile – 10
11. Hong Kong – 2
12. Papua New Guinea – 1
* Former Gator
^ Meet Record