Medals, Lifetime Bests & New USA National Standards Met at Australian Age Champs

A week of training with Olympians, world record holders and world champions had TSM swimmers ready to race on another level at the Australian Age Championships in Brisbane.

The team of Liliana Casso, Payton Perrotta, Scott Simmer, Eugene Tee and Brandon Yong returned today after competing at the grueling 6 day meet, which produced lightning fast times, including multiple Australian records.

Brandon Yong raced to best times in the 400 (4:14.59) and 800 Free (8:50.31), medaling in both events.

Payton (2:08.59) and Liliana (2:09.00) posted new best times in the 200 Free, but did not qualify for the Final in a highly competitive field.

Scott Simmer had the meet of his life, achieving lifetime bests every time he dove in: 200 Fly (2:09.52), 400 Free (4:10.02), 400 IM (4:41.67), 200 Free (1:57.16) and 1500 Free (16:03.80).  Narrowly missing the SCY Senior National standard in the 1500 Free, Scott met NCSA Junior National standards for the first time in the 400 IM (4:41.67) and 200 Fly (2:09.52).

After two disputed disqualifications in the IM events, both resulting in rule clarifications after a jury of appeal, Eugene shaved more than 2 seconds off his previous best time in the 200 Back (2:04.19) to nab 3rd place, swimming faster than the USA Olympic Trials standard.

Congratulations, swimmers!