Team USA shines in FINA World Cup in Berlin

 
Team USA finished strong the first night of the FINA World Cup in Berlin. Becca Mann and Leah Smith started the night off on the right foot, with a first and second place finish in the 800m free. Mann touched first in a time of 8:16.58, less than a second ahead of teammate Smith, who finished in a time of 8:17.96. Smith had another successful swim in the 200m free, as she finished sixth overall with a time of 1:58.81. Celia Li and Kaitlyn Jones turned in two impressive performances in the 200m IM, placing third and fifth, respectively. Li touched in a time of 2:08.95, while Jones finished just behind her in 2:10.34. Michelle Cefal placed fifth in the 100m fly with a time of 58.77 and in the women’s 200m back, Kylie Stewart finished second in a time of 2:04.70, barely missing first.

Jessica Hardy had a big night as well, winning the 100m breast in a time of 1:04.58 and placing second in the 50m free, finishing with a time of 24.43.

On the men’s side, Tom Shields grabbed third place in the 200m fly, finishing with a time of 1:52.27. Gunnar Bentz placed eighth in the 400m IM, touching in a time of 4:16.85 and Sean Mahoney wrapped up the night with a first place finish in the 200m breast, with a time of 2:04. 55.

Team USA proved unstoppable in the 4x50m medley relay as well, placing a team in first and fifth. The winning team of Kylie Stewart, Jessica Hardy, Tom Shields and Anthony Ervin finished with a time of 1:40. 49, while fifth place finishers Celia Li, Sean Mahoney, Michelle Cefal and Gunnar Bentz touched the wall in a time of 1:45. 66.

Competition continues tomorrow, as Team USA prepares for the final day of the FINA World Cup in Berlin.