US Nationals Day 4 Finals: Tommy Janton Stuns from Lane 1 of 100 Backstroke
The men’s 100 backstroke final had some rising stars in the sport as well as some unproven swimmers making a statement that they belong in the nation’s elite.
Jack Aikins made that move after finishing third at the Olympic Trials last year, this year winning the 200 backstroke to make the World Aquatics Championship team.
Keaton Jones made it last year, sneaking into an Olympic spot with a sensational swim last year.
Jack Wilkening led at the turn, but the Michigan swimmer couldn’t hold that pace.
Notre Dame’s Tommy Janton stunned the field with a win from Lane 1, making his move to the nation’s elite. He got to the wall with an outside smoke time of 53.00.
“(My goal) was qualifying at this meet. I only swam one other meet this year and I really pushed through to this meet. I honestly thought it would be in the 200, but I am fortunate it came out in the 100,” Janton said. “I have dreamt of this. I represented the U.S. at World University Games, but it will be bigger, especially winning and being on the relays, I am very grateful and fortunate.”
Janton remained at Notre Dame after the men’s team was suspended.
“I swam with a couple of my teammates and we were able to get to it. The ones who were there held ourselves accountable,” he said. “I really had a lot of faith in the coaching staff. I have never had a down in the three years I was there. I think it is still the same motto, you gotta keep your eyes on the prize. Moving through everything that happened and seeing the silver lining in everything you can.”
Aikins finished second in 53.19, holding off Daniel Diehl (53.35) and Jones (53.79). Will Modglin finished fifth in 53.83.
Ryan Murphy has the American record at 51.85, while the world record sits with Italian star Thomas Ceccon (51.60).
