University of Georgia Athletics
Photo by: Getty Images
Flickinger, Schmitt Add to American Medal Count at 2018 Pan Pacs
August 10, 2018 | Swimming & Diving
TOKYO – The Georgia Bulldog swimming alumni continued to flood the 2018 Pan Pacific Championship podium on Friday, led by Hali Flickinger in the 200-meter butterfly and Allison Schmitt in the 800-meter freestyle relay.
Flickinger used a time of 2:07.35 to secure her first Pan Pacs gold medal, edging Japan's Sachi Mochida (2:07.66) by only a few tenths of a second in the 200-meter butterfly. The accolade marks the second-straight for an American woman in the event, after Team USA had not won gold in the race since 1991.
"We have this bond," Flickinger said. "We all know how awesome it is to represent Team USA and all of us are just so happy to be here. We were a family right away, and that's something that's so special."
In the 800-meter freestyle relay, Allison Schmitt represented Georgia alongside Leah Smith, Katie McLaughlin and Katie Ledecky. The Australian relay just topped the group's 7:44.37 performance with a Pan Pacs record of 7:44.12.
Bulldog junior Javier Acevedo, a member of the Canadian team, checked in at fifth place in the 100-meter backstroke at 53.90.
The Pan Pacific Championships began in 1985, and the event has adhered to a four-year system since 2002. Locations have cycled between Japan, Australia, Canada and the United States, with the Japan Swimming Federation hosting this year's competition. The United States leads the medal count after the second day with 20 total: eight gold, six silver, and six bronze. Four have come from former Bulldog swimmers.
The two Americans with the fastest times in the races at the Pan Pacific Championships and Phillips 66 Nationals will claim the spots in the individual events at the 2019 World Championships. Flickinger's 200-meter butterfly time from Nationals reigns at the top for Worlds. Olivia Smoliga's 100-backstroke 58.75 performance also remains in second behind Kathleen Baker.
The 2018 Pan Pacific Championships continue on Saturday with the 400-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter individual medley and 4x100-meter freestyle relay.
Flickinger used a time of 2:07.35 to secure her first Pan Pacs gold medal, edging Japan's Sachi Mochida (2:07.66) by only a few tenths of a second in the 200-meter butterfly. The accolade marks the second-straight for an American woman in the event, after Team USA had not won gold in the race since 1991.
"We have this bond," Flickinger said. "We all know how awesome it is to represent Team USA and all of us are just so happy to be here. We were a family right away, and that's something that's so special."
In the 800-meter freestyle relay, Allison Schmitt represented Georgia alongside Leah Smith, Katie McLaughlin and Katie Ledecky. The Australian relay just topped the group's 7:44.37 performance with a Pan Pacs record of 7:44.12.
Bulldog junior Javier Acevedo, a member of the Canadian team, checked in at fifth place in the 100-meter backstroke at 53.90.
The Pan Pacific Championships began in 1985, and the event has adhered to a four-year system since 2002. Locations have cycled between Japan, Australia, Canada and the United States, with the Japan Swimming Federation hosting this year's competition. The United States leads the medal count after the second day with 20 total: eight gold, six silver, and six bronze. Four have come from former Bulldog swimmers.
The two Americans with the fastest times in the races at the Pan Pacific Championships and Phillips 66 Nationals will claim the spots in the individual events at the 2019 World Championships. Flickinger's 200-meter butterfly time from Nationals reigns at the top for Worlds. Olivia Smoliga's 100-backstroke 58.75 performance also remains in second behind Kathleen Baker.
The 2018 Pan Pacific Championships continue on Saturday with the 400-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter individual medley and 4x100-meter freestyle relay.
Players Mentioned
Free/Back/IM
/ Swimming & Diving
Free/Back
/ Swimming & DivingGeorgia Swim and Dive Dual Meet Tournament Video Recap
Monday, October 20
Georgia Swim and Dive vs South Carolina Video Recap
Thursday, October 09
Georgia Swim and Dive Bulldog Invitational Video Recap
Sunday, March 02
Georgia Swimming and Diving SEC Championships Day 6 Video Recap
Saturday, February 22