Here are a couple of videos from this past weekend at the 2012 Winter USA Swimming Nationals at the University of Texas, Austin.

Ryan Murphy had a spectacular weekend at his first Short Course Nationals by breaking a National Age Group Record and by winning the High Point Award.

Ryan’s 200 Backstroke on the last day of Nationals was an amazing swim for a 17 year old.  His 1:38.15 makes him the first 18 and under swimmer to break 1:40.00 in the 200 Back and also makes him the third fastest swimmer in the History of the event.  Besides getting a new 17-18 National record in the event he also broke the pool record that belonged to Aaron Peirsol.

Ryan took charge of the race from the start and really challenged the great Russian swimmer Arkady Vyatchanin (Gator Swim Club) from the begining to the end.  Ryan was ahead until the last few meters but he still was able to get his hand to the wall ahead of Arkady.  A good fact is that Arkady is the actual World Record Holder in the 200 Back in Short Course Meters. Hopefully a good sign for Ryan 😉

All Time Top Performers

1:36.81 Ryan Lochte        USA 11/29/2007

1:37.58 Tyler Clary            USA 03/26/2009

1:38.15 Ryan Murphy     USA 12/01/12

1:38.45 Aaron Peirsol      USA 03/02/2006

All Time Top Performances

1:36.81 Ryan Lochte        USA 11/29/2007

1:37.58 Tyler Clary            USA 03/26/2009

1:37.68 Ryan Lochte        USA 03/23/2006

1:38.15 Ryan Murphy     USA 12/01/12

1:38.17 Tyler Clary            USA 03/26/2009

Here is the video from the race we took from our phone.  I had to ask a friend of mine Mark Liscinsky (Assistant Coach at the American University) to take the video since I get too nervous and my hand shakes too much 😉

Also here is the video of the High Point Ceremony with Missy Franklin, Matt Grevers and Ryan Murphy. This has a special meaning to me since I recruited and coached Matt Grevers at Northwestern University back in 2003-04 and now we have them both tied for the High Point award at Nationals.  Matt at this meet broke the American Record in the 100 Back with a blazing 44.55.  I feel so privileged that I have had this chance to coach both swimmers at different points in my career and to learn from both of them. I know that what I learned from Matt has helped me help Ryan develop his talent.  What a great day!

Now two more weeks for Ryan before he swims the 200 Back for the first time in Short Course Meters at the 2012 World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.  After this swim I really think and feel that he is very confident and excited to swim FAST and represent the USA at the highest level.

Good Luck to Ryan and Matt in Istanbul!!!