Chloe Sutton is the only top 10 point scorer competing in the Missouri Grand Prix who is has more points than William Copeland. On the same thought, Sutton is also ranked first for the series with 31 total points whereas Copeland has 18 total – a big difference to make up, but it could be possible in Missouri!
Copeland’s first event is the 200 freestyle where he will hopefully square off against Locthe and Phelps. Obviously, it’s going to be a difficult task to knock-out both of those two swimmers, but Copeland could take out Ous Mellouli to get those much needed points.
He follows the 200 event with the 100 fly where, again, he will go head to head with Phelps and Lochte. At the Southern California stop in the series, Copeland was able to grab a sixth place (Phelps in first); there is a possibility that he could place higher (top 3) if he is able to maintain a better pace throughout the entire 100. In SoCal, he took out the first 50 in 22.32 and the back 50 at 25.49. If he can go a 21 high or 22.00 and go a 24 high there is a good chance of a top 3 placing!
In one of the closest races at SoCal, Copeland took fifth in the 50 freestyle with a 19.98 (only 4 tenths off of the first place finish of Matt Grevers). In Missouri, Copeland will go against Garrett Weber-Gale who is seeded in first. There is a definite possibility for him to take first or second in this event and make up those points as well!
Following the 50 freestyle will be the 100 free which will most likely be the highlight event of the day for a lot of big named swimmers! Phelps, Lochte, Weber-Gale, and Copeland will most likely populate top spots in the finals! For what it’s worth, he took second (behind Grevers) in SoCal with a 43.30 – Grevers touched in at 43.06. In my opinion, this is going to be the best final race of the meet for the men. It also wraps up Copeland’s itinerary for the meet.
So, just to recap, Copeland has three out of four events where he will be battling it out with Phelps and Locthe – the third of which is also going against Weber-Gale. The 50 freestyle is where Copeland could take the most points with the major competition being Garrett Weber-Gale.
Wow…I love this stuff!
What are your thoughts on Copeland in these events?
That is a sweet picture. The 100 free should be an awesome race.
I absolutely agree with you! I cannot wait to see all of them go at it for that first place spot!
I think the 100 free will be a battle between Phelps and 2007 world champ Brent Hayden (Read the psych sheet; it helps!) with Copeland most likely third. Both Lochte and Weber-Gale are known for very slow in-season times (especially with Lochte having not raced since Rome), so I can’t see either being that big of a factor in the 50 or 100. I think the 200 will go Phelps, Mellouli, Lochte, with Copeland well behind the top three.
David,
Re: the 50 free, that’s why I put Copeland as a possibility to take first – Weber-Gale does “typically” swim slower in-season. Honestly, I think he can beat out Hayden right now, but only time will tell.
Re: the 100 free, I did leave out Hayden out of the top 4 spots, and I do think that Lochte will make a presence in the 100 free.
Again, these are just my opinions so please feel free to battle away! I always enjoy a debate.