U.S. Nationals: Bobby Finke Runs Down Carson Foster For 400 IM Title
From his first appearance in an Olympic final, Bobby Finke made him legendary for his ability to overcome huge deficits. Over the past four years, he has established himself as one of history’s great distance freestylers, and in Paris, he was the only American man to win individual gold when he broke the world record in the 1500 free on the final night of competition. Now, Finke will have the opportunity to represent the U.S. in a medley event for the first time.
Finke took down Olympic bronze medalist Carson Foster in the men’s 400 IM final at U.S. Nationals, overcoming the advantage Foster built on the breaststroke leg with a blazing 56.19 freestyle split. Finke touched in 4:07.46, with Foster just behind in a still-strong time of 4:07.92. The two men became the second and third-fastest swimmers in the world this year, trailing only world-record holder and Olympic champion Leon Marchand.
Previously, Finke placed third in the event at the 2022 and 2023 selection meets. This year, the absence of Tokyo Olympic champion Chase Kalisz appeared to open up the a spot in the 400 IM. Of course, Finke rendered that point void as he went ahead of Foster down the stretch.
However, Finke will now have a decision to make regarding event lineup: both the 400 IM and the 1500 free, the event in which Finke won Olympic gold in world-record time, take place on the final day of the World Championships. It is unlikely for Finke to swim both events, and given his track record in the mile, he may opt out of the medley. In a post-race interview with NBC Sports, Finke indicated he “had a plan in mind.”
