Tom Shields Dials Up American Record 43.84 In 100-Yard Fly At United States Nationals

Anyone familiar with the career of Tom Shields is aware of his short-course exploits, fueled largely by his stellar underwater skills. While Shields has developed into a world-class performer in the long-course realm, highlighted by an Olympic berth last summer, the former Cal-Berkeley star made his earliest headlines in the little pool.

As the United States National Championships moved into their third day on Friday night, Shields was the dominant athlete, thrilling the crowd in Atlanta with an American and U.S. Open record in the 100-yard butterfly. Shields blazed his way to a time of 43.84, a mark that bettered the U.S. Open standard of 44.01, set at last year’s NCAA Championships by Joseph Schooling of Singapore. Meanwhile, Shields bettered the American record of 44.18, set by Austin Staab at the height of the shiny suits in 2009.

Out in 20.57 at the 50-yard mark, Shields already had nearly a second advantage through two laps, and the only question was whether he could eclipse the 44-second barrier. Shields had no trouble brining the race home, either, and finished well ahead of runnerup Vini Lanza (45.56). During his collegiate days, Shields was an NCAA champion in the event.

With Schooling sitting as the reigning Olympic champion in the 100 fly and only in his junior season at the University of Texas, there’s a good chance Shields’ record might endure for just a few months. Still, the effort was a splendid way to open December and generate momentum for next week’s World Short Course Championships in Canada.

“I set that goal as one of my first long-term goals ever,” Shields said. “I was able to pop that 44 when I was 18 and I was like, ‘Oh man, maybe I can make this happen, and it never did.’ You know, these guys, back in my day …

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