Sun Yang & Conor Dwyer in Santa Clara, Leah Smith in Indy Flourish in 200 Free

Apparently, Sun Yang* and Conor Dwyer didn’t feel like waiting until August to engage in a major showdown in the 200 freestyle. As the Santa Clara stop of the USA Swimming Pro Series opened on Friday, Sun and Dwyer posted the top- and third-ranked times in the world in the 200 free, setting the stage for another duel at the Olympic Games later this summer.

Sun, the multi-time Olympic and world champion over various freestyle distances, ended up getting the best of Dwyer, his clocking of 1:44.82 the first mark under 1:45 this season. Sun was out in 24.87, came through the midway point in 51.26 and touched at the 150-meter point in 1:18.12. Dwyer was even with Sun through the first lap and just .27 back with a lap to go, but the dubious Chinese star relied on his trademark finish to hold on. Australian teen Kyle Chalmers was third in 1:47.64.

By pipping Great Britain’s James Guy (1:45.19) for the top time in the world, Sun showed he is in fine form about two months out from the Olympics. However, during this age in sports in which doping concerns are found in headlines each day, Sun will not be able to outswim the fact that he once tested positive and served his suspension under a cloak of darkness.

If Sun makes the final of the 200 free in Rio and Korea’s Park Tae-Hwan is allowed to race after his doping ban, the race will be remembered for its tainted nature, particularly if either man reaches the podium. That possibility is just one reason why more stringent action must be taken against those looking for an advantage not found in hard work and dedication.

For Dwyer, his No. 3 performance surely opened eyes among Americans set to contest the 200 freestyle at the United States Trials in Omaha later this month. The 27-year-old just missed his personal best of 1:45.32, posted at the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona, where Dwyer earned the silver medal behind Frenchman Yannick Agnel.

Emma McKeon Flexes Aussie Muscle in 200 Freestyle

As American athletes prepare for their Trials, the Australian contingent that traveled to Santa Clara is focusing on what is necessary to be prepared for Rio. Count Emma McKeon among those in a good position, as the 22-year-old led a one-two Aussie finish in the 200 freestyle and took second in the 100 butterfly.

Emma McKeon by Patrick B. Kraemer

In the 200 freestyle, in which she ranks second in the world at 1:54.83, McKeon hit the wall in 1:56.36 to edge countrywoman Bronte Barratt (1:56.65). American Maya DiRado had a strong showing for third place in 1:57.70. McKeon led throughout the race and only reaffirmed her status as …

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