Olympian Eric Shanteau grabs two golds Saturday at Grand Prix
Longhorn Aquatics’ Eric Shanteau took first in the men’s 200-meter individual medley and the 200-meter breaststroke on Saturday night at the Mizzou Aquatic Center.
Shanteau, a member of the U.S. National Team out of Lilburn, Ga., won the medley with ease before taking on Olympic gold medalist Kosuke Kitajima of Japan in the breaststroke.
“It’s always good competition,” Shanteau said of racing Kitajima. “He brings a whole new level of intensity and racing. I don’t think you can find anyone who is more of a clutch swimmer than him.”
The Japanese sensation had the lead out of the final turn in the 200-meter breaststroke, but Shanteau crept up on him in the last 50 meters for the touch-out.
Four other U.S. National team members earned gold on Saturday, including Grand Prix points leader Chloe Sutton in the women’s 400-meter freestyle. The win was her second of the meet so far.
2008 Olympian Ryan Lochte took second in the 100-meter backstroke in his only race of the night. The Daytona Beach swimmer was happy with his time, but wished he could’ve gotten the win.
When asked if he would rather make time or take first, the fun-loving Lochte said, “Can I take both?”
“I’m a competitor, I’m a racer,” Lochte added. “I hate to lose. When you get to a certain level, they’re all out there to win.”
Halfway between the past and future Olympics, Lochte also reflected on his progression since 2008.
“I’m a little chubbier,” Lochte said. “Taking some time off from the surgery set me back but also set me forward because I did a lot of upper body training.”
Missouri swimmers also made a splash on Saturday. Lisa Nathanson was the only Tiger to medal as she took bronze in the women’s 50-meter freestyle.
The four-day Grand Prix continues Sunday with preliminary races beginning at 9 a.m. and finals at 5:30 p.m.