King Wins 50 Free on Final Night at Phillips 66 National Championships

IRVINE, Calif. – Matt King won his second US national title, taking gold in the 50-meter freestyle on the final night of competition at the Phillips 66 National Championships in Irvine, Calif.

King swept the sprint freestyle events, also winning gold in the 100-meter freestyle. King set a UVA record in the 50 free in prelims (21.95) and then improved that record with a 21.83 in finals.

Gretchen Walsh capped off a strong week with a silver medal in the women’s 50-meter freestyle. She finished with a UVA record time of 24.47 to place second. Incomer Maxine Parker finished fifth in the 50 free with a time of 25.05.

Connor Boyle won the men’s consolation final of the 50-meter freestyle with a time of 22.19. Jack Aikins finished third in the consolation final with a time of 22.34. Aikins had also finished third in the 100-meter backstroke with a UVA record on Friday night.

Ella Nelson finished fifth in the women’s 200-meter individual medley, swimming a personal-best time of 2:12.87. Zoe Skirboll finished seventh in the 200 IM with a time of 2:14.56.

UVA swimmers finished with four national champion swims during the five-day meet. King had two wins, Aikins won the men’s 200-meter backstroke and Walsh won the women’s 100-meter butterfly.