TOKYO, Japan – Two days after winning a gold medal with the men’s U.S. 4×100 freestyle relay, Zach Apple swam two events during Wednesday morning’s session in Tokyo with the men’s 100 freestyle semifinals and the men’s 4×200 free relay final.
Apple placed 11th in the 100 free semifinals, and though he dropped time from the heats – going from 48.16 to 48.04 – it wasn’t enough to secure a spot in Thursday’s final.
In the 4×200 free relay, Apple and his teammates just missed the podium with a fourth-place finish behind Great Britain, ROC and Australia. The Auburn record-holder in the 200 freestyle swam the third leg for Team USA who clocked a time of 7:02.43.
In the prior session, incoming transfer Adriel Sanes wrapped up his first Olympic Games with the men’s 200 breaststroke. Sanes, swimming for the U.S. Virgin Islands, finished 33rd overall at 2:16.87. He also swam the 100 breaststroke earlier in the week. Sanes is expected to arrive at Auburn next month and will swim for the Tigers in 2021-22.
Former Tigers Julie Meynen and Annie Lazor will make their Tokyo 2020 debut Wednesday with heats in the women’s 100 free (Meynen) and women’s 200 breaststroke (Lazor).
GYMNASTICS
Auburn gymnastics incoming freshman Sunisa Lee and Team USA put it all on the line Tuesday, winning a silver medal in the women’s artistic gymnastics team competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“I’m extremely proud of Suni and how she stepped in during really difficult situation,” Auburn head coach Jeff Graba said. “She hit all her events and even hit her big floor routine without any warmups. Having to go last for Team USA without much preparation is huge. She definitely showed her heart tonight!”
After superstar Simone Biles was pulled after the first rotation, Lee guided the young U.S. squad on uneven bars and beam with huge scores to cut the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) lead heading into the final rotation.
For full recap, click here.
UP NEXT: WEDNESDAY, JULY 28
Swimming
Julie Meynen (Luxembourg) – Women’s 100 Free Heats, 5 a.m. CT
Annie Lazor (USA) – Women’s 200 Breast Heats, 5:36 a.m. CT
Julie Meynen (Luxembourg) – Women’s 100 Free Semifinals, 8:53 p.m. CT
Annie Lazor (USA) – Women’s 200 Breast Semifinals, 9:54 p.m. CT
