June 27, 2017
INDIANAPOLIS - Penn State rising junior Ally McHugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) narrowly missed earning a place on the U.S. National team in the women's 800-meter freestyle, as she placed 10th in the nation in the event in the Phillips 66 U.S. National Championships Tuesday in the IU Natatorium.
McHugh shaved 11 seconds off her previous best in the long course 800, winning her heat in 8 minutes, 35.01 seconds. The time also ranks 41st in the world. McHugh's back 400 meters were the third fastest amongst all competitors (4:14.97), only getting bested by the top two finishers: Katie Ledecky (4:08.29) and Leah Smith (4:13.50).
"It was a very poised, very mature swim," said Penn State head coach Tim Murphy. "She has a little work to do in terms of getting out in the front half of the race, but literally only two Olympians were faster than her in the second half, and tenth in the country is really good. The trajectory she has been on this year has been tremendous; she just continues to climb. Penn State is being well represented by Ally McHugh here at the National Championships and World Trials."
During the 2016-17 collegiate season, McHugh set Penn State records in the mile and 400 IM, reaching the consolation finals in both at the NCAA Championships with her record mile swim earning her a 10th-place finish. She also won silver in the 400 IM at the Big Ten Championships.
McHugh is looking to earn a place on the U.S National team to compete in the 17th FINA World Swimming and Diving Championships, which will be hosted in Budapest, Hungary, July 14-30.
She will compete in three more events at the National Championships, starting with the 400m IM Thursday (9 a.m.) and continuing with the 400m free Friday (9 a.m.) and the 1500m free Saturday (2:35 p.m.)