June 29, 2017
Results
INDIANAPOLIS - Penn State rising junior Ally McHugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) came closer yet to joining the U.S. National Team, as she placed fourth in the 400-meter IM at the Phillips 66 U.S. National Championships Thursday evening in the IU Natatorium.
McHugh became the first Nittany Lion woman to reach the finals at U.S. Nationals since Amy Modglin in 2010 with a morning swim of 4:43.75 to place sixth. She then shaved 3.50 seconds off in the evening to place fourth in 4:40.25 for the best finish by a Penn State women's swimmer since at least 2000. The time also ranks 29th in the world.
Leah Smith (Virginia) claimed gold in 4:33.86, while McHugh was edged by Elizabeth Beisel in 4:38.55 and Brooke Forde (Kentucky) in 4:39.19. McHugh trailed in eighth for much of the race, but gained ground over the final 200 meters. Her freestyle over the final 100 meters was the second fastest in the race.
It was McHugh's second top-10 finish in as many events, as she placed 10th in the 800m freestyle on Tuesday.
McHugh shaved 11 seconds off her previous best in the long course 800, winning her heat in 8:35.01 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).
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 two more events at the National Championships, continuing with the 400m free Friday (9 a.m.) and the 1500m free Saturday (2:35 p.m.)