Michael Brinegar’s first Olympics came to an end early Friday morning with his second 17th-place finish in as many events in Tokyo.
The 21-year-old swimmer from Columbus took 17th in the prelims of the 1,500-meter freestyle. Only the top eight made the finals, which will take place on tonight.
Brinegar’s time of 15 minutes, 4.67 seconds was just off the 15:00.87 that he swam in last month’s Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska. He had finished second in that event to qualify for the Olympics in his second event.
Earlier this week, Brinegar finished 17th in the 800 freestyle in 7:53.00. He also had finished second at the Olympic Trials in that event.
On Friday, Brinegar maintained a steady pace in the 1,500, averaging just over 30 seconds for his 30 50-meter laps. He finished fifth in the second of four heats.
The other American in the event, 800 freestyle gold medalist Bobby Finke, swam the second-fastest qualifying time with a 14:47.20. Mykhailo Romanchuk of Ukraine had the fastest time among the 29 competitors with a 14:45.99.
Unfortunately for Brinegar, he won’t be able to stick around for the rest of the Olympics. Because of COVID protocols, athletes must leave the games within 48 hours after they are finished competing.
Brinegar is set to begin his redshirt junior year at Indiana University.
