M Swimmer Connor Jaeger wins first World medal
Coming into the finals in 7th position, Connor Jaeger cut 3 seconds off his qualifying time to win the bronze medal in the 400 free for the US at the world championships in Barcelona. The gold medal went as expected to China's rock star Sun Yang, but it was wide open for the other medals and Jaeger was a surprising second through much of the 2nd half of the race, barely touched out at the end by Japan's Kosuke Hagino.
He has two more events later this week (800 and 1500 free), both of which he won at the US championships along with the 400m. Becoming the US's go-to man for the distance events.
From MGoBlue, some of Connor Jaeger's achievements just at Michigan (not an exhaustive list):
- Seven-time NCAA All-American (2013: 200-yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle, 1,650-yard freestyle, 800-yard freestyle relay; 2012: 500-yard freestyle, 800-yard freestyle relay, 1,650-yard freestyle)
- Six-time Big Ten champion (2013: 500-yard freestyle, 1,650-yard freestyle, 800-yard freestyle relay; 2012: 1,650-yard freestyle, 800-yard freestyle relay; 2011: 800-yard freestyle relay)
- 2012-13 University of Michigan Male Athlete of the Year ...
- Named 2012-13 Michigan Male College Athlete of the Year by the Detroit Athletic Club (DAC)
- Two-time Academic All-Big Ten (2012-13) ... Three-time U-M Athletic Academic Achievement Award (2011-13)
In my virtual travels, I also came across this - (LINK). From the story (written back in June):
"In what will be remembered as one of the most sportsmanlike moves in swimming, Connor Jaeger took himself out of contention as an alternate for the United States' 4x200 freestyle relay at the world championships, which bumped up Club Wolverine teammate Michael Klueh to the squad"
The team, the team, the team indeed.