Nathan Adrian of Bremerton came out strong in the first semifinal of the 100-meter freestyle and won his heat in a 47.95 seconds at the FINA World Swimming championships Wednesday.
Adrian, the Olympic champion in the event, posted the top time of all eight qualifiers. Jimmy Feigen made sure the Americans are seeded 1-2 into the finals with a surprise win in the second semi in 48.07. It was his best swim of the meet so far.
Brazil’s Marcelo Chierighini is third (48.11) while Australia’s James Magnussen and Vlad Morotzov of Russia tied with 48.20. France’s Fabian Gilot (48.21), Australia’s Cameron McEvoy (48.43) and Italy’s Luca Dotto (48.46) round out the finalists.
