• Press Release
• Results

Multiple national team victories, close finishes and new meet records in the 50-meter backstroke events highlighted day two of the 2023 TYR Pro Swim Series Knoxville on Thursday. The long course meter competition takes place through Saturday at the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center. 

Justin Ress’ performance in the 50-meter backstroke was one of the highlights of the session, going 24.49 for a new TYR Pro Swim Series record. Hunter Armstrong was the only other swimmer in the field to go sub-:25, clocking a 24.70. 

“I’ve been dealing with a lingering shoulder thing since U.S. Open; it kept me out of U.S. Open,” Ress said. “The fact that I was able come here, and in my most intense event, get two solid swims where I didn’t hurt myself – that was my goal for the first day. I’m learning how to keep it loose and have fun. I’m doing a much better job of that.” 

Canadian Kylie Masse won the women’s 50 back with a meet record of 27.38. Katharine Berkoff (Missoula, Mont./NC State) also finished in under 28 seconds (27.80). 

Another marquee race on the evening was the women’s 400 IM, where Katie Grimes and Katie Ledecky posted a 1-2 finish in 4:35.92 and 4:36.09, respectively.

“Usually I’m chasing (Ledecky) the entire race,” Grimes said. “This time she chased me down. That was fun for a change but it definitely hurt.” 

Earlier in the evening, Ledecky won the 200-meter freestyle with a time of 1:55.47. 

“I’m happy with the (200 free race),” Ledecky said. “I wanted to be 1:55 tonight. Based on my morning swim, I thought I could do that. I’m really pleased with both of my swims this morning and both of my swims tonight.” 

Competition resumes Friday with prelims at 9 a.m. ET and finals at 6 p.m. ET. Tokyo Olympians Erika Brown and Natalie Hinds will swim the 50 freestyle. The men’s 100-meter backstroke is a stacked field including Ryan Murphy, Hunter Armstrong, Ress and Daniel Diehl.