Jordan Wilimovsky falls just short of the medal podium in 1500m, finishes fourth

Northwestern and Team USA swimmer Jordan Wilimovsky fell just short of the podium in the 1500 meter freestyle final on Saturday night, claiming fourth with a time of 14:45.03. It was a personal best swim for Wilimovsky and the second-fastest 1500 meter swim by an American ever.

Gregorio Paltrinieri (ITA) took gold, Connor Jaeger (USA) took silver and Gabriele Detti (ITA) took bronze. Wilimovsky missed a medal by about four seconds. The Wildcat looked to be in good position for a medal but faded somewhat over the last 300 meters or so, allowing Detti to pass him.

Wilimovsky qualified for Rio in the 1500 by taking second at U.S. Olympic Trials in early July, and he qualified for the finals by swimming a then-personal best 14:48.23 in heats.

Wilimovsky will now turn his focus to the 10k open water “marathon” swim on Tuesday morning. He qualified for the 10k last summer at the World Championships, and by swimming on Tuesday, Wilimovsky will become the first American ever to swim in both the pool and in the open water in the same Olympics. It does represent a fairly short turnaround time, however, as Wilimovsky has had to endure two grueling 1500 races in two days.