Fallston alum Kalisz earns victory Friday in 400 IM

He’s not wowed by time, but it’s best in the world in ’18

Chase Kalisz, an Olympic silver medalist and Bel Air native, won the 400-meter individual medley at the Phillips 66 National Swimming Championships in Irvine, Calif., on Friday night, punching his pass to the Pan Pacific Championships next month in Tokyo.

With a powerful breaststroke kick, Kalisz shot to the lead about two minutes in, but still needed to pace his energy to outmatch Jay Litherland.

“I needed to get out ahead of Jay because is notorious for finishing,” Kalisz told NBC Sports analysts Rowdy Gaines and Ted Robinson.

“He’s always supportive,” Kalisz said of his former North Baltimore Aquatic Club teammate. “He’s like an older brother to me. Any advice I can get from him, it’s meaningful and I listen to it.”

Kalisz finished in 4 minutes, 8.25 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year, edging his fellow Georgia Bulldog by almost two seconds and falling about three seconds short of Olympic legend and fellow Marylander Michael Phelps’ U.S. record.

“The time wasn’t so great, but it’s about getting on the team and setting yourself up for Tokyo,” Kalisz said.

Phelps, also the world-record holder in the event, was on hand at the Woollett Aquatics Center to cheer on Kalisz.

Donning an Atlanta Braves cap while providing commentary on his swim, Kalisz acknowledged after some prodding that he was an Orioles fan.

Kalisz, a Bel Air native, clinched a berth in the Pan Pacific Championships next month in Tokyo. Harry How / Getty Images

“Ravens, I’m still all in on the Ravens,” he said, promising to represent his home state the next time he appeared on air.