Get ready for an exhilarating conclusion to the 2025 Speedo Winter Junior East Championships! Today marks the final prelims session, and we're in for a thrilling ride. The previous three days have been a showcase of incredible swimming, with yesterday's finals session setting a new NAG record by Rylee Erisman, who dethroned the legendary Katie Ledecky's record and achieved two meet records. Today promises to be just as exciting, if not more so!
One of the highlights of the day will undoubtedly be Rylee Erisman's performance in the girls' 100 freestyle. After breaking Gretchen Walsh's National High School record in the event last month, Erisman is the top seed and will be racing in lane four of heat 18, with a significant lead over the rest of the field.
But here's where it gets controversial... Charlotte Crush, the top seed in the girls' 200 backstroke, is more than two seconds ahead of Audrey Derivaux. In the boys' category, Baylor Stanton is the top seed, but Collin Holgerson, fresh from setting the fastest 100 back time for a high schooler, is the third seed. Who will emerge as the champion in this highly anticipated race?
The 100 free will follow, with Charlotte Crush aiming to secure a spot in the 'A' final alongside Erisman. In the boys' 200 free, Liam Carrington is the top seed, closely followed by Austin Carpenter from Central Ohio Aquatics.
And this is the part most people miss... the breaststroke races were incredibly close in yesterday's finals, and the 200 breaststroke is expected to be just as tight today. Karina Plaza, a 15-year-old sensation from Mecklenburg, is the top seed in the girls' event, narrowly ahead of Kaidy Stout. On the boys' side, Ian Heysen, yesterday's silver medalist, is the top seed, closely followed by Matthew Wolfle.
The morning session will conclude with the 200 fly, where Audrey Derivaux is the top seed in the girls' pool, and Liam Smith leads the boys.
Additionally, there will be a timed finals session for the mile later in the day, with the fastest heat concluding the Day 4 finals.
So, who will make it to the top of the podium in these highly competitive events? Will the records continue to tumble? Join us as we bring you live updates and recaps of this thrilling day of swimming!
Don't forget to share your predictions and thoughts in the comments! Are you team Erisman or team Crush? Who do you think will shine in the breaststroke events? Let's discuss and celebrate the excitement of these championships together!
