Abbey Weitzeil Crushes 17-18 National Age Group Record in 50 Free

Editorial coverage for U.S. Senior Nationals proudly sponsored by Master Spas!

IRVINE, California, August 8. AFTER originally tying Kara Lynn Joyce’s 17-18 national age group record in the 50-meter free during a time trial at Juniors, Canyons’ Abbey Weitzeil returned with her hair on fire in a time trial at USA Swimming Senior Nationals.

Weitzeil, who already is the high school sprint queen with national high school records in both the 50-yard free and 100-yard free, blasted a scorching 24.80 during time trials today in the 50-meter freestyle event.

That broke the tie 17-year-old had with Kara Lynn Joyce’s 25.00 from 2004, and moved her into a tie for 14th in the world with Femke Heemskerk. Weitzeil is now the second-fastest American in the world this year behind Madison Kennedy (24.78) and ahead of Natalie Coughlin (24.97).

The question remains whether Weitzeil can pull off this time of speed when it counts in a final. Although, she’s proved she is up to the task by making the 400 free relay on the Pan Pacific Championship squad with her 100 free swim earlier this week.

Notably, her time today also tied her as the fastest age grouper ever in the U.S. as Simone Manuel owns the 15-16 national age group record with a 24.80 from last year.

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