Cal Freshman Ryan Erisman Deserving of Attention as Mid-Distance Freestyle Upstart
When the surname Erisman arises in conversation, there is a tendency to assume the focus of the chat is Rylee Erisman. As a multi-time gold medalist at last summer’s World Junior Championships, the 16-year-old is regarded as a future lynchpin for the United States women in international competition. Most recently, Erisman reclassified to the Class of 2026, and pledged her commitment to Cal-Berkeley and coach Dave Durden.
But she’s not the only member of her family who is opening eyes, as brother Ryan Erisman is already at Cal and ranked among the elite distance-freestylers in the country – long course and short course. As the Golden Bears pursue a 16th consecutive top-two finish at the NCAA Championships, Erisman will play a critical role.
Ahead of enrolling at Cal, Erisman put together a superb showing at last summer’s United States National Championships. In the 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle, Erisman produced respective performances of 1:47.52 and 3:46.01. Those efforts were followed by a 7:51.74 mark in the 800 freestyle at the World University Games, and the trip to WUGs yielded a pair of bronze medals.
During the early stages of his freshman year in Northern California, Erisman has posted several quick times. He has clocked 4:12.78 in the 500-yard freestyle and 8:43.48 in the 1000 freestyle. For good measure, he has been 14:50.68 in the 1650 freestyle and 3:42.87 in the 400 individual medley.
An argument can be made that the most-intriguing performance of Erisman’s career, at least to date, is the 3:46 he registered at Nationals in the 400 freestyle. That event is in need of depth within the United States and Erisman’s personal best signified a massive drop from his previous top time of 3:48.57. With a year of collegiate training to his credit, both in the pool and dryland, Erisman could be poised for another cut.
As the collegiate season moves into its push toward the NCAA Championships, Erisman is an athlete deserving of attention.