Louise Hansson Had an Unexpected, Record-Breaking Night

It was an unexpected night for Louise Hansson — but one she will definitely remember.

Hansson, a USC junior from Sweden, broke the NCAA record in the 100 fly tonight at the 2019 Women’s Pac-12 Championships with a time of 49.34, also shattering the Swedish record.

This video is 57 seconds, the Louise Hansson NCAA record-shattering 100 fly you’ll watch is 49.34. #FightOn #Louisethebreeze pic.twitter.com/KxE7G2YKsb

— USC Swim & Dive (@USCswim) March 2, 2019

Hansson was surprised by the speed as she hadn’t had a full taper for the Pac-12 conference meet.

“I didn’t think I was going to break the NCAA record here at the Pac 12’s because I’ve barely rested for the meet, and that was the goal at NCAA’s, so I’m very happy to be able to go this time here,” Hansson told Swimming World after her race. “My fly had been feeling really good, so I was expecting to swim fast.”

She led the race from start to finish, and when asked how she mentally prepared for Friday night’s finals after coming off a strong morning swim, she said, “I always go in my little bubble before a race. It’s like I can’t really describe what’s going on in my head because I don’t even know. Before the race, I try to focus in on the race and what I need to do.”

Photo Courtesy: McKenna Ehrmantraut

During her race, Hansson didn’t realize that she was swimming a record-breaking 100 fly.

“I honestly don’t remember much from my race. I go into the zone while racing, so it was hard to tell what was going on, but after I looked up and saw my time, and then saw all of my teammates running up to hug me, well, it was an amazing feeling,” she said.

Her performance sets her up for a strong 100 fly at NCAAs.

“I’m very excited. It’s my main event and it’s what I’ve been training for, and it’s honestly amazing just getting this good of a time not rested. I’m hoping to cut off a little more for NCAAs,” she said.

And after that? Hansson has her eye on fellow Swedish flyer, Sarah Sjöström, and her world record in the long-course, 100-meter butterfly.

For a complete recap of Friday night’s events click here.

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