LumaLanes Performance of the Week: Stadden Blasts New Best Time In Vancouver

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

This week’s Performance Of The Week, sponsored by LumaLanes, goes to Isabelle Stadden for her win in the 200 backstroke at the 2018 Mel Zajac Jr. International Meet.

The 15-year-old Stadden had a breakout meet in Canada, sweeping the backstroke events and recording lifetime bests across the board in the 50 and 200 while coming within hundredths of her lifetime best in the 100 back. But it was her opening win in the 200 backstroke that probably turned the most heads, with Stadden posting a huge 2:08.37 to best the field by more than 2 seconds.

Stadden actually went two best times in that event in Canada, posting a best 2:10.39 (her previous best was 2:11.17) before dropping 2 more seconds in finals. Out in 1:03.77, Stadden split 33.16 on her third 50 before rocketing home in 31.44 to smash through the 2:10 barrier and become the fastest American so far this year.

Given her splits (her whole 200, for reference, was split 31.11 / 32.66 / 33.16 / 31.44), it’s safe to say that Stadden has a lot left in the tank in this event, which is particularly exciting because she is entered in this event once again at this week’s Santa Clara Pro Swim Series. With the likes of Kathleen Baker, Regan Smith, and the just announced return of Missy Franklin, this event is continuing to get more competitive for the Americans even with the retirement of 2016 Olympic Champion Maya DiRado, which means this summer should be very exciting.

Congratulations Isabelle Stadden on earning Swimming World’s Performance of the Week!

Special Thanks to LumaLanes for sponsoring Swimming World’s Performance of the Week.

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