Masters World Records Tumble in Maryland, Michigan and Sweden

PHOENIX, Arizona, March 28. SEVERAL Masters swimmers set short course meters world records recently in the United States and Sweden, with two swimmers sharing a mark in the 50 freestyle in the women’s 50-54 age group.

Sue Walsh and Maria Norberg, swimming in the same weekend on separate continents, each posted a 27.67 in the 50 freestyle to share the world record in the 50-54 age group. Walsh did her swim at the Albatross Meet in North Bethesda, Md., while Norberg posted her time at the Swedish Masters nationals in Sundsvall, Sweden. They both broke the existing record of Canada’s Sarah MacDonald, who swam a 27.81 in 2011.

Walsh was part of another world record, joining with Erika Braun, Jon Blank and Jonathan Klein to post a 1:46.08 in the 200 free relay for a new standard in the mixed 200-239 age group. That time erased the 1:47.43 by Team Blu Frog in 2011. Team Blu Frog’s foursome included three-time Olympic champion Rowdy Gaines as part of its record-setting relay.

By leading off the relay in 26.07, Braun posted an individual record of her own in the 40-44 age group. Braun, a competitor at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, lowered her own mark of 26.22 that she swam one year ago at the same meet.

Relay record footage (as well as Braun’s leadoff record):

Further north in Milford, Mich., Jack Groselle posted a 2:06.13 in the 200 freestyle to take down Larry Krauser’s world record of 2:07.96 in the 60-64 age group. Groselle, 60, also chased Rich Abrahams’ world record of 56.63 in the 100 free, but fell short with a 56.79. Groselle is looking to own 100 free short course world records in not only the 55-59 age group, but in the 60-64 division as well.

FINA Masters world records are unofficial pending approval.

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