USA Swimming to Officially Recognize American Records Set in ISL Meets

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by Andy Ross

07 October 2019, 03:09pm

USA Swimming has confirmed to Swimming World that they will recognize American records set in International Swimming League competitions as official records, unlike FINA, the sport’s governing body with world records.

Melanie Margalis and Katie Ledecky had strong starts to their 2019-20 seasons over the weekend, each taking part in the first ever International Swimming League meet for their respective clubs. While the two normally represent USA Swimming in international competition, Margalis was representing the Condors and Ledecky the Trident.

Ledecky nearly broke the world record in the 400 free on Sunday afternoon, swimming a 3:54.06 which was just off Ariarne Titmus’ world record of 3:53.92 from the 2018 World Championships. Had Ledecky gone under Titmus’ 3:53, then her time would not have counted by FINA as an official world record, despite it being the fastest time ever. FINA has stated they will not be recognizing world records set in ISL events, causing some discourse with the athletes competing in the league.

Many of the world’s best swimmers voiced their opinions on why FINA should recognize world records set in ISL events.

But Ledecky’s time will still count as an American record, since she was quicker than the 3:57.07 set by Katie Hoff in 2010. Representatives from USA Swimming confirmed to Swimming World that they will recognize American records set during ISL competitions.

Ledecky was not the only American record breaker on the weekend as Melanie Margalis finally became the fastest American with a 2:04.18 in the 200 IM. Margalis broke her own record of 2:04.62 from last year’s World Championships, but she was not the fastest American all-time. That distinction belonged to Julia Smit, who swam a 2:04.60 at the 2009 Duel in the Pool in Manchester.

USA Swimming put a ban on the polyurethane body suits in October 2009, but they were still allowed in FINA competitions until January 2010 so the Americans were permitted to use them at the Duel in the Pool in December ’09 without penalty.

Margalis’ time on Sunday will officially count as the true American record.