October 12, 2015—U.S. Olympic gold medalist Claire Donahue of South Florida Aquatic Club definitely has a future as a masters swimmer.
Donahue, 26, making her masters meet debut, broke two masters world age group records in the 25-29 50- and 100-yard butterfly events on Sunday, the final day of the three-day Rowdy Gaines Masters Classic.
Donahue broke the record in the 50-meter butterfly in 26.31, breaking the previous mark of 27.08 by Aussie Natalie Jones.
Donahue also broke the record in the 100-meter butterfly in 59.16 breaking the record of 1:00.18 set by Yuko Nakanashi of Japan.
It was the first time a masters swimmer broke one minute in the 100 butterfly.
Donahue is part of SOFLO’s large Pro Flo group training for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials and Rio Summer Olympics.
“It feels great to be part of a team again,” Donahue tweeted along with a photo of her teammates and coach.
SOFLO left the three-day meet with three masters world age group records. Teammate Lisa Blackburn.
The Bermuda national record holder broke the 100-meter individual medley record in 1:04.19, also a national record by 1.5 seconds and lifetime best by 0.5 seconds.
Blackburn bettered her previous time of 1:05.77. The previous masters world record was 1:04.25 set by Susan Von Der Lippe in November 2008.
Bruce Marchionda the SOFLO Pro group training coach indicated that he just wanted the group to get some racing in as part of a larger training plan. “I thought both swimmers and the rest of the group are responding well to the type of training we are doing at this time”. Master swimming is such a relaxed atmosphere and it was good just watching them have fun.
Swimming news courtesy of South Florida Aquatic Club.