Although no national age group records fell this morning at 2015 Speedo Winter Junior Championships-East, Gretchen and Alex Walsh came close in their swims. The Nashville Aquatic Club sisters, aged 12 and 14, are chasing down records set by some of the biggest names in women’s swimming.
Gretchen finished 27th this morning in the 50 free, just missing finals against swimmers up to six years her senior. Her 23.44 came within .3 seconds of Amanda Weir‘s 11-12 record 23.15 set back in 1999.
Alex will have two more chances at NAGs in tonight’s finals. This morning, the 14-year-old competed in the 200 IM, finishing third with a 1:58.80, just over a second off Missy Franklin‘s 1:57.70 13-14 record from 2010. Alex finished 13th in the 50 free with a 23.21. The NAG here is a bit farther out of reach, Dara Torres‘s 22.44 which has stood since 1982. Alex’s personal best time in the 50 is 23.04.
Alex currently holds National Age Group Records in the short course 11-12 200 back, 200 breast, and 100 IM, and she is a member of the long course relay record-holder in the 13-14 400 medley alongside teammates Ella Nelson, Kallie Chelsvig, and Lauren Hurt.
Alex or Regan take the 100 back record down. Probably both.
Alex Walsh has a shot at both 200 IM and 100 back NAG records this week.
Alex has an exceptional shot at the 200im NAG record tonight. Able to take the first 100 out much faster than in prelims.