Kaitlin Harty from the YMCA of the North Shore has broken the New England Open and Resident Records in the 200 yard backstroke on Sunday at the New England Senior Championships.
Harty, an 18-year old who is committed to swim at Texas next year, swam a 1:50.68 in the meet’s final session to win by 5 seconds ahead of Erin Voss (1:55.63), who held the LSC resident record at 1:51.95 before Harty broke it earlier this month.. 3rd-place in that race was almost as interesting: 13-year old Kerrigan Hemp swam 1:59.70.
But the headliner was Harty. The swim improved upon the 1:51.27 at the USA Swimming East Junior Championships in Atlanta as the fastest time ever swum by a swimmer representing a club in the New England LSC. It also improved upon a 2008 1:52.31 from Olympic medalist Elizabeth Beisel as the fastest time ever swum in the New England LSC geographical territory.
It also broke the old Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Pool Record by almost three seconds (Voss formerly held that record as well).
Harty now ranks as the 15th-best swimmer of all-time in this race at any level. This was her fifth win of the weekend, a list that includes a 52.58 in the 100 back earlier in the meet. Her full results:
- 50 free – 23.33
- 100 free – 50.38
- 200 free – 1:47.25 (relay split)
- 500 free – 4:48.28
- 1000 free – 9:58.41
- 50 back (relay leadoff) – 25.15
- 100 back – 52.58
- 200 back – 1:50.68
- 100 fly – 53.71
Her brother Ryan, currently a freshman at Texas, made an appearance at this meet as well to swim 1:35.56 in the 200 free and a prelims 20.40 in the 50 free. Those are both new lifetime bests for him.
Other highlights for the meet:
- Stanford sophomore Liam Egan, originally from the New England LSC, swam 4:20.77 in the 500 free and 15:16.01 in the 1650 free.
- 17-year old Jerrica Li had a whale of a finals’ session on Saturday, winning three consecutive individual women’s events: the 200 IM (2:01.16), 50 free (23.26), and 100 breaststroke (1:02.61). The Mei’s Typhoons Swim Team member also won the 100 free (49.63) and 200 breast (2:16.23) on Sunday.
Very cool to see Miss Harty back at her very best for a few months.
First time I’ve watched her was at Charlotte GP in May 2013 when she won the 200 back A-Final at 15 in 2.10.38!
She was one the most promising US backstroke talents 2 years ago and had disappeared from the radars since then for reasons I don’t know. Maybe an injury. No idea.
With her 1.50.68 she’s now the 5th fastest 17/18 US girl ever just ahead of Natalie Coughlin.
She’s on track for a top 5 at next olympic trials, I would say even a top 3. And who knows for a top 2?
Missy Franklin is well ahead… Read more »
Weren’t you predicting Alex Walsh (14-year-old) for 2nd if DiRado skips this event?
I mean Courtney Bartholomew doesn’t exist or anything? Sub 1:50 this season…not to mention the people on Texas’ roster I listed above. Claire Adams already goes sub 2:10….I am a fan of Kaitlin Harty, but you’re too hype when someone swims a big time and disregard other contendors (all the time).
Kaitlin Harty 1:50.68
Tasija Karosas 1:50.49
Claire Adams 1:51.87
Quinn Carozza 1:53.47
These are the 200 backstrokers for Texas next year…WOW
Wow what an impressive family.