Pleasanton Seahawks swimmer Miranda Heckman came away from this past weekend’s Far Westerns with five records and seven overall victories. The fourteen year old took one very special name in particular off the board: Natalie Coughlin. Coughlin was still the meet record holder from 1997 in the 1650, with a time of 16:38.44. Although Coughlin is known as more of a sprint specialist now, she was one of the most versatile age group swimmers of all time in her day.
Heckman swam 16:28.51 to clear that time. She also scored record breaking swims in the 200 free (1:47.65), 500 free (4:44.09), 1000 free (9:50.84) and 400 IM (4:15.91). Her other event wins came in the 100 free (50.23) and 200 IM (2:05.21). The 100 free was nearly a record as well, as the current mark stands at 50.19.
Her performances put her more than thirty points ahead of the next swimmer in her age group for high point. She won that category with 77 points.
Junior National teamer Maxime Rooney also made an appearance at the meet. He won the 50 free (20.84), 500 freestyle (4:26.84), and 200 fly (1:44.94). Rooney has a strong history at this meet, with records all over place in the younger age groups.
Link to full results (HTML) of the 2016 Speedo Far Western Championship
Rachel Knowles, another Pleasanton Seahawk broke Natalie’s 1000 free FW record when she was 14 several years ago.
Miranda, what a phenom!
FWIW: Maxime, also a Pleasanton Seahawk, is a National Teamer on the 200 Free.
Elsewhere in USA….
Richmond sectionals long course
14-year-old Madelyn Donohoe 8.40.73 in the women’s 800 free
Ithaca sectionals SCY
14-year-old Kate Douglass 22.48 in the 50 free
She’s now the 2nd fastest 13/14 American girl ever in that event just ahead of Missy Franklin in 22.49.
Dara Torres is still the NAG record holder in 22.44 since 1982!
Oops Natalie not Naralie
Wow Naralie sure is versatile!