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Thomas Heilman Blasts 22.99 50 Free At 14, Smashes Andrew’s NAG Record

2021 US OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Thomas Heilman made history on Thursday morning in Greensboro, becoming the first American aged 14 & under to break 23 seconds in the men’s 50 freestyle (LCM).

Competing at the 2021 US Open in Greensboro, the 14-year-old Heilman dropped a time of 22.99 in the 50 free, breaking Michael Andrew‘s 13-14 National Age Group Record of 23.19, set in 2014, by two-tenths of a second.

Heilman, who represents Cavalier Aquatics/Piedmont Family YMCA, came into the meet as the second-fastest swimmer in age group history with his best time of 23.23, set in May during the 18&U Spring Cup.

The fastest LCM 50 free time on record from a swimmer aged 14 & under, per USA Swimming’s database, is the 22.75 done by Singaporean Darren Lim back in 2013 at the age of 14.

Heilman is already the 13-14 NAG record holder in the LCM 100 free, clocking 51.20 in 2020, and also owns the age group’s all-time mark in the 100 fly (54.45).

In SCY, Heilman holds the 200 free 13-14 NAG in 1:36.25, while Andrew owns six of those records, including the 50 free (19.76).

Heilman notably finished his time in the 11-12 age group just .04 outside of the NAG held by Ronald Dalmacio (24.98) with a best of 25.02.

For his efforts, Heilman qualified for the ‘A’ final at the US Open in eighth place, and barring scratches will be the youngest swimmer in the field by five years (with 2002-born Adam Chaney the only other swimmer in the top-eight born after 2000). Heilman will also be two lanes over from Bruno Fratus, 18 years his elder.

Andrej Barna was the top qualifier for the final in 22.31.

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2 years ago

He could step on the side of Fratus in the lane and say: “Hello, Uncle!”
I know when I am getting old when I can remember a sub-23 at 18 was a GREAT time… :[

James Beam
2 years ago

I wonder what college recruiting will look like for Tommy when DeSorbo is his coach?

Swimfan
Reply to  James Beam
2 years ago

Depends who can pay more than Texas

Drewbrewsbeer
2 years ago

Holy guacamole! How big is this kid?

Swimpop
Reply to  Drewbrewsbeer
2 years ago

Google is your friend, though I thought he would be bigger….

https://lacrossetribune.com/thomas-heilman/image_d75aabac-f5dc-5139-93f4-cab108265c77.html

😉

coachymccoachface
2 years ago

For some reason the Omega results don’t say he’s a junior swimmer lol

Mediocre Swammer
Reply to  coachymccoachface
2 years ago
James Beam
2 years ago

wonder how the college recruiting will go for Tommy with DeSorbo as his coach.

Guy
2 years ago

Where is Darren Lim now? 22.75 at 14 is unfathomable

Walter
Reply to  Guy
2 years ago

The internet is your friend: https://ramblinwreck.com/roster/darren-lim/

Drewbrewsbeer
Reply to  Walter
2 years ago

If he’s 5’9″ as listed he probably stopped growing around then.

Ask me how I know…

Dee
Reply to  Drewbrewsbeer
2 years ago

When Lim swam 22.75 he was a pretty early developer in a programme that was well regarded and known for producing speedy youngsters here in the UK. Ruta Meilutyte and Ben Proud swam at the same club at the time and each had big breakouts at a similar time.

Swimmerfromjapananduk
Reply to  Dee
2 years ago

Plymouth is a crazy programme over here in the uk. They dominate nationals alongside a few other programmes

Swimfan
2 years ago

rubberized Cielo shaking right now.

Mr Piano
Reply to  Swimfan
2 years ago

I mean you never know, he could specialize in the 200 free, he’s already a 1:36 in yards.

mds
Reply to  Swimfan
2 years ago

rubberized?

just facts
Reply to  mds
2 years ago

supersuits

PFA
2 years ago

The beginning of possibly another assault on the record books both nationally and now potentially intentionally.

Anonymoose
Reply to  PFA
2 years ago

even intentionally too??

Swimmerfromjapananduk
Reply to  Anonymoose
2 years ago

Lol. International may be a bit of a stretch but you never know

Last edited 2 years ago by Swimmerfromjapananduk

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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