2025 U.S. World Trials Previews: Weinstein Poised to Join Ledecky in Women’s 400 Freestyle

2025 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

By The Numbers – Women’s 400 Freestyle

  • World Record: 3:55.38 – Ariarne Titmus, Australia (2023)
  • American Record: 3:56.46 – Katie Ledecky (2016)
  • 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Champion: Katie Ledecky, 3:58.35
  • World Aquatics ‘A’ Cut: 4:10.23

Once again, we can cut right to the chase in this event — it’s Katie Ledecky’s race to lose. In the preview of the women’s 800 freestyle, we listed Ledecky’s endless accomplishments in the distance events spanning over more than a decade. With her recent world record in the 800 freestyle, 2nd fastest performance of all-time in the 1500 freestyle (15:24.51), and 2nd fastest performance of her career in the 400 freestyle (3:56.81), Ledecky is looking better than ever. She’ll likely make a push for another top time as she chases the world record in the 400 freestyle en route to a World Championships berth.

Who’s In for Number Two?

Unlike the 800 and 1500 freestyle, the 400 freestyle field should be relatively similar to what was seen at last summer’s Olympic Trials. Though, there could be some new names that throw themselves out there. Let’s take a look at the field:

2024 US Olympic Trials – Women’s 400 Freestyle Final

  1. Katie Ledecky – Active
  2. Paige Madden – Not Racing at Trials
  3. Jillian Cox – Active
  4. Kayla Han – Active 
  5. Aurora Roghair – Retired
  6. Anna Peplowski – Active
  7. Leah Smith – Not Racing at Trials
  8. Madi Mintenko – Active

Looking at this list, there are a few notable absences that are sure to shake up the standings this summer, though the field remains relatively in-tact.

After the conclusion of the NCAA season, Aurora Roghair announced her retirement from the sport. Had she decided to compete this season, Roghair likely would’ve been one of the top candidates to make the World Championship roster given her rapid progression in recent years.

While neither Paige Madden nor Leah Smith have officially retired, both swimmers are out of the National Championships this year. Madden announced her decision to skip Nationals on Instagram, citing upcoming family events and prioritizing her career. Smith hasn’t formally announced whether she intends to retire, but based on social media, she has been taking some time away from the pool. 

Those absences leave Jillian Cox, Kayla Han, Anna Peplowski, and Madi Mintenko in prime position to challenge for the second spot behind Ledecky. 

Cox is arguably the favorite out of the group after finishing 3rd at Trials last summer. This year, Cox had a breakout NCAA season competing for Texas, claiming both the 500 and 1650 freestyle national titles ahead of loaded fields. This season, Cox has already been 4:07.34 in the 400 freestyle, coming about a second off of her best time from last summer (4:06.31). Given that she has seen significant drops in the 500 freestyle in the SCY pool, Cox could likely see some big improvements here as well. 

La Mirada Armada’s Kayla Han is another big threat across multiple events. The 2023 World Junior Champion in the 800 freestyle, Han has shown promise of a major breakthrough on the senior level. This season, she owns a best time of 4:10.38 from Fort Lauderdale, ranking 7th in the country. Still an age-grouper, Han could easily knock several seconds off of that time with a taper. However, she is also a favorite in the 400 IM and 800 freestyle, so her prioritization of her events might play a hand in determining the outcome here. 

Anna Peplowski was one of the breakout stars last summer, making the Olympic Team in the 4×200 freestyle relay. At NCAAs this year, she won the 200 freestyle (1:40.50), marking her first National Title, also finishing 3rd in the 500 freestyle (4:34.12). Though Peplowski hasn’t competed in many LCM meets this spring coming off of NCAAs, only competing in two local meets, she holds the potential for a big drop. With a best time of 4:09.20, Peplowski should be looking to slot into the final. 

The final returning swimmer from last summer is Madi Mintenko, perhaps one of the most intriguing storylines in this race. The 17-year-old finished 8th at Olympic Trials last summer, adding time from prelims. However, in prelims she dropped a huge personal best of 4:07.53 to qualify 4th for the final. That time leaves her as the 4th seed for this year’s National Championships as well. While  Mintenko will have to shine in finals this year, she has experience to build on after last year’s meet, leaving her in a great position to make an impact. 

The Notable Scratches 

At Olympic Trials, there were two scratches from the 400 freestyle final that left the door open for some competitors. After qualifying 5th last year, Erin Gemmell elected to scratch to focus on her other events. While she has tended to favor the 100 and 200 freestyle in recent years, Gemmell has a personal best of 4:05.07 from 2022 that would have her seeded 3rd on the psych sheets. If she elects to swim the event at Trials, she should certainly be one to watch. Currently, she is seeded 6th with an entry time of 4:08.42. 

Katie Grimes was the other swimmer to scratch from the final after qualifying 7th. Grimes is typically known more for her 800/1500 freestyle, with the 400 freestyle extending the lower range of her event schedule. However, she recently wrapped up her freshman year training at Virginia. With that, it is possible that she might see some shifts in her lineup this summer. Grimes currently holds a season-best of 4:11.07 in the event, though her lifetime best of 4:05.18 would put her in the running for a roster spot. 

Stars in the Hunt

While the field from last summer remains relatively in-tact and includes plenty of young stars, there are others in the ranks that could make a move as well.

Claire Weinstein is the first name that comes to mind. The Sandpipers of Nevada star is one of the top mid-distance prospects in the country, and should be a near-lock for an individual roster spot in the 200 freestyle. This season, Weinstein has pushed her best time in the 400 freestyle down by 3 seconds, dropping from 4:04.54 to 4:01.26 to put herself in contention to add another individual event to her schedule. Considering that Weinstein was likely far from a full taper at Fort Lauderdale when she threw down the 4:01, she could be looking to challenge the 4:00-barrier at Nationals. Aside from Cox, she should be considered a heavy favorite in this event.

Weinstein’s Olympic teammate Emma Weyant is another name to watch. Though she primarily specializes in the 400 IM, Weyant has a strong 400 freestyle as well and she was the 2024 NCAA runner-up in the 500 freestyle. While her best time of 4:09.07 would likely place her right on the edge of making the final, Weyant shouldn’t be counted out. 

After missing the 2024 US Olympic Team, Bella Sims will be out for revenge this year. Though her freestyle hasn’t looked as good as her backstroke lately, she is one of the United States’ top 200 freestylers of all-time, meaning she possesses the ability to throw down at her peak. Following the conclusion of the NCAA season, Sims departed Florida and returned to her club team, Sandpipers of Nevada. With a lifetime best of 4:03.25, Sims is lurking as a darkhorse here. 

Other Names to Watch

Kennedi Dobson has been steadily rising through the ranks. Though she is better at the longer distance events, she has a 400 freestyle time of 4:09.46 from last year’s Junior Pan Pacific Championships. Like Weyant, she’ll likely be right on the edge of earning a second swim in the event, but could see a drop given her young age and abilities in the longer events. 

Both Kate Hurst and Mila Nikanorov are coming off big NCAA seasons where they improved significantly in the SCY distance events. Hurst, Cox’s Texas teammate, recently threw down a personal best of 4:10.34 in this event at the Fort Lauderdale PSS, ranking her 6th in the country this season. Nikanorov posted her best time of 4:11.57 at Olympic Trials last summer, but has nearly beaten that time already this season, swimming a 4:11.68 last month. It would be far from a surprise for either swimmer to make the final given their recent performances, so they should be on the radar. 

The Verdict

While Ledecky is a lock, the race for second could get very interesting. Weinstein stands out as the favorite currently, especially given her recent in-season performance. However, Cox threw down some great 500 freestyle performances during the NCAA season, showing plenty of potential. Beyond that, the field is bunched very tightly in the 4:09-4:11 range, leaving little room for error, especially with the number of young stars featured.

SwimSwam’s Picks: 

Rank Swimmer Season Best Personal Best
1 Katie Ledecky 3:56.81 3:56.46
2 Claire Weinstein 4:01.26 4:01.26
3 Jillian Cox 4:07.34 4:06.31
4 Kayla Han 4:10.38 4:08.21
5 Madi Mintenko 4:11.39 4:07.53
6 Erin Gemmell 4:09.31 4:05.07
7 Kate Hurst 4:10.34 4:10.34
8 Anna Peplowski 4:11.50 4:09.20

Darkhorse Pick: Brinkleigh Hansen – Born in 2009, Hansen is one of the youngest competitors in the field at 16-years-old. She also has already qualified for the World Championships in the open water events following a dominant performance at the US Open Water National Championships in April. Hansen followed up her open water performance with a personal best in the 400 freestyle, swimming a 4:12.00 to slice over 3 seconds off her previous best time. Given her rapid progression in the event combined with the fact that she’s already secured a trip to Worlds, Hansen has nothing to lose and could throw down some fast times at Nationals. 

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Swimz
1 hour ago

Is brinkleigh Hansen is brendon hansen’s daughter???

Admin
Reply to  Swimz
1 hour ago

No. He has two daughters, but they are tweens.

Thomas The Tank Engine
1 day ago

Who wins w400 free in Singapore?

Up for Katie Ledecky, down for Summer McIntosh

Freddie
Reply to  Thomas The Tank Engine
23 hours ago

Other ?

Pea Brain
Reply to  Freddie
19 hours ago

Who…

Thomas The Tank Engine
Reply to  Freddie
14 hours ago

Who?

cheese
1 day ago

Watch her (Claire) just randomly go sub 4.

Last edited 1 day ago by cheese
Troyy
Reply to  cheese
1 day ago

That wouldn’t be random at all

cheese
Reply to  Troyy
1 day ago

I guess I should’ve chosen another word. Was thinking more so along the lines of how so few women have broken that barrier and how I’m expecting her to do so even if the 200 seems to be her big event.

Thomas The Tank Engine
Reply to  cheese
1 day ago

How in the world is it random?

She went 4:01 just a few months ago, and she’s 18 yo, an age when female swimmers make big improvement.

Walsh-Madden-Grimes-Weinstein
1 day ago

2025 USA Swimming National Championships
Day 4
Women’s Events
400 FR
100 BR
100 BK

The Grimes/Sims diss is for real.

NCSwimFan
1 day ago

Weinstein may have an axe to grind with this event after finishing 30th at Trials last year. Don’t think she’ll go 1:59/2:14 this time around. Should comfortably be second.

Hswimmer
Reply to  NCSwimFan
1 day ago

Yeah after that first 200 I was like oh my…. She has been great since then though, this year has been awesome for her!!

Thomas The Tank Engine
Reply to  NCSwimFan
1 day ago

“1:59/2:14”

How in the world?

Was she sick?

Kevin
Reply to  Thomas The Tank Engine
1 day ago

She was yes. At least she said she was in a recent interview.

Antipodean
Reply to  Thomas The Tank Engine
1 day ago

Lactate? Cramp? Either way, can’t have been fun for her.

Olivia Smoliga 27.33 AR
1 day ago

Don’t think Cox has the speed to get anywhere close to Weinstein in the 400, but the 800 (if Weinstein swims it) should be fascinating

Walsh-Madden-Grimes-Weinstein
Reply to  Olivia Smoliga 27.33 AR
1 day ago

Gemmell, Grimes, Sims all have faster personal best times than Jillian Cox (4:06.31) in the W 400 FR, albeit the personal best times were set while in high school.

Walsh-Madden-Grimes-Weinstein
1 day ago

Let’s see if Claire Weinstein can move past Leah Smith (4:00.65) in the W 400 FR on the All-Time Performer list.

That should have been a candidate for Sink or Swim.

Walsh-Madden-Grimes-Weinstein
1 day ago

Oh, my!

How the mighty have fallen in the W 400 FR after attending college:

Gemmell, Erin
Grimes, Katie
Sims, Bella

Cassandra
Reply to  Walsh-Madden-Grimes-Weinstein
1 day ago

which of those 3 do you think will perform the best at trials? 🙂

Walsh-Madden-Grimes-Weinstein
Reply to  Cassandra
1 day ago

Bella Sims is currently enrolled at the Sandpipers of Nevada diagnostics division.

Erin Gemmell is a lost cause with Carol Capitani as her head coach.

As for Katie Grimes, reference Bella Sims for solutions.

Cassandra
Reply to  Walsh-Madden-Grimes-Weinstein
23 hours ago

lets circle back after trials and see which of the 3 have the most successful performance and what your takeaways will be from that.

best,

About Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller

Nicole has been with SwimSwam since April 2020, as both a reporter and social media contributor. Prior to joining the SwimSwam platform, Nicole also managed a successful Instagram platform, amassing over 20,000 followers. Currently, Nicole is pursuing her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. After competing for the swim …

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