U.S. National Teamer Claire Adams Breaks Hand the Week Before Trials

USA Swimming National Team member Claire Adams has broken her hand and undergone surgery, but still plans to compete at this week’s trials, according to her coach Ian Murphy of the Carmel Swim Club (Indiana). The injury happened on June 21st

Adams is a member of the National Team in both the 100 and 200 backstrokes, among the deepest events in the U.S., and was the 2015 U.S. National Champion in both races, as well as the 2015 World Junior Championships silver medal in the 100. That includes breaking the Junior World Record last summer in the 100 with a 59.58, though that record has since been broken.

“Our team spent the past few weeks at altitude and the Olympic Training Center making our final preparations for Trials,” Murray said. “Unfortunately, Claire had a small training accident and fractured a bone in her right hand. It required surgery and we are very thankful and appreciative of the USA Swimming and USOTC Staff for their quick and thorough assistance.”

“In our preparation, we always discuss that something will not go our way in and around the meet. Claire is handling the adversity very well and it is her full intention to compete.”

Adams is the 4th seed in the 100 back and the 7th seed in the 200 back (with the top 2 in each race going to the Olymipcs). She’s also entered in the 100 free and 100 fly.

The women’s 100 backstroke heats will begin on Monday morning, the meet’s second day; and the 200 back heats begin on Friday morning.

Adams is committed to swim as a freshman at the University of Texas next fall.

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Linda Tanseco
8 years ago

Good Luck Claire… I have not heard from your Auntie, so I was trying to check the status of todays race. Best of luck honey! Stay strong and swim hard 🙂

J Kraft
8 years ago

So hard to hear that this outstanding young lady is Injured. We are all behind you Claire, Carmel ???? you!

bo swims
8 years ago

Ouch… gripping start handles might be an issue

Stay Human
8 years ago

Sending warm wishes to Adams for a speedy recovery and a legitimate shot. Lots of hand injuries in the US and globally among elites the last couple quadrennials. I’m assuming they’re mostly incurred at the finish? Or occasionally smacking hands with the swimmer in the next lane? I don’t know enough about this to know whether these injuries are inevitable or not. After Omaha or Rio I’d like to see SwimSwam do an article on it. Go Claire!!!

Lane Four
8 years ago

The SwimSwam fans are wishing you all the best!

bobo gigi
8 years ago

Not a lucky girl. It must be tough to accept so close to trials. Come back stronger.

NONA
8 years ago

Poor kid. That’s a bummer

KeithM
8 years ago

I remember Emily Silver broke her hand in Omaha on the finish in the 50 free back in 2008. She wrapped her hand in a plastic bag and still competed in Beijing (she made the relay). I believe in her case that it was a pretty major fracture though.

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Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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