Abbey Weitzeil Runs Down the Field with #2 Split All-Time in 20.57

2019 PAC-12 WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 200 medley relay at the 2019 Women’s Pac-12 Championships was a close one, but Cal junior, U.S. Olympian, and 50 free American Record holder Abbey Weitzeil was the difference maker in the battle for gold tonight. After trailing to the Stanford Cardinal during the first 3 legs, Weitzeil unleashed a huge anchor splits to secure the victory for Cal. Her 20.57 effort was the 2nd fastest split in history behind only Simone Manuel’s 20.45 from the 2018 NCAA Championships.

There are only 17 recorded sub-21 splits in history by women in the 50 freestyle. The feat has only been accomplished by 11 female swimmers ever. As the fastest 50 yard freestyler in history, Weitzeil could move to the top of these rankings by season’s end. She and Tennessee sprint ace Erika Brown are the only women to have put up sub-21s this season. Brown split in the 20-range twice at last week’s SEC Championships with a 20.91 and 20.80.

Weitzeil set the American Record in the 50 free back in 2016, when she swam a 21.12 at the American Short Course Championships. She hasn’t been able to match that time since she started her collegiate career, but could be on track for a breakthrough after her fastest relay split ever. The NCAA Championships could set the stage for a fast showdown between Weitzeil and Brown. In the individual 50 free at SECs, Brown took down the NCAA Record and came dangerously close to Weitzeil’s American Record in 21.15. That was the 2nd fastest performance in history. Manuel, who won the 50 free the last 2 seasons with an NCAA Record for Stanford of 21.17 in 2017, chose to forego this season of NCAA swimming and opted to begin her pro career instead.

All Women’s Sub-21 50 Free Relay Splits:

Rank Swimmer Time
1 Simone Manuel 20.45
2 Abbey Weitzeil 20.57
3 Simone Manuel 20.78
4 Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace 20.80
5 Erika Brown 20.80
6 Erika Brown 20.81
7 Kelsi Worrell 20.84 (T-7)
8 Liz Li 20.84 (T-7)
9 Simone Manuel 20.89
10 Farida Osman 20.91
11 Erika Brown 20.91
12 Abbey Weitzeil 20.92
13 Simone Manuel 20.95 (T-13)
14 Amy Bilquist 20.95 (T-13)
15 Ivy Martin 20.96
16 Margo Geer 20.98
17 Megan Romano 20.99

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Wow
5 years ago

Didn’t some girl go under 21 in a relay split at winter juniors a few years back?

wow
5 years ago

Wow she fast as all get out

Philip
5 years ago

She does not miss gym day, love the arms.

Ol' Longhorn
Reply to  Philip
5 years ago

Always thought this was an interesting analysis of her athleticism. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FcNiirTV1Y

Wild Bill
5 years ago

Wonderful! Go Abby Go!

Wild Bill
Reply to  Wild Bill
5 years ago

Abbey!

Snarky
5 years ago

Blovad was fourth this summer in the 50 back at nats. Why was she left off the A? Not a good move.

ALEXANDER POP-OFF
5 years ago

I really think this is her year! Hoping she has more to give at NC’s and can get that individual national title (or two) under her belt. Rooting for Abbey!

Ladymanvol
Reply to  ALEXANDER POP-OFF
5 years ago

Erika might have something ta say bout dat

Wild Bill
Reply to  ALEXANDER POP-OFF
5 years ago

Yes!

About Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh is a former NCAA swimmer at the University of Arizona (2013-2015) and the University of Florida (2011-2013). While her college swimming career left a bit to be desired, her Snapchat chin selfies and hot takes on Twitter do not disappoint. She's also a high school graduate of The …

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