Alex Walsh Breaks 15-16 NAG In 100 Breast At Winter Juniors (East)

2016 U.S. WINTER JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS- EAST

• Wednesday, December 7th – Saturday, December 10th
• Columbus, OH (Ohio State University)
• Psych sheets
• Meet information
• Live results

Primarily known as a backstroker, Alex Walsh of Nashville Aquatics proved her ability in breaststroke tonight, snagging the 15-16 National Age Group Record in the 100 breaststroke in a time of 58.80. That swim broke the previous record of 58.98, set earlier this year in March by Margaret Aroesty.

Walsh is now the second ever 15-16 girl to crack the 59-second barrier, as Aroesty was the first when she broke Nikol Popov‘s old record of 59.64. Similar to Aroesty, Walsh came home in under 31 seconds (30.80), signalling there may be more in the tank for the future. Historically, coming home sub-31 has usually resulted in women cracking into the 57s.

Here’s a comparative look at the splits from Popov, Aroesty and Walsh’s swims:

• Popov ’15: 28.04/31.60 = 59.64
• Aroesty ’16: 28.19/30.79 = 58.98
• Walsh ’16: 28.00/30.80 = 58.80

After a quick 59.77 swim this morning, the record became within reach for Walsh, though that swim this morning was a best time. She finished off an impressive double tonight, winning the 100 back not too long after in a time of 52.32. She won the 200 IM last night in a time of 1:54.48, not far off Dagny Knutson‘s NAG of 1:54.03.