Coming off a historic collegiate season, Virginia star Anna Moesch continued to establish herself as one of the best freestylers in the world at the AP Race London International in late May.
Moesch, who became the second-fastest woman of all-time in the 200 freestyle and the third-fastest ever in the 100 free in short course yards during the NCAA season, unleashed a stunning swim in the long course pool in London, breaking the American Record in the 100 free.
The 20-year-old fired off a time of 51.94, breaking Simone Manuel‘s seven-year-old American Record of 52.04 and becoming the second-fastest performer in history.
Moesch’s swim ranked her #2 all-time behind world record holder Sarah Sjostrom (51.71), and she became just the third woman ever under the 52-second barrier, joining Sjostrom and Australian Emma McKeon (51.96).
In the days since Moesch’s swim, Dutchwoman Marrit Steenbergen, the reigning two-time world champion in the 100 free, has gone under 52 seconds twice on the Mare Nostrum Tour, clocking 51.86 in Canet and 51.97 in Barcelona. Therefore, Steenbergen moves Moesch back to #3 all-time in the event.
All-Time Performers, Women’s 100 Freestyle (LCM)
- Sarah Sjostrom (SWE), 51.71 – 2017
- Marrit Steenbergen (NED), 51.86 – 2026
- Anna Moesch (USA), 51.94 – 2026
- Emma McKeon (AUS), 51.96 – 2021
- Siobhan Haughey (HKG), 52.02 – 2023
- Cate Campbell (AUS), 52.03 – 2018
- Simone Manuel (USA), 52.04 – 2019
- Britta Steffen (GER), 52.07 – 2009
- Mollie O’Callaghan (AUS), 52.08 – 2023
- Bronte Campbell (AUS), 52.27 – 2018
RACE VIDEO
Courtesy of AP Race on YouTube
Moesch’s swim was a monstrous personal best, having entered the meet with a lifetime best of 53.25, set less than a month earlier at the Fort Lauderdale Open. She had lowered her PB to 53.23 in the prelims before going 51.94 in the final.
Coming into the 2026 long course season, her best time stood at 53.54, set at the 2025 U.S. National Championships.
Split Comparison
| 2025 U.S. Nationals | 2026 Fort Lauderdale Open | 2026 AP Race Intl Prelims | 2026 AP Race Intl Final |
| 25.72 | 25.85 | 25.66 | 25.18 |
| 53.54 (27.82) | 53.25 (27.40) | 53.23 (27.57) | 51.94 (26.76) |
Moesch also set new personal bests in the 50 free (24.27) and 200 free (1:55.81) in London, ranking her eighth and 11th all-time among American women, respectively.
ABOUT FLUIDRA
At Fluidra, our mission is to create the perfect pool experience for all aquatic enthusiasts, from recreational swimmers to competitive athletes. We believe the perfect race starts with the perfect pool, which is why we provide superior, high-performance equipment and accessories. Whether for racing or relaxation, our leading brands — including S.R. Smith, Jandy, and Polaris and more — ensure an optimal aquatic environment, enhancing every swim experience.
SOCIAL
LINKEDIN: @Fluidra North America
FACEBOOK: @Fluidra North America
YOUTUBE: @FluidraNorthAmerica
INSTAGRAM @jandypool
FACEBOOK: @srsmithpools
INSTAGRAM: @srsmithpools
YOUTUBE: @srsmith
Fluidra is a SwimSwam Partner.
