12-year-old Joshua Zuchowski has broken the National Age Group record in the 200 IM, going 1:55.75. That swim wipes out a 33-year-old record previously held by age group superstar Chas Morton.
Zuchowski put up the 1:55.75 at the NASA Dolfin Elite Showcase Classic in Clearwater, Florida. It accounts for just over a second and a half chopped off of Zuchowski’s former best time, and gets under Morton’s record by almost a second.
Morton was 1:56.61 way back in 1984. That record stood for more than three decades, despite tough challenges from Michael Andrew in 2012 (1:57.72), Destin Lasco in 2014 (1:57.89) and James Llewellyn in 2015 (1:56.97).
Last month, Zuchowski went 1:57.37 at the Junior Olympic meet, moving him to #3 all-time in the history of that age group. His swim this week vaults him to the top of the 11-12 all-time ranks. It’s also his second NAG record of the week. Wednesday, he went 1:52.47 to take down the 200 back record for 11-12s.
Zuchowski won the 200 IM in Clearwater by almost 11 seconds over the rest of the 12-year-old division. He’s already had three major time drops in the 200 IM this year – he was 2:02.08 at Florida’s high school state meet back in November. This January, he dropped to 2:01.96, and then in March threw down that 1:57.37.
You can find full results of the Clearwater meet on Meet Mobile.
Finally someone breaks that antique record. Congrats to Joshua Zuchowski.
Can’t wait to watch that kid in long course.
Here is a video of that historical swim. Alan was swimming right next to Josh and came in 2nd. BIG congrats to Josh. https://youtu.be/3p0bBnqqADI
How does he swim in a high school meet at age 12???
CT Swim Fan – many states allow any swimmer in grades 7-12 to compete at the high school level. Zuchowski swam as a 7th grader for King’s Academy in Florida’s Class 1A.
We have had the honor and pleasure of working with Josh since he was 9 years old. Not only does he have tremendous talent and feel for the water, he is also one of the finest young men with one of the nicest families that we have ever had come to us. He is destined for great things to come. Congrats, Josh, and keep it going!
Gary I consider it a real honor to be your friend. You have taught me so much over the past several years. Thanks to you, Mary, Amy and Richard for being so positive with my children and helping them see their potential. I look forward to my next trip to Islamorada. Thanks Jonathan
Doesn’t ella Easton told the women,s 200 im record of 1:51:65 or am I wrong?
This is short course yards?
How does an 11 year old kid swum within 4 seconds of the women,s record. And Joshua zuchowski looks small. If he has a growth spurt then I can’t imagine what he will be swimming.
Also his 200 back record 1:52 is within 5 seconds of Elizabeth pelton,s record of 1:47:84. What are they feeding that kid. Also his 400 in record of 4:08 is just 12 seconds of katinka hosszu,s 3:56.
Not to take away at all from this amazing record, but swimming is not purely based on strength and power alone. Josh obviously has developed an incredible “feel for the water” at a young age. If you look at the current 11-12 girls 200 IM age group record, you will see it is about 10 seconds behind the boys (or just under). Overall, it seems a similar pattern develops between male and female swims all the way up to the elite level.
The girl,s 200 IM record is 10 seconds slower than the boy,s. Thanks for that info. I didnt know that. Yes swimming is not all about strength and power. I agree. But seeing how small he is and then reconciling that with how close he is to the women,s records in 3 events ( 200 IM, 400IM and 200 back) is mindboggling .
With how small he is, he must have crazy good technique to even be close to grown elite female record holders.
Who holds the record in his age group for girls in the 200 IM ?
What of the 200 back and 400 IM?
And times?
Claire Tuggle of Clovis broke the 11-12 record about 2 weeks ago; 2:03.23 200 IM. Age group development is a funny thing; never know what fast times will come out of certain kids.
“He was a 2:02.08 at Florida’s high school state meet back in November.”
12-year-old in high school?
He goes to a private school and swims in Florida 1A so is able to swim high school
Outstanding! Congrats to Joshua and keep up the hard work.
Chas no doubt you are the greatest age group swimmer of all time. Michael Andrew being second. What you were able to achieve is still surreal to
us all. Josh had on his $400 suit, dome cap, shaved legs and swam in a fast deep pool. These are all luxuries you did not have at your disposal.
Josh missed your 10 & under record at this meet two years ago by a couple tenths. This 11-12 record has been on his mind for the past two years and a source of his motivation.
Thanks for showing us all what is possible in swimming.
Classy. Great job for you and Josh. Really incredible.
I hope Josh keeps swimming hard and having fun with the sport!
Great job Josh! Incredible swims for an incredible kid. Great job Jonathan!
Wow, I swam with Chas way back in the day in the same local swimming association. In fact I won the SE 11-12 100 fly title because Chas swam in the senior division and got third in what I think still stands as the NAG. This was an amazing record. Congrats to Joshua for taking down a legendary record.
Fun fact Chas swam 200 fly and 400 IM times that are faster than the current records in those events, they just weren’t recognized back then.
Yes, I’d love to know Morton’s 11-12 200 and 400 times.
Really on Chas Morton 2 fly and 4 im? I believe he had the talent, do you know what his times were?
He was 155.6 in the 200 fly at the same meet SE Champs, 1984 swimming in the senior division. His 400 IM was 407 something, can’t remember the tenths anymore.
He made juniors as a 12 year old (although I think he turned 13 by the time juniors rolled around) in 4 different events, 2 of which weren’t even swum in the age group at the time (100/200 Fly, 200/400 IM).