Will Lerch is a long-time SwimSwam reader, but first-time SwimSwam writer. To read more of his musings on swimming, follow him on X at @willlerch.
There’s an old “The Simpson’s” episode from back when that show was good {*sigh*}, titled “Lisa’s Rival” where Lisa grapples with being second best to a new student who is a bit smarter and a bit younger. This leads to an internal crisis of identity where she isn’t sure how she fits in if not as the best student in school. This got me thinking about Ryan Erisman.
Ryan Erisman is an exceptionally talented young swimmer at Cal. In a country that’s long been desperate for a true mid-distance star who can compete with the best in the world, it would be fair to guess, based on the times he’s put up, that Erisman would be a darling of the SwimSwam comments section. But he’s not. In a sport where fame and recognition are already difficult to achieve, Ryan Erisman has two additional obstacles that obstruct sunlight from shining on his achievements. Erisman is a mid-distance prodigy in the time of phenom Luka Mijatovic, and Ryan’s younger sister, Rylee Erisman, is dominant. As good as he is, it’s hard to talk about the things Ryan does in the pool without adding “but Luka…” or “but Rylee…”.
I used to feel a little sorry for Erisman because I had framed him as someone destined to always be the “second name” in the story, the one just behind the superstar. After watching him perform at the recent Austin Pro Swim Series I’ve completely changed my opinion.
Ryan Erisman is a beast with absolutely no time for my pity. In Austin, Erisman won the 200 and 400 Free against professionals and took 3rd place in the 800 and 1500 Free behind gutsy performances where he out split Olympic champions Bobby Finke and Daniel Wiffen on the final 100 of both.
Let me reiterate: He came home faster than Bobby Finke. Twice.
I don’t know anything about Ryan on a personal level, other than the fact that he has “building LEGOs” listed as one of his hobbies in his Cal bio, but he seems to have a racer’s mentality and is completely unphased by how good anyone else is supposed to be. Ryan Erisman might not be the headliner yet, but performances like the one in Austin make it clear; he’s carving out his own spotlight.
I’m a bit confused the article says:
by Braden KeithBut then says:Will Lerch is a long-time SwimSwam reader, but first-time SwimSwam writer. To read more of his musings on swimming, follow him on X at @willlerch.
So who wrote this and who is Will Lerch?
He looks just like his sister. Their way of speaking is very similar.
Maybe, like Avis, he tries harder.
Holy Glaze
to me, he has the value of the times that show up on the board. Has zero to do with his sister or Mijatovic. Has been fantastic for a while. Hasn’t been in a shadow of anything or anyone. Making broad statements like he hasn’t been a darling of the swimswam comment section seems strange – and serves the purpose of making a point that doesn’t need to be made.
Put the fries in the bag bro
Ate this up Will!
Nice reflection!