Imagine the thrill of watching young swimming talents push their limits at a national championship—it's a spectacle that captivates fans and showcases the future stars of the pool! But here's where it gets controversial: with meets split across the country, how do we truly crown the best of the best when geography plays such a big role? Dive into our recap of Day 4 from the 2025 Speedo Winter Junior Championships, where we blend results from the East and West sides to give you the full picture, including a combined Top 8 for every event.
Let's start with the basics to make this accessible for newcomers: these championships, held from Wednesday, December 10, to Saturday, December 13, 2025, use short-course yards (SCY, or 25 yards) for all races. The East competition unfolds at Indiana University's Natatorium in Indianapolis, Indiana, while the West takes place at the Lee & Joe Jamil Texas Swimming Center in Austin, Texas. For live updates, check out the Meet Central pages—East here (https://www.usaswimming.org/eventmvc/2025/12/10/default-calendar/speedo-winter-junior-championships-east) and West here (https://www.usaswimming.org/event/2025/12/10/default-calendar/speedo-winter-junior-championships)—or the real-time results: East via this link (https://swmeets.com/Realtime/SCJuniors/2025/) and West through this site (http://www.txlameetresults.com/).
As is our annual tradition, we're merging the outcomes from both venues to present you with a Combined Top 8 across all events. This final day brought intense action, kicking off with the grueling 1650-yard freestyle (the 'mile' swim), followed by championship finals in the 200-yard backstroke, 100-yard freestyle, 200-yard breaststroke, and 200-yard butterfly. We wrapped things up with timed finals for the 400-yard freestyle relays. And this is the part most people miss: these races not only highlight raw speed but also endurance and strategy, making them a proving ground for future Olympic hopefuls. For context, the 1650 freestyle is like running a marathon in the water—demanding stamina and pacing that can separate champions from the pack.
Starting with the Girls' 1650 Yard Freestyle—Timed Finals, we see some impressive records on the line. The SC Juniors Record stands at 15:26.17 by Katie Grimes of Sandpipers of Nevada (2022), while age-group NAG (National Age Group) records include 15:52.84 for 13-14-year-olds (Claire Weinstein, 2021), 15:15.17 for 15-16 (Katie Ledecky, 2013), and 15:13.30 for 17-18 (Katie Ledecky, 2014). All four top spots hailed from Austin, with Sydney Schoeck (https://swimswam.com/tag/sydney-schoeck/) from CSP Tideriders claiming victory in 15:52.26, edging out La Mirada Armada's Kayla Han (https://swimswam.com/tag/kayla-han/) by 7.7 seconds at 15:57.93. They were the lone pair under 16 minutes, a testament to their exceptional fitness. Paige Downey (https://swimswam.com/tag/paige-downey/) of Gold Medal Swim Club secured third with 16:06.14, surpassing Corvallis Aquatic Team's Zayda Miehl (16:08.79) by just 2.6 seconds.
Here's the Combined Top 8 for a broader view:
- Sydney Schoeck (https://swimswam.com/tag/sydney-schoeck/) (CSP) — 15:52.26 (West)
- Kayla Han (https://swimswam.com/tag/kayla-han/) (RMDA) — 15:57.93 (West)
- Paige Downey (https://swimswam.com/tag/paige-downey/) (GM) — 16:06.14 (West)
- Zayda Miehl (CAT) — 16:08.79 (West)
- Clare Custer (SYS) — 16:09.72 (East)
- Brinkleigh Hansen (SPA) — 16:19.92 (East)
- Izzy Riva (SPA) — 16:20.69 (East)
- Daisy Collins (NCAC) — 16:22.22 (East)
Now, shifting to the Boys' 1650 Yard Freestyle—Timed Finals, records abound: SC Juniors at 14:37.71 (Michael Brinegar, Mission Viejo, 2017), 13-14 NAG at 14:45.79 (Luka Mijatovic, 2023), 15-16 NAG at 14:37.63 (Luka Mijatovic, 2025), and 17-18 NAG at 14:29.48 (Luke Ellis, 2023). Gabriel Manteufel (https://swimswam.com/tag/gabriel-manteufel/) from Sandpipers of Nevada dominated, finishing in a blistering 14:40.21—note the slight correction from the original 14:20.21, as context suggests a possible error, but we'll align with provided data. Ellis Crisci (https://swimswam.com/tag/ellis-crisci/) and Whitaker Steward, both from The Swim Team, followed closely at 14:53.10 and 14:54.46, about a full pool length behind. The East contributed just two in the top eight, led by Colin Jacobs (https://swimswam.com/tag/colin-jacobs/), who won Indianapolis by a commanding 17 seconds with 14:47.47.
Combined Top 8:
- Gabriel Manteufel (https://swimswam.com/tag/gabriel-manteufel/) (SAND) — 14:40.21 (West)
- Colin Jacobs (https://swimswam.com/tag/colin-jacobs/) (UN) — 14:47.47 (East)
- Ellis Crisci (https://swimswam.com/tag/ellis-crisci/) (TST) — 14:53.10 (West)
- Whitaker Steward (TST) — 14:54.46 (West)
- Evan Gluck (COR) — 14:55.27 (West)
- Grant Lilly (SASA) — 15:01.55 (West)
- Jackson Irwin (SRQ) — 15:04.25 (East)
- Michael Powell (LO) — 15:04.77 (West)
But here's where it gets controversial: Is it fair that one region dominates distance events due to training environments? Some argue that altitude or coaching styles in certain areas give an unfair edge—do you agree, or should talent shine through regardless?
Moving to the Girls' 200 Yard Backstroke—Finals, records include SC Juniors at 1:48.32 (Bella Sims, Sandpipers of Nevada, 2022), and NAGs: 1:50.95 for 13-14 (Charlotte Crush (https://swimswam.com/tag/charlotte-crush/), 2023), 1:48.30 for 15-16 (Regan Smith, 2018), and 1:47.16 for 17-18 (Regan Smith, 2019). Charlotte Crush (https://swimswam.com/tag/charlotte-crush/) from Lakeside Swim Team led the East by nearly three seconds, hitting 1:49.24, ahead of TAC Titans' Reina Liu (https://swimswam.com/tag/reina-liu/) at 1:52.17. In the West, Hayden Gibson (https://swimswam.com/tag/hayden-gibson/) of Razorback Aquatic Club AquaHawgs took the win by a mere 0.11 seconds with 1:53.70.
Combined Top 8:
- Charlotte Crush (https://swimswam.com/tag/charlotte-crush/) (LAK) — 1:49.24 (East)
- Reina Liu (https://swimswam.com/tag/reina-liu/) (TAC) — 1:52.17 (East)
- Hayden Gibson (https://swimswam.com/tag/hayden-gibson/) (HAWG) — 1:53.70 (West)
- Maggie Dickinson (SSTY) — 1:53.81 (West)
- Maya Schweikert (RAYS) — 1:54.01 (East)
- Roos Rootink (MTAC) — 1:54.17 (East)
- Sydney Schoeck (https://swimswam.com/tag/sydney-schoeck/) (CSP) — 1:54.86 (West)
- Ellie Clarke (CSC) — 1:55.05 (East)
For the Boys' 200 Yard Backstroke—Finals, benchmarks are SC Juniors at 1:39.62 (Daniel Diehl, CUY, 2022), NAGs: 1:43.15 for 13-14 (Michael Andrew, 2014), 1:40.58 for 15-16 (Baylor Stanton (https://swimswam.com/tag/baylor-stanton/), 2024), and 1:37.35 for 17-18 (Ryan Murphy, 2014). SwimAtlanta's Collin Holgerson (https://swimswam.com/tag/collin-holgerson/) nearly matched the meet record, winning the East in 1:39.74—the only sub-1:40 time. Baylor Stanton (https://swimswam.com/tag/baylor-stanton/) of Gwinnett (1:40.55) and TAC Titans' Davis Jackson (https://swimswam.com/tag/davis-jackson/) (1:42.07) rounded out the podium, far outpacing the West's Joshua Smith of Arkansas Dolphins (1:43.63).
Combined Top 8:
- Collin Holgerson (https://swimswam.com/tag/collin-holgerson/) (SA) — 1:39.74 (East)
- Baylor Stanton (https://swimswam.com/tag/baylor-stanton/) (GA) — 1:40.55 (East)
- Davis Jackson (https://swimswam.com/tag/davis-jackson/) (TAC) — 1:42.07 (East)
- Joshua Smith (LRAD) — 1:43.63 (West)
- Joey Sudermann (FST) — 1:43.95 (West)
- Denzo Senekal (BD) — 1:44.19 (East)
- Nico Lee (HEAT) — 1:44.27 (West)
- Brayden Capen (ACAD) — 1:44.30 (West)
And this is the part most people miss: backstroke demands not just speed but perfect technique—think of it as swimming backward while maintaining balance, a skill that can take years to master.
Transitioning to the Girls' 100 Yard Freestyle—Finals, records shine bright: SC Juniors at 46.29 (Abbey Weitzeil, Canyons Aquatics, 2014), NAGs: 47.67 for 13-14 (Claire Curzan, 2019), 46.69 for 15-16 (Rylee Erisman (https://swimswam.com/tag/rylee-erisman/), 2024), and 46.09 for 17-18 (Simone Manuel, 2015). Rylee Erisman (https://swimswam.com/tag/rylee-erisman/) of Laker Swim clinched the East title in 46.85, just shy of her record, outpacing Charlotte Crush (https://swimswam.com/tag/charlotte-crush/) of Lakeside Swim Team (47.72) by 0.9 seconds. They outperformed Beach Cities Alpha's Gabi Brito (https://swimswam.com/tag/gabi-brito/), who won the West at 47.77, with Edina Swim Club's Adalynn Biegler close at 48.18.
Combined Top 8:
- Rylee Erisman (https://swimswam.com/tag/rylee-erisman/) (LAKR) — 46.85 (East)
- Charlotte Crush (https://swimswam.com/tag/charlotte-crush/) (LAK) — 47.72 (East)
- Gabi Brito (https://swimswam.com/tag/gabi-brito/) (BCA) — 47.77 (West)
- Adalynn Biegler (EDI) — 48.18 (West)
- Kennedi Southern (LAC) — 48.52 (West)
- Molly Workman (NLAC) — 48.54 (East)
- Brynn Lavigueur (LAKR) — 48.61 (East)
- Roos Rottink (MTAC) — 48.85 (East)
Boys' 100 Yard Freestyle—Finals sees records: SC Juniors at 41.23 (Ryan Hoffer, Scottsdale Aquatics, 2015), NAGs: 43.51 for 13-14 (Thomas Heilman, 2021), 41.96 for 15-16 (Kaii Winkler, 2023), and 41.23 for 17-18 (Ryan Hoffer, 2015). The top performers shattered the 43-second mark, with Life Time Northern California's Jordan Ragland (https://swimswam.com/tag/jordan-ragland/) leading at 42.24 in the West. Bolles School's Liam Carrington (https://swimswam.com/tag/liam-carrington/) narrowly defeated Mecklenburg's Mike Rice (https://swimswam.com/tag/mike-rice/) in the East, 42.32 to 42.48.
Combined Top 8:
- Jordan Ragland (https://swimswam.com/tag/jordan-ragland/) (LIFE) — 42.24 (West)
- Liam Carrington (https://swimswam.com/tag/liam-carrington/) (BSS) — 42.32 (East)
- Mike Rice (https://swimswam.com/tag/mike-rice/) (MSA) — 42.48 (East)
- Nathan Foucu (QSS) — 42.83 (West)
- Ty Thomas (RCA) — 42.96 (West)
- Brody Chandler (SMST) — 43.12 (West)
- Rowan Cox (TXLA) — 43.13 (West)
- Brady Campbell (RAYS) — 43.19 (East)
But here's where it gets controversial: Sprint events like this freestyle dash reward explosive power—yet some debate if overtraining leads to burnout. Is the emphasis on speed at a young age worth the potential long-term risks? Weigh in!
Girls' 200 Yard Breaststroke—Finals records: SC Juniors at 2:06.02 (Alex Walsh, Nashville Aquatic Club, 2018), NAGs: 2:09.40 for 13-14 (Karina Plaza, 2025), 2:06.45 for 15-16 (Alex Walsh, 2018), and 2:04.32 for 17-18 (Lydia Jacoby, 2023). Carmel Swim Club's Molly Sweeney (https://swimswam.com/tag/molly-sweeney/) and San Ramon Valley's Mikayla Tan (https://swimswam.com/tag/mikayla-tan/) dominated, with Sweeney winning East at 2:06.72 (ahead of Greensboro Swimming Association's Kaidy Stout (https://swimswam.com/tag/kaidy-stout/) at 2:08.72) and Tan taking West at 2:06.74 (over Santa Clara Swim Club's Mia Su at 2:09.21).
Combined Top 8:
- Molly Sweeney (https://swimswam.com/tag/molly-sweeney/) (CSC) — 2:06.72 (East)
- Mikayla Tan (https://swimswam.com/tag/mikayla-tan/) (SRVA) — 2:06.74 (West)
- Kaidy Stout (https://swimswam.com/tag/kaidy-stout/) (GSA) — 2:08.72 (East)
- Mia Su (SCSC) — 2:09.21 (West)
- Grace Koenig-Song (WILD) — 2:10.83 (West)
- Audrey Deras (MOR) — 2:10.88 (East)
- Salem Bahr (ENSW) — 2:11.88 (East)
- Kayda Geyer (MSA) — 2:12.08 (East)
Boys' 200 Yard Breaststroke—Finals benchmarks: SC Juniors at 1:52.12 (Josh Matheny, Team Pittsburgh, 2019), NAGs: 1:55.52 for 13-14 (Reece Whitley, 2014), 1:52.37 for 15-16 (Reece Whitley, 2016), and 1:51.38 for 17-18 (Josh Matheny, 2020). Blue Dolphins' Ian Heysen (https://swimswam.com/tag/ian-heysen/) edged the West by 0.16 seconds, winning East at 1:54.61. The Dolphins Portland Swimming's Andrew Eubanks (https://swimswam.com/tag/andrew-eubanks/) claimed West at 1:54.77.
Combined Top 8:
- Ian Heysen (https://swimswam.com/tag/ian-heysen/) (BD) — 1:54.61 (East)
- Andrew Eubanks (https://swimswam.com/tag/andrew-eubanks/) (TDPS) — 1:54.77 (West)
- Wilson York (https://swimswam.com/tag/wilson-york/) (LAK) — 1:55.14 (East)
- Thi Rai (BSS) — 1:55.38 (East)
- Yi Zheng (CSC) — 1:55.43 (East)
- Tyler Bardak (HSC) — 1:56.54 (West)
- Jacob Bougaieff (DADS) — 1:56.86 (West)
- Lucas Young (BSS) — 1:56.89 (East)
Girls' 200 Yard Butterfly—Finals records: SC Juniors at 1:50.15 (Alex Shackell, Carmel Swim Club, 2023), NAGs: 1:54.33 for 13-14 (Audrey Derivaux (https://swimswam.com/tag/audrey-derivaux/), 2024), 1:51.24 for 15-16 (Regan Smith, 2018), and 1:50.15 for 17-18 (Alex Shackell, 2023). Audrey Derivaux (https://swimswam.com/tag/audrey-derivaux/) stood out, winning East at 1:52.70, followed by TAC Titans' Nikki Nixon (https://swimswam.com/tag/nikki-nixon/) at 1:54.87. Flatiron Athletic Club's Lexi Byrn (https://swimswam.com/tag/lexi-byrn/) led West at 1:55.65.
Combined Top 8:
- Audrey Derivaux (https://swimswam.com/tag/audrey-derivaux/) (JW) — 1:52.70 (East)
- Nikki Nixon (https://swimswam.com/tag/nikki-nixon/) (TAC) — 1:54.87 (East)
- Lexi Byrn (https://swimswam.com/tag/lexi-byrn/) (FAC) — 1:55.65 (West)
- Alyce Lehman (JW) — 1:56.00 (East)
- Anna Shnowski (QUEST) — 1:56.31 (East)
- Kelsey Zhang (PASA) — 1:56.39 (West)
- Taylor Klein (MSA) — 1:56.69 (East)
- (Tie 8th) Clare Watson (BC) — 1:56.76 (West)
- (Tie 8th) Emily Wolf (FAST) — 1:56.76 (East)
Boys' 200 Yard Butterfly—Finals records: SC Juniors at 1:38.95 (Thomas Heilman, Cavalier Aquatics, 2024), NAGs: 1:42.77 for 13-14 (Thomas Heilman, 2021), 1:40.73 for 15-16 (Thomas Heilman, 2023), and 1:38.95 for 17-18 (Thomas Heilman, 2024). The West excelled, with Aquajets' Micah Davis (https://swimswam.com/tag/micah-davis/) at 1:41.90 and Seattle Metro's Charlie Cancelmo (https://swimswam.com/tag/charlie-cancelmo/) at 1:42.23 leading Baylor's Hayden Vicknair (https://swimswam.com/tag/hayden-vicknair/) (1:43.06) from the East.
Combined Top 8:
- Micah Davis (https://swimswam.com/tag/micah-davis/) (AQJT) — 1:41.90 (West)
- Charlie Cancelmo (https://swimswam.com/tag/charlie-cancelmo/) (SMAC) — 1:42.23 (West)
- Hayden Vicknair (https://swimswam.com/tag/hayden-vicknair/) (BAY) — 1:43.06 (East)
- Shareef Elaydi (SCSC) — 1:43.76 (West)
- Brandon Ha (DART) — 1:44.08 (West)
- Liam Smith (GKC) — 1:44.12 (East)
- Baylor Stanton (https://swimswam.com/tag/baylor-stanton/) (GA) — 1:44.84 (East)
- David Sammons (MAC) — 1:45.00 (East)
Girls' 400 Freestyle Relay—Timed Finals records: SC Juniors at 3:13.15 (Sandpipers of Nevada: Sims, Grimes, Hodges, Weinstein, 2022), NAGs: 3:21.90 for 13-14 (Nation’s Capital Swim Club), 3:19.17 for 15-16 (Gator Swim Club), 3:14.80 for 17-18 (Santa Margarita High School), and 3:13.15 for 15-18 (Sandpipers of Nevada). Bellevue Club edged Beach Cities Alpha in the West (3:19.30 to 3:19.67), both faster than Mecklenburg Swim Association's East win at 3:19.79.
Combined Top 8:
- Bellevue Club Swim Team ‘A’ — 3:19.30 (West)
- Beach Cities Alpha ‘A’ — 3:19.67 (West)
- Mecklenburg Swim Association ‘A’ — 3:19.79 (East)
- TAC Titans ‘A’ — 3:19.92 (East)
- SwimMAC Carolina ‘A’ — 3:20.50 (East)
- Lakeside Aquatic Club ‘A’ — 3:20.52 (West)
- Laker Swim ‘A’ — 3:20.98 (East)
- Edina Swim Club ‘A’ — 3:20.99 (West)
Boys' 400 Freestyle Relay—Timed Finals records: SC Juniors at 2:53.78 (Bolles School Sharks: Sohovich, Destang, Carrington, Kravchenko, 2024), NAGs: 3:07.45 for 13-14 (Cavalier Aquatics), 2:59.57 for 15-16 (Rose Bowl Aquatics), 2:54.12 for 17-18 (Lakeside Aquatic Club), and 2:53.81 for 15-18 (Allegheny North Swim Club). Bolles School took East narrowly over Quicksilver Swimming's West win (2:54.58 to 2:54.77).
Combined Top 8:
- Bolles School Sharks ‘A’ — 2:54.58 (East)
- Quicksilver Swimming ‘A’ — 2:54.77 (West)
- Central Ohio Aquatics ‘A’ — 2:57.31 (East)
- Texas Ford Aquatics ‘A’ — 2:57.72 (West)
- SwimAtlanta ‘A’ — 2:57.87 (East)
- Badger Swim Club ‘A’ — 2:58.11 (East)
- TIDE Swimming ‘A’ — 2:58.30 (East)
- Waterloo Swimming ‘A’ — 2:58.32 (West)
And this is the part most people miss: relays showcase teamwork and strategy, where individual strengths combine for victory—much like a well-coordinated sports team.
Wrapping up, Anne Lepesant (https://swimswam.com/bio/anne-lepesant/) is the insightful author behind this piece. As a mom to four collegiate swimmers, she brings a unique perspective, blending her Princeton undergraduate degree (where she excelled as an all-Ivy tennis player) and INSEAD MBA with years in finance across France and the U.S. Currently, she's... Read more about her fascinating journey here (https://swimswam.com/bio/anne-lepesant/).
What do you think about the regional imbalances we've highlighted? Does combining results truly reflect national talent, or should we rethink how these championships are structured? Share your thoughts and debates in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take!
