Anna Moesch Blasts American Record in 100 Freestyle; Pops No. 2 Time in History
Coming off victories in the 50-meter freestyle and 200 freestyle, the United States’ Anna Moesch looked capable of generating a big-time performance in the 100 freestyle at the AP Race London International on Monday night. But what the University of Virginia star managed at the London Aquatic Centre was stunning, as she broke Simone Manuel’s American record in the event and notched the second-fastest performance of all-time, just off Sarah Sjostrom’s world record.
After posting a personal best of 53.23 in the prelims, Moesch skipped over the 52-second range and touched the wall in 51.94. That mark not only bettered Manuel’s American record of 52.04, posted at the 2019 World Championships, it wasn’t far off Sjostrom’s world record of 51.71. More, the effort moved the 20-year-old ahead of Australian Emma McKeon, who was previously the No. 2 performer in history with the 51.96 she swam in the Tokyo Olympic final.
Moesch, a native of New Jersey, went out in 25.18 and came home in 26.76 to alter the landscape of the event and continue what has been a spectacular improvement arc. Earlier this month, Moesch clocked 53.25 at the Fort Lauderdale Open for the best time of her career. A few weeks later, she has found territory previously known by two of the greatest female swimmers in history.
In March, Moesch flourished at the NCAA Championships, winning the 200 freestyle as Virginia claimed a sixth consecutive team title. At the time, there was considerable hope that Moesch would follow her short-course campaign with significant growth in the long-course pool. Obviously, that scenario has unfolded. Prior to her 51-point outing in the 100 free, Moesch used her trip to London to set personal bests of 24.27 in the 50 freestyle and 1:55.81 in the 200 freestyle.
