Claire Curzan Equals Own National High School Record in 100 Butterfly
In what was a unique performance, American upstart Claire Curzan tied her own National High School record in the 100-yard butterfly on Saturday afternoon. Representing Cardinal Gibbons High School at the North Carolina 4A Championships, Curzan notched a time of 50.35 to equal the time she produced at last year’s state-championship meet.
The fact that Curzan tied her mark was not a shock, considering she entered the weekend with a personal-best time of 49.73 from USA Swimming competition and figured to give the record a push. In her record-tying performance, Curzan covered the first half of the race in 23.34, and came home in a split of 27.01.
Curzan is a leading contender to represent the United States in the 100-meter butterfly at this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. Late last year, she produced a personal-best time of 56.61 for that event, an effort that opened eyes around the world. Given her rapid ascension and regular improvements, Curzan is well-positioned to further lower that time.
Curzan also collected gold in the 100 backstroke, where she went 51.57, and led off Cardinal Gibbons’ 400 freestyle relay in 48.73.
Next weekend, when the Virginia High School League holds its 6A state championships, Yorktown’s Torri Huske will make a run at Curzan’s overall scholastic record. Huske owns the high school record for independent schools at 50.67, set earlier this month.