Claire Curzan Puts On Spectacular Speed Display at TAC Titans Spring Invitational; Sets WJR in 50 Free
Does Claire Curzan know anything but fast performances? Apparently not. Continuing a string of swift marks that have made her the most-exciting prospect on the American scene, Curzan was brilliant at the TAC Titans Spring Invitational on Friday night, as she secured first-place finishes in the 100-meter butterfly and 50 freestyle, the sprint free producing a world junior record.
The 16-year-old, who is an Olympic hopeful in several events, jumpstarted her evening by winning the 100 fly in the second-fastest time of her career. Curzan clocked 56.43, which was just off her world junior record of 56.20, set earlier this year. Curzan was out in a blistering 25.64 and came home in 30.79, and her overall time was significantly quicker than the winning times posted at the TYR Pro Series in Indianapolis (57.68) and the Atlanta Classic (58.61).
Curzan isn’t looking like just a Team USA qualifier for the Olympic Games in Tokyo but has firmly established herself as a medal contender – as long as she successfully navigates the Olympic Trials. With several 56-second marks to her credit, Curzan seems poised to produce a 55-second performance in the near future, which means the United States Olympic Trials.
While Curzan was impressive in the 100 fly, she was phenomenal in the 50 freestyle, as her mark of 24.17 moved her to tied for 16th on the all-time performer list. Meanwhile, she moved to No. 3 on the U.S. performer list, trailing only Simone Manuel and Dara Torres. With her new personal best, Curzan bettered the world junior record of 24.33, set by Japan’s Rikako Ikee in 2017.