Eastern Michigan’s Delaney Duncan Stuns With NCAA Runner-Up Finish

Photo Courtesy: Dan D'Addona

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When Delaney Duncan finished fourth at last year’s NCAA Championships, it was a big deal for the Mid-American Conference and mid-majors across the country.

But the Eastern Michigan swimmer wasn’t finished.

Duncan stunningly surged to second place (57.83) behind Indiana’s Lilly King, who set the American record (55.73) in the 100 breast on Friday, finishing her career by reaching a multitude of goals.

“More determination and more focus. Going from sophomore to junior year, I kind of had a chip on my shoulder. This year, I was a lot more confident in myself,” Duncan said.

“Going into this year, after getting fourth at NCAAs, my goal was to make top three and go a 57. I had a really good morning swim. Going into finals, I am a senior, so it was my last 100 breast. I wanted to put everything in the water and say I left it all in the pool. I can proudly say I did that.”

It took a while for Duncan to wrap her head around it, though.

“My brain just didn’t register what I was looking at. Then I saw 57 and turned and looked at my coach and started crying,” she said. “I was a senior and I am done. I have worked so hard — so, so hard. I am so proud of everything I accomplished. I didn’t think I would be emotional, but I was trying to hold back the tears and smile and get a good picture. I didn’t think I would be that emotional.

“The last year, especially the past few months, had so many obstacles.”

Photo Courtesy: Dan D’Addona

The first was a freak injury that happened while flying to Eastern Michigan’s training trip.

“On the way down to training trip, I acquired a foot injury on the flight. My foot swelled and the top of my foot rubbed against my shoe funny,” she said. “I didn’t kick breaststroke for a month. I was in a boot for two weeks.”

The obstacles got even scarier.

“Then two weeks before the conference meet, I was walking on campus and got hit by a car. A lady ran a red light,” Duncan said.

Somehow in a pedestrian vs. vehicle crash, Duncan escaped with just a deep bruise. It could have been a lot worse.

“I missed a couple practices and had a bruise. Luckily it was just a big bruise on the inside of my knee,” she said. “But it was more traumatic than anything.”

With all of those factors stacked against her, Duncan had the motivation to overcome everything.

“I stayed focused and kept my head high and kept going — and it all paid off. It is so surreal — second place,” she said.

Second place behind the best breaststroker in U.S. history — not a bad way to end a stellar career, proving that mid-majors can make it on the big stage, and that Duncan belongs with the best.

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Kristy

5 years ago

Congratulations, Delaney! Freak accidents always seem to happen before championship meets. Way to come back and get after it!

Pat Kennedy

5 years ago

Congratulations!!!

robert kravutske

5 years ago

eastern has a rich swimming history…….no more mens program…..ouch!!!…….you are doing the womens program proud!!!!!,,,,,,,nobody can ever take that away!!!!!…….mr jones and all “hurons” are very proud of you……bob kravutske…..mi……..