Tennessee Vols Land Mizuki Hirai, World Junior Record Holder & Olympic Finalist
NEW COMMIT: The University of Tennessee has secured a new verbal commitment for the 2025-26 season and beyond from Mizuki Hirai out of Japan. Hirai is the World Junior record holder in the 100m fly in 56.33.
She will join Nicole Zettel, Mere Whelehan, Avery Luedke and Lilly Robertson as a member of the Lady Vols’ Class of 2029.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am super excited to announce my verbal commitment to swim and study at the University of Tennessee!! I am incredibly thankful for the support of my family, coaches, and friends. Go Vols!”
Hirai’s World Junior record of 56.33 came at the 62nd Kanagawa Prefectural HS Athletic Meet in Japan in June. She broke Claire Curzan’s mark of 56.43 set in 2021.
Hirai represented Japan at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She clocked a 56.71 in the 100m fly in prelims to earn a spot in the semifinals as the second-fastest qualifier. Her time of 56.80 in semis qualified her seventh. She then finished seventh in the Olympic final, finishing in 57.19.
She also swam on the 4x100m medley relay and the mixed 4x100m medley relay for Japan. Her time on the women’s 4x100m medley relay was a 56.27 100m fly split.
The Lady Vols finished second at the 2024 SEC Championships. Hirai’s best time (converted to yards) is 49.48, which would’ve placed second at the 2024 NCAA Championships.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.