Rylee Erisman Sets National Swimming Record at FHSAA Championships

Windermere High School junior Rylee Erisman made headlines by breaking a national high school swimming record during the FHSAA Class 4A swimming and diving championships held in Ocala, Florida, on March 15, 2024. Erisman clocked an impressive time of 46.73 seconds in the girls’ 100-yard freestyle final, surpassing her own state record and the previous U.S. high school record of 46.98 seconds set in 2020 by Olympic gold medalist Gretchen Walsh.

In addition to her individual triumph, Erisman played a significant role in her team’s success at the event. Early in the competition, she teamed up with senior Brynn Lavigueur, alongside juniors Aidyn Reese and Lilliana Krstolic, to win the 200 medley relay. Their time of 1:38.96 not only clinched the championship title but also shattered the previous FHSAA championship record of 1:40.81.

Erisman continued her remarkable performance by contributing to another record-breaking victory in the 400 free relay. Joined by Lavigueur, Krstolic, and sophomore Lizzie Johnson, the team finished with a time of 3:19.16, breaking the prior record of 3:19.39.

Erisman’s dominance was evident as she secured her fourth victory of the night with a time of 21.67 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle. This event marked a repeat of her success from the previous year when she set the FHSAA record at 21.61 seconds.

Lavigueur, who recently signed to swim for the University of Texas, matched Erisman’s four first-place finishes. She triumphed in the 200 individual medley with a time of 1:58.23 and the 100 backstroke in 52.21 seconds.

Sarasota Riverview emerged as the overall champion in the girls’ competition, accumulating 395 points, while Windermere finished a strong second with 305 points. The achievements of both teams highlight the competitiveness of Florida high school swimming.

The boys’ competition saw Winter Park High School perform notably, led by senior Ian Heysen. The team placed third, with Heysen contributing to their success in the medley relay, which they won with a time of 1:32.14. His individual performances included a second-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke at 54.67 seconds.

As the championships concluded, the excitement of the event resonated throughout the community. The outstanding performances by athletes like Erisman and Lavigueur not only set records but also inspired future generations of swimmers in Florida and beyond. The legacy of this championship will be remembered as a highlight of the high school sports calendar.