Gabi Brito's Stunning 100-Yard Freestyle: Rising to the Top, Age Group by Age Group
A young swimming sensation is making waves!
At the 2025 Speedo Winter Junior Championships in Austin, Texas, Gabi Brito posted an impressive time of 47.77 seconds in the girls' 100-yard freestyle, propelling her to the #7 spot in the all-time rankings for the 15-16 age group. But here's the twist: she's only 15, with a whole year left to climb even higher.
This performance is all the more remarkable when you consider the competition. The 100-yard freestyle is a highly contested event, with several notable records:
- Meet Record: 46.29 seconds, held by Abbey Weitzeil (Canyons Aquatics) since 2014.
- 13-14 NAG Record: 47.67 seconds, set by Claire Curzan in 2019.
- 15-16 NAG Record: 46.69 seconds, achieved by Rylee Erisman in 2024.
- 17-18 NAG Record: 46.09 seconds, Simone Manuel's remarkable time from 2015.
Brito's performance is a testament to her talent and potential.
The race results were as follows:
- Gabi Brito (BCA) - 47.77 seconds
- Adalynn Biegler (EDI) - 48.18 seconds
- Kennedi Southern (LAC) - 48.52 seconds
- Kate McKinnon (AQUA) - 48.95 seconds
- Lucy Velte (EKC) - 49.08 seconds
- Stella Canoles (OAPB) - 49.17 seconds
- Zoe Smith (LRAD) - 49.38 seconds
- Maddie Thornton (BEND) - 49.93 seconds
Brito's time is even more impressive when you consider her age and the fact that she has consistently improved. Prior to this event, her personal best was 48.08 seconds, ranking her at #13 all-time. But on this day, she was faster on both 50-yard splits compared to a month ago, showcasing her ability to maintain a strong pace throughout the race.
And this is where it gets intriguing...
Brito's new personal best time of 47.77 seconds places her among some of the greatest young swimmers in the 15-16 age group:
- Rylee Erisman (46.69 seconds, 2024 Speedo Winter Juniors)
- Claire Curzan (47.23 seconds, 2020 NC TAC Titans Intrasquad)
- Alex Shackell (47.44 seconds, 2022 Speedo Winter Juniors)
- Gretchen Walsh (47.49 seconds, 2019 SE Speedo Southern Championships)
- Simone Manuel (47.73 seconds, 2013 NCSA Junior Swim Championships)
- Anna Moesch (47.76 seconds, 2022 NC YMCA Short Course Championships)
- Gabi Brito (47.77 seconds, 2025 Speedo Winter Juniors)
But here's where it gets controversial...
Is Gabi Brito the next big thing in swimming? Her rapid rise through the age group rankings suggests she has the potential to be a future star. But with so many talented swimmers in the mix, only time will tell who will emerge as the next generation's top performers. What do you think? Is Brito destined for greatness, or will another swimmer steal the spotlight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
