Get ready for an exciting dive into the world of swimming! We're about to witness some incredible performances and a battle for the top spots in the 400 IM. The Rising Stars: Baylor Stanton and Yi Zheng
At the 2025 SPEEDO Winter Junior Championships - East, two young swimmers are making waves and climbing up the rankings in their respective age groups. Baylor Stanton, ranked #12 in the 17-18 age group, has just defended his title in the 400 IM with an impressive time of 3:40.48. This performance not only secured him his third win but also propelled him to the #5 spot in the rankings, an incredible achievement! Stanton, the top recruit for the class of 2026, is set to join the prestigious Cal swimming team next fall, and his event repertoire seems like a perfect fit for their successful program.
But here's where it gets interesting! Yi Zheng, a junior from Carmel, is making his mark in the 15-16 age group. With a remarkable swim, Zheng has rocketed up to #3 in his age category, shaving over 3 seconds off his previous best time. His impressive performance at the World Junior Championships last summer, where he was the sole finalist for the USA, has solidified his commitment to Stanford for the fall of 2027. Ranked as the #19 recruit in his class, Zheng is on a rapid ascent.
And this is the part most people miss: Zheng's improvement isn't just about one event. He's shown significant progress across all four strokes, with his closing speed being the most notable difference. This well-rounded development sets him up for a bright future in the sport.
The Split Comparison
Let's take a closer look at the split comparison between Stanton's new personal best and his previous record. His backstroke split of 55.43 seconds really set him apart from the competition, showcasing his strength and technique in that stroke. Meanwhile, Zheng's breaststroke leg was a highlight, as he began to close the gap on the leader.
All-Time Performers in the 400 IM
In the 17-18 age group, Carson Foster holds the record with an incredible time of 3:35.27, set in 2020. Stanton's performance places him in the top 5 of this prestigious list. Similarly, in the 15-16 age group, Maximus Williamson's record of 3:39.83 from 2022 remains unbeaten, with Zheng's recent swim securing him the #3 spot.
The Irony and Tomorrow's Events
Ironically, Zheng's impressive swim has pushed Stanton's previous best time out of the top 10 in the 15-16 age group. Tomorrow, Zheng will compete in the 200 breast and 200 fly, while Stanton is entered for the 200 back, 200 breast, and 200 fly. Who will continue their dominance, and will we see any more records fall?
Stay tuned for more updates and live recaps from the Winter Junior Championships! Don't miss out on the excitement and the chance to witness these young swimmers make their mark on the sport.
