Collin Holgerson's electrifying performance at the 2025 Speedo Winter Junior Championships – East has set the swimming world ablaze! He clocked an astonishing 1:39.74 in the 200 backstroke, securing his place as the #7 all-time fastest in the 17-18 age group. This achievement is a testament to his dedication and skill.
Here's a quick look at the event details:
- Event: 2025 SPEEDO WINTER JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – EAST
- Dates: December 10-13, 2025
- Location: Indianapolis, Ind.
- Format: SCY (25 yards)
Schedule Highlights:
- Prelims: 9 a.m. EST
- Wednesday (1000 free): 1 p.m. EST
- Finals: 5 p.m. EST
- Wednesday (relays): 4 p.m. EST
Where to Find More:
- Meet Central
- Psych Sheets
- How to Watch
- Live Results
- Live Recaps: Prelims - Day Two | Day Three | Day Four; Finals - Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four
200 Yard Backstroke — Finals: A Deep Dive
- Meet Record: 1:39.62 – Daniel Diehl (2022)
- 13-14 NAG Record: 1:43.15 – Michael Andrew (2014)
- 15-16 NAG Record: 1:40.58 – Baylor Stanton (2024)
- 17-18 NAG Record: 1:37.35 – Ryan Murphy (2014)
Top 8 Finishers:
- Collin Holgerson (SA) — 1:39.74
- Baylor Stanton (GA) — 1:40.55
- Davis Jackson (TAC) — 1:42.07
- Denzo Senekal (BD) — 1:44.19
- Michael Geh (BAD) — 1:44.76
- Anthony Pineiro (SFLS) — 1:44.91
- Ethan Bathala (BSS) — 1:45.34
- Jonny Palamar (TAC) — 1:45.59
Holgerson's victory wasn't just a win; it was a statement. He sliced nearly four seconds off his personal best in the 200 backstroke, outperforming top seed Baylor Stanton by eight-tenths of a second. This race marked his third title of the week, following a silver in the 200 IM and wins in the 100 breaststroke and 100 backstroke.
And this is the part most people miss... His performance in the 100 backstroke was particularly remarkable, setting a new Meet Record and becoming the fastest high-schooler in history in the event.
Diving Deeper: Comparing Splits
To truly appreciate Holgerson's achievement, let's examine his split times:
| Split | Previous PB – GA SA Best of the South, March 2025 | New PB – Speedo Winter Junior Championships, December 2025 |
| :---- | :--------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------ |
| 50 | 24.02 | 23.07 |
| 100 | 50.27 (26.25) | 48.38 (25.31) |
| 150 | 1:16.63 (26.36) | 1:14.35 (23.97) |
| 200 | 1:43.34 (26.71) | 1:39.73 (25.38) |
He started almost two seconds faster, with his first 100 split only 1.6 seconds off his 100 backstroke best.
The Bigger Picture
Holgerson's time places him as the 7th-fastest 17-18 year-old in history in this event and the fourth-fastest high-schooler, trailing only Ryan Murphy, Jack Conger, and Daniel Diehl.
All-Time Performers, Boys’ 17–18 200 Backstroke (SCY):
- Ryan Murphy (03/27/2014) – 1:37.35
- Austin Katz (12/02/2017) – 1:38.49
- Jack Conger (12/06/2012) – 1:38.75
- Owen McDonald (03/04/2023)/Daniel Diehl (03/30/2024) – 1:39.01
- –
- Hayden Meyers (11/21/2025) – 1:39.35
- Collin Holgerson (13/12/2025) – 1:39.74
- Jack Aikins (03/21/21) – 1:39.85
- Ethan Ekk (11/22/2025) – 1:49.02
- Shaine Casas (11/16/2018) – 1:40.04
More About Holgerson
Hailing from Atlanta and representing SwimAtlanta, Holgerson attends McCallie Boarding School in Chattanooga. He's committed to swimming for the Vols starting in the fall of 2027.
But here's where it gets controversial... Holgerson is currently the #4 recruit in the high school class of 2027. Do you think his recent performances will propel him even higher in the rankings next year?
He also showcased his talent at the World Junior Championships over the summer, qualifying in the 100 backstroke. He placed 10th in the 100 back in Otopeni, and led off Team USA’s 400 medley relay in prelims.
What are your thoughts on Holgerson's incredible achievement? Share your comments below!
