Ryan Erisman Poised to Carry Summer Success into Sophomore Season at Cal
From Van Mathias‘ breaststroke ascendance to Gabriel Jett’s breakthrough in the 200-meter freestyle, the summer opened hope for the future of American men’s swimming. Yes, there is work to be done ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, but progress has been made over the past year. And as Team USA continues to prepare for a home Olympiad, the talent of Ryan Erisman is another reason for optimism.
Erisman is in his sophomore year at Cal-Berkeley, and is firmly established as one of the nation’s top performers in the distance-freestyle events and 400 individual medley. The 19-year-old is coming off a breakout summer in the long-course pool, as he flourished at the United States National Championships in Irvine, California. In addition to winning the 200 freestyle in 1:45.23, Erisman prevailed in the 400 IM, joining the sub-4:10 club with a personal best of 4:09.57, and won the 800 freestyle in a stellar 7:43.53. He was also the runnerup in the 400 freestyle (3:44.39).
Erisman’s performances at Nationals elevated his status, confirming the Florida native as a contender to represent the United States when the Olympics visit Los Angeles for the third time. Navigating the U.S. Trials is never an easy chore, so nothing is guaranteed for Erisman. But his potential is at an all-time high and he should contend for a berth to next year’s World Championships in Budapest.
First, however, Erisman will try to build on his freshman year at Cal, where he emerged as a top talent for coach Dave Durden. As the Bears finished seventh at last year’s NCAA Championships, Erisman put together a solid meet. He was fifth in the 400 individual medley, touching the wall in 3:36.32, and he placed ninth in the 500 freestyle, just missing the final after a mark of 4:11.43. His third event, the 1650 freestyle, produced a 10th-place finish and a time of 14:41.55.
If Erisman can carry his long-course success into the short-course pool for the NCAA season, he has the ability to contend for national titles in multiple events. The 400 IM might be his best opportunity, considering the massive drop he enjoyed in the event at Nationals. Certainly, Erisman is positioned to deliver a standout sophomore season at Cal, one that would maintain the momentum he built during the summer, and could lead to Olympic contention.