US Masters Nationals: How Many Records Fell? (Hint: Fast Pool = Fast Times)
The 2025 U.S. Masters Swimming Spring Nationals in San Antonio brought the heat this weekend — and we’re not just talking about the Texas sun.
With more than 1,700 swimmers on deck, the energy was electric, the races were fast, and the smiles were everywhere. Records fell (32 of them), friendships were celebrated, and the spirit of Masters Swimming was on full display.
Stars Who Lit Up the Pool at US Masters Nationals
- Anton Ipsen (30-34) smashed the USMS 1000 freestyle record, clocking 9:17.76 — a full seven seconds faster than the previous record, which had stood since 2018. He nearly broke another in the 500 free.
- Ally Howe (25-29) reminded everyone why she’s still one of the best backstrokers in the country, winning the 100 backstroke in 54.29 and the 200 back in 1:55.90. Both swims were under the previous national marks, with her 100 back time about 1.3 seconds faster than the old record.
- Cecilia McCloskey (75-79) was unstoppable, breaking her own national records in the 100 and 200 backstroke — both by nearly two seconds each, continuing a record-breaking streak that started four years ago. She finished with four records.
- Everett Smethurst won the 100 backstroke in the 90-94 age group — proof that you’re never too old to chase greatness.
- Dakota Luther, the former NCAA star for Georgia and Texas, competed in her first Masters Nationals and broke the 25-29 women’s record in the 200 butterfly (1:56.62).
Relays Bringing the Fire
- The Olympic Club’s 25+ Mixed 200 Free Relay crushed the national record with a 1:26.78 finish — nearly a full second faster than the previous best.
- Swim Fort Lauderdale’s 75+ Mixed Medley Relay set a new standard at 2:21.35 — dropping almost three seconds off the previous national mark.
A Swimming World Celebration: Steve West Shines Again
Our very own Steve West, Swimming World’s Chief Technology Officer, was right in the middle of the action — and no surprise, right on top of the podium too at US Masters Nationals.
Swimming for Nova Masters, Steve captured a national championship in the 50 breaststroke (50-54 age group), touching the wall in 28.16 — just missing the national record by tenths, but winning gold against a stacked field.
He also won his age group in the 100 breast (57.40), 200 breast (2:07.11) and 100 IM (55.30) and his career includes:
- 56 individual USMS records
- 16 All-American seasons
- 5 All-Star honors
West’s passion for swimming — and his incredible work behind the scenes at Swimming World — continues to inspire swimmers of all ages. It’s safe to say: he’s rewriting the Masters record books one swim at a time.
Here is a look at all of the records that fell:
Day 1 Spring US Masters Nationals records
- Anton Ipsen, NYAC: men’s 30-34 1000 freestyle (9:17.76)
- The Olympic Club: mixed 25+ 400 freestyle relay (3:11.10)
- Swim Fort Lauderdale: mixed 75+ 400 freestyle relay (4:38.70)
Day 2 Spring US Masters Nationals records
- Daniela Barnea, Menlo Masters: women’s 80-84 100 butterfly (1:39.43)
- Tom Wolf, Lone Star Masters: men’s 70-74 100 backstroke (1:00.62)
- Cecilia McCloskey, Swim Fort Lauderdale: women’s 75-79 100 backstroke (1:13.34)
- Abraham Solano, Swim Kentucky Masters: men’s 400 IM (4:27.10)
- Swim Fort Lauderdale: men’s 75+ 200 medley relay (2:11.31)
- The Olympic Club: mixed 25+ 200 freestyle relay (1:26.78)
- Swim Fort Lauderdale: mixed 75+ 200 freestyle relay (2:05.34)
Day 3 Spring US Masters Nationals records
- Jim Tuchler, Illinois Masters: men’s 60-64 200 backstroke (2:06.60)
- Cecilia McClosky, Swim Fort Lauderdale: women’s 75-79 200 backstroke (2:46.57)
- Penny Noyes, Ensworth Aquatics: women’s 70-74 100 IM (1:11.17)
- Dakota Luther, Longhorn Aquatics: women’s 25-29 200 butterfly (1:56.62)
- Richard Abrahams, Rocky Mountain Regional Masters: men’s 80-84 50 freestyle (28.15)
- Karina Plocek, Rocky Mountain Regional Masters: women’s 55-59 50 freestyle (24.84)
- Collette Sappey, Rocky Mountain Regional Masters: women’s 60-64 50 freestyle (25.76)
- Hubie Kerns, Swim Fort Lauderdale: men’s 75-79 100 breaststroke (1:15.22)
- Corrin Buck, Michigan Masters: women’s 60-64 100 breaststroke (1:14.00)
- Drew Modrov, AGUA Masters: men’s 35-39 500 freestyle (4:30.02)
- The Olympic Club: mixed 18+ 200 medley relay (1:35.69)
- Swim Fort Lauderdale: mixed 75+ 200 medley relay (2:21.35)
Day 4 Spring US Masters Nationals records
- Lo Knapp, Swim Utah: women’s 70-74 200 breaststroke (3:03.47)
- Tom Wolf, Lone Star Masters: men’s 70-74 50 backstroke (28.62)
- Cecilia McClosky, Swim Fort Lauderdale: women’s 75-79 50 backstroke (33.81)
- Richard Abrahams, Rocky Mountain Regional Masters: men’s 80-84 50 butterfly (31.10)
- Crystal Murphy, The Olympic Club: women’s 18-24 50 butterfly (24.47)
- Caitlin Andrew, Longhorn Aquatics: women’s 35-39 50 butterfly (24.93)
- Penny Noyes, Ensworth Aquatics: women’s 70-74 50 butterfly (30.40)
- Cecilia McClosky, Swim Fort Lauderdale: women’s 75-79 50 butterfly (33.45)
- Swim Fort Lauderdale: men’s 75+ 200 freestyle relay (1:54.40)
- The Olympic Club: women’s 25+ 200 freestyle relay (1:34.06)