Rylee Erisman Blazes to 53.80 Victory in 100 Free on Thrilling Night 2 at Ocala Futures…Read More…
On an electric second night of the 2025 Ocala Futures Championships, rising star Rylee Erisman delivered a jaw-dropping performance in the women’s 100-meter freestyle, stopping the clock at 53.80 seconds—a time that not only secured her the gold medal but also sent ripples of excitement throughout the competition.
Erisman, who has steadily built a name for herself on the national stage, stunned the crowd at the Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST) Center with a display of raw speed, technical precision, and unshakable composure. Her swim marked a new personal best and showcased her growing potential as one of America’s next great sprint talents.
A Statement Swim
From the moment she stepped onto the blocks, it was clear Erisman meant business. Wearing a calm yet focused expression, she surged off the start with one of the fastest reaction times in the field. By the 50-meter mark, she had already carved out a narrow lead with a sizzling 25.98 split, turning just ahead of a tightly packed chase group.
But it was her closing 50 meters that truly set her apart. While others began to fade slightly under the pressure, Erisman powered home with unwavering tempo and energy, splitting 27.82 on the back half. Her final time of 53.80 placed her well ahead of second-place finisher Kaitlyn Hou, who touched in 54.49, and third-place swimmer Madison Krueger, who finished in 54.62.
“I felt strong and relaxed going into the race,” Erisman said in a post-race interview. “My coaches and I have been working hard on refining my starts and turns, and I could feel that all come together tonight. It felt amazing.”
Rapid Rise in the Rankings
Erisman’s time not only dominated the Ocala Futures field but also elevated her to one of the top times in the nation for the summer season. A sub-54 performance in the 100 free at this level signals strong potential for international-level racing, including U.S. Nationals and possibly even World Championship consideration in the future.
“I’ve always dreamed of competing at the highest levels,” Erisman shared. “To see a 53 on the board tonight—it’s surreal. But it also makes me hungry for more.”
This performance adds to an already impressive season for the 19-year-old, who earlier this year posted fast swims at Sectionals and showed promise in the 50 free and 200 free as well. However, the 100-meter distance seems to be her sweet spot, combining her explosive sprint speed with enough endurance to outlast her competition down the stretch.
Crowd and Coaches React
Fans and fellow swimmers erupted in cheers as Erisman hit the wall, with many in the stands checking their stopwatches in disbelief. “You knew something special was coming the way she attacked that race,” said longtime coach Melanie Hines of Blue Wave Aquatics. “She’s got a gear that very few swimmers possess at her age.”
Even competitors were full of admiration. “Rylee swam an incredible race,” said runner-up Kaitlyn Hou. “She’s setting the bar, and it’s exciting to be part of a field where we’re all pushing each other to go faster.”
Erisman’s coach, Derek Lott, beamed with pride as he recounted the months of preparation leading into the meet. “This wasn’t just a fluke swim. We’ve seen signs of this in practice for weeks now. The maturity and poise she showed under the spotlight tonight—those are the traits of someone who can go very far in this sport.”
Night 2 Highlights Beyond Erisman
While Erisman stole the spotlight, Night 2 of the Ocala Futures Championships delivered a string of thrilling races across multiple events. The men’s 200 backstroke saw University of Florida recruit Jalen Marks clock a 1:58.76, while Sophia Gentry claimed the women’s 400 individual medley with a time of 4:45.92.
The session wrapped up with the mixed 4×100 freestyle relay, where the team from SwimMAC Carolina edged out the competition in a down-to-the-wire finish, further energizing a crowd that had already been on its feet for most of the evening.
Looking Ahead
As the Ocala Futures meet heads into its final days, the buzz around Erisman’s breakout swim continues to grow. With multiple events still on her schedule—including the 50 free and the 200 free—many are wondering whether she can replicate or even exceed her performance.
“She’s on fire right now,” said analyst and former Olympic swimmer Kara Lynn Joyce. “And what’s exciting is that she’s doing this in an environment that’s meant to help swimmers take that next step. The Futures Championships are producing stars before our eyes.”
For Erisman, however, the focus remains on the process. “I’m grateful for this moment, but I know there’s still a lot of work ahead,” she said. “I’m just taking it one race at a time.”
One thing is certain: after her 53.80 masterclass on Night 2, the swimming world will be watching her every stroke.
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