Ayden Tan Shatters NAG Record, Becomes Youngest American Ever to Crack 55 Seconds in 100m Freestyle… Read More…
In a dazzling display of speed and poise beyond his years, 13-year-old swimming prodigy Ayden Tan has etched his name into the history books, becoming the youngest American swimmer ever to break the 55-second barrier in the 100-meter freestyle. Competing at the 2025 U.S. Junior Nationals in Irvine, California, Tan stunned the crowd — and the swimming community at large — with a blistering time of 54.98 seconds, eclipsing the previous National Age Group (NAG) record for the boys’ 13-14 category.
The previous mark of 55.21 seconds, set by rising star Kaii Winkler in 2020, had stood firm for half a decade and was considered one of the more challenging age-group records in American swimming. Yet Tan, who trains with the North Coast Aquatics club under coach Erik Maurer, attacked the race with confidence, turning at the 50-meter mark in 26.80 seconds before closing with a powerful back-half split of 28.18.
“We knew he had a fast swim in him,” says Coach Erik Maurer.
“We’d been seeing it in practice — that hunger, that drive — but doing it under pressure at a national-level meet? That’s something special. Ayden’s ability to rise to the moment is what sets him apart,” Maurer told reporters after the race.
For Tan, the moment was surreal.
“I honestly didn’t know I broke 55 until I saw the board,” the soft-spoken Tan said, flashing a humble grin in the post-race interview. “I was just focused on staying loose, having fun, and swimming my race. To see that time… it’s a dream come true.”
A Rising Star With a Growing Reputation
Tan has been steadily climbing the ranks of the age-group swimming scene over the past two years. Known for his explosive starts and sharp underwaters, the Southern California native first turned heads at the 2024 Winter Juniors, where he clocked several top-five national times in his age group. His performance in Irvine, however, has elevated him from promising talent to national phenom.
With this swim, Tan not only broke the elusive 55-second mark but also became the first 13-year-old American swimmer in history to do so — a feat that could rewrite the expectations for the age category.
“He’s changing the narrative of what’s possible at this age,” said USA Swimming’s High Performance Director, Katie Arnold. “Breaking 55 at 13 is unheard of. It’s the kind of swim that inspires young athletes across the country.”
The Race Breakdown: Speed, Strategy, and Composure
Tan’s strategy was clear: maximize his explosive first 50 meters while maintaining composure for the closing lap. His first-half split of 26.80 seconds placed him just behind older competitors in the field, but it was his back-half endurance — and razor-sharp technique — that sealed the historic swim.
“He didn’t panic on the second 50,” noted former Olympic medalist Nathan Adrian, who was present at the meet as a guest analyst. “That’s what impressed me the most. He stayed composed, kept his stroke together, and trusted his training. That’s rare for a swimmer his age.”
The race also featured some of the nation’s top junior swimmers, making Tan’s achievement even more remarkable. Despite being one of the youngest competitors in the heat, Tan surged in the final meters, touching the wall just ahead of several seasoned 14-year-olds.
More Than Just a Fast Time
While the headlines will rightfully focus on Tan’s record-breaking swim, those close to him emphasize his humility and work ethic.
“Ayden’s the kind of kid who stays after practice to help clean up equipment,” said Coach Maurer. “He doesn’t let the hype get to his head. He’s always asking how he can improve, not just in swimming, but as a teammate.”
Family, too, plays a significant role in Tan’s journey. His parents, originally from Singapore, moved to the United States over a decade ago to pursue better opportunities — a decision that Ayden has repeatedly credited for giving him the chance to chase his dreams.
“My mom and dad have been my biggest supporters,” Tan said. “They drive me to early morning practices, push me to be better, and remind me to have fun with it all. I’m really lucky.”
What’s Next for Ayden Tan?
With this historic swim now under his belt, attention naturally turns to what the future holds for the young star. Tan has already qualified for multiple finals at the Junior Nationals and is expected to make a strong showing in the 200-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly later this week.
Coach Maurer, however, is keeping expectations in check.
“We’re focused on steady progress,” Maurer explained. “This is a great milestone, but it’s one step in a long journey. Our priority is to keep him healthy, happy, and motivated.”
USA Swimming officials hinted that Tan might be invited to join developmental national team training camps later this year — a stepping stone toward representing the United States on the international stage.
A Moment That Inspires
As word of Tan’s achievement spreads through social media and the wider swimming community, many are already calling him the future of American sprinting. But for Ayden Tan, it’s simply about enjoying the sport he loves.
“I just want to keep having fun, racing my friends, and seeing how far I can go,” Tan said, his trademark smile never fading.
With talent, humility, and a relentless drive, Ayden Tan’s breakthrough swim is more than a record — it’s a statement that the next generation of American swimming is in very good hands.
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