Hold onto your swim caps, because a new star has just shattered a legendary record! Finola Whelehan, a 14-year-old freshman from Green Hope High School, has smashed Missy Franklin’s 16-year-old National Age Group (NAG) record in the 200-yard freestyle. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: Whelehan’s time of 1:44.25 not only broke Franklin’s mark of 1:44.55 but also sliced a whopping 1.62 seconds off her own personal best. This isn’t just a record—it’s a statement that a new era of swimming talent has arrived.
The stage for this historic moment was the 2026 8A NCHSAA State Championships, held on February 13-14 at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary, North Carolina. In the world of short-course yards (SCY) swimming, this event is a big deal, and Whelehan’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Her split times tell the story: she went out fast and finished even faster, outpacing Franklin’s splits from 2010 and solidifying her place among the elite.
And this is the part most people miss: Whelehan is only the third 14-and-under female swimmer to break the 1:45 barrier in the 200 free, joining the ranks of Franklin and Claire Tuggle (1:44.96). This achievement raises a thought-provoking question: Are we witnessing the rise of the next Missy Franklin, or is Whelehan carving out a legacy all her own? Let’s dive into the numbers and see where she stands among the all-time greats.
Here’s the updated leaderboard for the 13-14 girls’ 200 freestyle (SCY):
1. Finola Whelehan (Green Hope High School/TAC Titans), 1:44.25 – 2026
2. Missy Franklin (Colorado Stars), 1:44.55 – 2010
3. Claire Tuggle (Clovis Swim Club), 1:44.96 – 2018
4. Rylee Erisman (Laker Swim), 1:45.28 – 2023
5. Justina Kozan (Brea Aquatics), 1:45.77 – 2018
But Whelehan’s dominance didn’t stop there. She also set new personal bests in the 50 free (23.27) and 100 free (49.70), anchoring Green Hope’s relays and securing her spot as the 41st fastest 13-14-year-old in the 100 free all-time rankings. Her versatility was on full display as she added a runner-up finish in the 100 backstroke (54.07), helping Green Hope secure second place overall behind Myers Park, who claimed their fifth consecutive title.
Now, here’s where it gets controversial: While Whelehan’s achievements are undeniable, some might argue that comparing her to Franklin at this stage is premature. After all, Franklin went on to become a five-time Olympic medalist. But isn’t it exciting to speculate? Could Whelehan follow in Franklin’s footsteps, or will her path take a different turn? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
Adding to the family’s success, Finola’s older sister, Sloane Whelehan, a Tennessee commit, took home the MVP and High Point Award. Sloane dominated with wins in the 50 free (22.85) and 100 free (49.42), while contributing to her team’s relay victories. Her 100 free time matched her personal best, and she was just a hair’s breadth away from it in the 50 free. Talk about a swimming powerhouse family!
As we celebrate Finola Whelehan’s groundbreaking achievement, it’s clear that the future of swimming is bright. Will she continue to break records, or will new challengers emerge? One thing’s for sure: the pool just got a whole lot more exciting. What do you think? Is Whelehan the next big thing, or is it too early to tell? Let the debate begin!
