USMS Members Put Up Record-Breaking Swims at Spring Nationals

Just a few strokes from Olympic trials at Lucas Oil Stadium earlier this month, USMS swimmers put up their own top times and set 27 new USMS records at the 2024 USMS Spring National Championship at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis.

Here are the stories of three record-setters who shined.

(Note: All records are subject to change pending verification.)

Daniela Barnea, Menlo Masters

Growing up in Israel, Daniela Barnea lacked a place to swim during school, so she learned how to swim in a 20-meter pool with no coach.

Barnea, now a spry, healthy 80, more than makes up for those early deficiencies by swimming up to seven days a week with Menlo Masters. That dedication helped her set four Masters records in the 80–84 age group.

And even though she didn’t set new records in the breaststroke events, she did leave with six titles and a continued love for swimming and everything it offers.

“Swimming definitely keeps me young and fit; it keeps me out of the rocking chair,” she says. “There’s something soothing and relaxing about being in the water. Swimming outside every day under a blue sky is like meditation for me. It’s very powerful.”

Barnea was hoping to do as well as she could, especially since she set seven Southern Pacific– and four national-best times at a Masters meet in May.

She credits her performance to great coaching, dedicated training, great teammates, weight training, and an ever-growing love for the sport.

“I really wanted the breast records, but I was only able to get one of them (50 breast),” says Barnea, whose children and grandchildren swim or play water polo. “Swimming is such a great sport, one you can do no matter how old you get.

“There are 90- and 95-year-old people still competing, and I hope I can keep swimming at that age. I look and feel younger because of swimming, and I can’t imagine not doing it.”

Jennifer Mihalik, North Carolina Masters Swimming

Spring Nationals marked the first time Jennifer Mihalik swam in the IU Natatorium since the 2000 Olympic trials.

“I was surprised what a rollercoaster of emotions I felt being back in the building and pool,” says Mihalik, who competed in the 100 freestyle and both backstroke events in 2000. “But this was the first time my kids (ages 10 and 7) got to watch their mom compete at nationals and set records, so it was a very special meet for me. I love swimming at nationals.”

Mihalik, a member of North Carolina Masters Swimming, swam away with four USMS records and multiple titles, both individual and relay.

Mihalik, 45, opened the meet by posting a new record in the women’s 45–49 50 backstroke (27.14) only to break it again (27.01) two days later. In between, she put up a record 57.60 to win the 100 back.

She and her teammates also combined to set a new USMS mark of 1:38.11 in winning the 45+ 200 freestyle relay.

“I usually don’t know that I’ve set a record until someone tells me; it’s just not what it’s all about for me these days,” says Mihalik, who swam collegiately for Clemson University before transferring to the University of Georgia to swim post-grad in the ’90s.

“Swimming now as an adult is for fun and physical activity. It’s also more about teammates and the other swimmers now. I truly enjoy the overall experience, spending time with good people. Swimming keeps me youthful, mind, body, and spirit.”

Cole Weiderman, Conejo Valley Masters

As a Division III All-American in the 1650 at California Lutheran University, Cole Weiderman went into Spring Nationals confident he could win the event and set a new USMS record in the process.

When he touched the wall, Weiderman had done just that, eclipsing the previous 18–24 mark by more than six seconds.

Weiderman, who graduated from college this spring, was also pleased with his other swims. He won the 500 freestyle and 400 IM as well.

“I’ve been working toward my teaching certification since graduation and finishing my student teaching, so I haven’t had as much time to train,” says Weiderman, 22, a member of Conejo Valley Masters. “I went into nationals expecting to swim fast, but I went faster than I was expecting.”

Weiderman attended the event in Indianapolis along with his mother, stepfather, and uncle, all of whom competed. He was inspired by his mother, Jennifer, who swam multiple events and strokes in the 55-59 age group.

Having been away at school for the past four years, he says watching the dedication and speed his family members was great.

“I was definitely more relaxed being there with my family,” he says. “In college, especially in dual and conference meets, it was always team versus team, and I wanted to do what I could to help win.

“But with Masters swimming, we just swam for best times and really enjoyed the experience together. It was a great being there to cheer on my mom, stepdad, and uncle. It was so great to see their hard work pay off.”

Weiderman says he intends to continue swimming Masters while he continues to look for a teaching position.

“It’s a great way to stay in shape, and I really enjoyed the meet,” he says. “I can see myself doing Masters swimming indefinitely.”