Rylee Erisman's surprising confession: "I've... grown to really love the 5Free!" Who would have thought a grueling set of five freestyle races could inspire such passion? This young swimming star is making waves, and her journey is only just beginning. Let's dive into her recent performance and what's fueling her excitement for the future.
A Glimpse into the 2026 Pro Swim Series - Austin:
The 2026 TYR Pro Swim Series in Austin, Texas, held from January 14th to 17th, served as a fantastic early-season test for many elite swimmers. The event took place at the prestigious Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, utilizing long course meters (LCM), which simulates the Olympic pool format. For those interested in the nitty-gritty, you can find the updated psych sheet here. Want to catch the action? Check out how to watch here. And for real-time results, head over to this link.
Rylee Erisman's Austin Success: Anya Pelshaw captured some excellent video footage of the meet, giving us a closer look at the athletes in action.
Sixteen-year-old Rylee Erisman impressed in Austin, securing 3rd place finishes in both the 200 freestyle (with a time of 1:57.19) and the 400 freestyle (clocking in at 4:11.02). But her day wasn't over! She was also the top seed heading into the 100 freestyle final, showcasing her versatility and speed.
SwimSwam had the opportunity to chat with Rylee, and she shared some fascinating insights. She reflected on 2025 as a pivotal year of learning and growth as an athlete. She emphasized the challenges she overcame and the lessons she learned, which have clearly translated into her impressive performances in 2026.
But here's where it gets exciting... Rylee also expressed her enthusiasm for the year ahead. 2026 holds some major milestones for her: graduating high school, competing in her first senior-level international competition at the Pan Pacific Championships, and beginning her collegiate journey at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley (Cal Berkeley). Talk about a busy year!
Many aspiring swimmers dream of attending a top university like Cal, known for its strong academics and thriving athletic program. Rylee's dedication and hard work are clearly paying off, and her future looks incredibly bright.
About Coleman Hodges (SwimSwam Contributor): Coleman Hodges started his aquatic journey incredibly young, at just one year old! While he may not remember those early splashes, something clearly resonated. He joined the Columbia Swim Club at the age of nine and is fondly remembered for his distinctive dragon swim trunks. To learn more about Coleman and his contributions, you can read his full bio here.
What do you think about Rylee's chances at the Pan Pacific Championships? And what advice would you give to a young swimmer aspiring to follow in her footsteps? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
