19-year-old Tolu Young has rewritten Fiji’s swimming history once again, setting a new national record of 49.7 seconds in the 100 metres long-course freestyle at the 2025 US Championships, earning a place in the B final at the US Open Swimming Championships in Texas which will be held tonight.
The exceptional swim marks yet another milestone for the rising star, who continues to impress on the international stage with his speed and consistency.
His mother, Morika Hunter, expressed her pride and delight, describing the performance as a “massive personal best” for her son.
Young’s achievements in Texas have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Yesterday, he set another Fiji record and personal best in the 100 metres butterfly, clocking 55.27 seconds at the US Open.
He also made history as the first Fijian to qualify for the US Open Championships Men’s 50 metres freestyle final, where he finished seventh in a highly competitive field.
Young earned his spot in the final after being ranked sixth in the qualifying line-up and delivered a standout effort by beating American sprint star Caeleb Dressel in the process.
In addition to his finals appearance, Young recorded a new Fiji record in the 50 metres freestyle heats, stopping the clock at an impressive 21.92 seconds.
Tammy
