The 400-meter freestyle at Swimming World Cup is a challenging race as it involves eight laps. The tide of the game can change at any point, and the swimmers dare not lose sight of the competition. With the Swimming World Cup 2023 beginning on a high note, one American swimming prodigy entered the 400-meter freestyle finals on October 6, with a bold purpose, but the fates dealt her a cruel hand. 

Claire Weinstein was one of eight finalists at the 400-meter freestyle event at the Swimming World Cup’s Berlin tour on October 6. She wanted to push for the world record from Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus. However, despite her determination, she could not live up to her own expectations on day 1.

Claire Weinstein with a disappointing finals finish 

Claire Weinstein ranked third in the 400-meter freestyle heat, inspiring confidence for the finals. When she stepped out to the arena, the German fans cheered in excitement. All were anticipating her to continue her strong performance but the results left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. Weinstein could not keep up with her rivals from the very start of the race and finished the race just as she started. 

She remained at the tail end of the pool of race throughout the race in lane 3. The 16-year-old swimmer was at the far end of the pool when her competitors put their engines on full throttle from the third split onwards. At the last and final 400-meter split she was almost three seconds behind Erika Fairweather who won the event for New Zealand. Not only did she win the race but she also managed to post the World Cup record at 4:01.09. However, even she could not attain that elusive mark that Claire Weinstein was chasing. 

Ariarne Titmus’ 400-meter freestyle record remains unbroken

Claire Weinstein defeated the formidable Katie Ledecky at the 2023 U.S. Championships. Ledecky was impressed by her and said, “Weinstein is an outstanding swimmer, who has been making steady progress and possesses great self-confidence”. This gave the teen prodigy the confidence to leap for Ariane Titmus’ 400-meter freestyle record of 3.55.38 seconds.

The Australian had made the record at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka and gave Katie Ledecky her third consecutive loss. Joining Titmus and Ledecky on the podium in Japan was tonight’s winner Erika Fairweather. 

Read More: Swimming World Cup 2023: America’s Michael Andrew and Claire Weinstein Lead the Way in the Morning Session

Weinstein wanted to rewrite the Australian champion’s record and make her team proud. Fairweather on the other hand was looking for redemption for the loss of the gold in Japan. While the victory gave much solace to the swimmer from New Zealand, the American swimming prodigy was left wallowing in grief after her dismal performance. 

Watch this story: Uncover the Top Spots to Experience Swimming With Dolphins