Finola Whelehan Shatters Records at 2026 NCHSAA 8A State Championships
A Historic Performance
On February 13-14, 2026, at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary, North Carolina, Finola Whelehan, a freshman at Green Hope High School and a product of the TAC Titans, made history. She broke a 16-year-old National Age Group Record (NAG) in the 200 freestyle, a record previously held by the legendary Missy Franklin. But here's where it gets controversial... While Franklin's record was set at the 2010 Speedo Champions Series – Western Region meet, Whelehan's performance at the 2026 NCHSAA 8A State Championships was even more impressive, as she chopped 1.62 seconds off her personal best.
Breaking Records
Finola's time of 1:44.25 in the 200 free was a remarkable achievement. It not only broke Franklin's NAG Record of 1:44.55 but also set a new personal best for herself, which was previously 1:45.87, set at the TAC Titans Big Southern Classic in November. This performance places her as just the third 14-and-under female swimmer to break 1:45 in the 200 free, joining the ranks of Franklin and Claire Tuggle.
All-Time Performers
Here's a look at the all-time performers in the 13-14 girls' 200 freestyle (SCY):
- Finola Whelehan (Greenhope High School/TAC Titans), 1:44.25 – 2026
- Missy Franklin (Colorado Stars), 1:44.55 – 2010
- Claire Tuggle (Clovis Swim Club), 1:44.96 – 2018
- Rylee Erisman (Laker Swim), 1:45.28 – 2023
- Justina Kozan (Brea Aquatics), 1:45.77 – 2018
Additional Achievements
Finola's performance didn't stop at breaking records. She also set new personal bests in the 50 free (23.27) and 100 free (49.70), leading off Green Hope's 200 and 400 free relays. Her performance in the 100 free also slots her into 41st all-time in the 13-14 age group.
Team Success
Finola's younger sister, Sloane Whelehan, a Tennessee commit, won the MVP and High Point Award. She claimed wins in the 50 free (22.85) and 100 free (49.42) while contributing to the team's victorious 400 free and runner-up 200 free relays. Her swim in the 100 free tied her personal best time, while in the 50 free, she was just four one-hundredths off.
A Thought-Provoking Question
While Finola's achievements are undoubtedly impressive, they raise an interesting question: How will her performance impact the future of swimming, and will it inspire a new generation of young swimmers to push the boundaries of what's possible?
