Hold onto your swim caps, folks! Carson Foster just shattered the U.S. Open Meet record in the men's 400 IM with an astounding time of 4:07.02! This performance isn't just impressive; it's the third-fastest time ever for Foster in this event.
Let's dive into the details of the 2025 U.S. Open, which took place from December 3rd to 6th in Austin, Texas, at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center.
- Prelims: 10 a.m. EST
- Finals: 7 p.m. EST (Day 1: 5 p.m. EST)
The competition was held in a long course meters (LCM) format.
Here’s a quick recap of the key timings:
- Finals: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3
- Prelims: Day 2, Day 3
MEN’S 400 IM – Finals
To put Foster's achievement into perspective, here's a look at the records:
- World Record: 4:02.50, Leon Marchand (FRA) – 2023
- U.S. Open Record: 4:05.25, Michael Phelps (USA) – 2008
- U.S. Open Meet Record: 4:10.09, Chase Kalisz (USA) – 2022
- Texas Pool Record: 4:08.46, Carson Foster
And here's how the top finishers stacked up:
- Carson Foster (UN-MR) – 4:07.02 CR
- Luka Mijatovic (PLS) – 4:15.91
- Baylor Nelson (TEX) – 4:15.91
- Cooper Lucas (TEX) – 4:16.60
- Tommy Bried (UOFL) – 4:18.65
- Tristan Jankovics (OSU) – 4:19.02
- Bobby Finke (SPA-FL) – 4:19.02
- Gregg Enoch (UOFL) – 4:24.80
Foster's time of 4:07.02 not only secured him the U.S. Open Meet record but also marks his second-fastest performance ever. His personal best is 4:06.56, which earned him a silver medal at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships.
Now, let's compare Foster's performance to the previous record holder, Chase Kalisz:
| Distance (m) | Foster 2025 US Open | Kalisz 2022 US Open | Foster 2022 Worlds |
| :----------- | :------------------- | :------------------- | :------------------ |
| 50 | 25.76 | 25.76 | 25.86 |
| 100 | 55.23 | 56.55 | 55.42 |
| 150 | 1:27.24 | 1:28.97 | 1:27.20 |
| 200 | 1:58.36 | 2:00.84 | 1:58.18 |
| 250 | 2:33.68 | 2:35.50 | 2:32.84 |
| 300 | 3:09.30 | 3:10.69 | 3:08.50 |
| 350 | 3:39.29 | 3:41.38 | 3:38.08 |
| 400 | 4:07.02 | 4:10.09 | 4:06.56 |
As you can see, Foster was quicker on the butterfly, backstroke, and freestyle legs. Kalisz had the edge on the breaststroke in 2022. Interestingly, Foster was just a hair off his personal best, with the backstroke leg showing the most significant difference compared to his performance three years ago.
But here's where it gets controversial... Foster didn't compete in the 400 IM at the 2025 World Championships due to an ankle injury. He was the number 3 seed heading into the event. Had he competed and replicated his time from the U.S. Open, he would have taken home the silver medal.
What do you think? Do you believe Foster would have won a medal at the World Championships? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
