Even though it isn't her top event, Ania Axas '19 was hoping to swim her best time in the 500-yard freestyle at the Bud Erich Championships Feb. 27 at the Hopkins School.
Ania got her best, which was also the best ever in the long history of Wilbraham & Monson Academy swimming.
Ania set a new standard in the 500, touching the wall in five minutes, 16.46 seconds and smashing the previous mark by eight seconds.
"I'm happy I got a best time," Ania said. "I've been working hard, and this isn't particularly my best event, but I'm glad I'm continuing to be better in different events. I'm excited for New Englands."
Ania set the pool record in the 500 on Jan. 16 with a 5:24.4. Establishing a new school mark wasn't on her mind until she finished the race at Hopkins and turned to see the clock.
"I was hoping to do my best," said Ania, who finished fourth in the meet, which included schools of all sizes from Western New England. "Coach (Dan) Moran told me not to pay attention to anyone and to just swim my race and that's what I did.
"The last 150 yards, I just sprinted it. There was a girl in one of the other lanes who was close to me so I started kicking. When I finished I turned and saw 5:16. I was so happy. I couldn't believe it."
Ania also owns the school record in the 200 Individual Medley.
WMA will compete in the New England Prep School Athletic Council Division III Championship March 5 at the Canterbury School.