Get ready to dive into a record-breaking performance that’s turning heads in the swimming world! Carson Foster has shattered the US Open Meet Record in the 400 IM with a jaw-dropping time of 4:07.02, marking his third-fastest swim ever in this grueling event. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: this time also ranks as his second-best performance, just a hair behind his personal record of 4:06.52, which earned him silver at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships. Foster’s achievement not only eclipses the previous US Open Meet Record of 4:10.09 set by Chase Kalisz in 2022 but also cements his status as a force to be reckoned with in the pool.
2025 U.S. OPEN DETAILS
Mark your calendars for this highly anticipated event:
- Dates: December 3-6, 2025
- Location: Austin, Texas, at the iconic Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center
- Schedule: Prelims kick off at 10 a.m. EST, with finals starting at 7 p.m. EST (except Day 1, which begins at 5 p.m. EST)
- Pool Length: Long Course Meters (LCM)
For all the details, check out the Meet Central (https://www.usaswimming.org/event/2025/12/03/default-calendar/toyota-us-open), Psych Sheets (https://swimswam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/25tuso-psych-sheet.pdf), and Live Results (https://www.omegatiming.com/2025/2025-toyota-u-s-open-championships-live-results). Don’t miss the Live Recaps for daily updates on the action, including Finals and Prelims (links provided below).
MEN’S 400 IM – FINALS
Let’s put Foster’s achievement in perspective with some key 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 (now broken by Foster)
- Texas Pool Record: 4:08.46, Carson Foster
Top 8 Finishers
1. Carson Foster (UN-MR) – 4:07.02 CR
2. Luka Mijatovic (PLS) – 4:15.91
3. Baylor Nelson (TEX) – 4:15.91
4. Cooper Lucas (TEX) – 4:16.60
5. Tommy Bried (UOFL) – 4:18.65
6. Tristan Jankovics (OSU) – 4:19.02
7. Bobby Finke (SPA-FL) – 4:19.02
8. Gregg Enoch (UOFL) – 4:24.80
Breaking Down the Race
Foster’s split comparison reveals his dominance in the butterfly, backstroke, and freestyle legs compared to Kalisz’s 2022 performance. Interestingly, Kalisz held the edge in the breaststroke leg three years ago. Foster’s time today was just a fraction off his lifetime best, with the most notable difference coming in the backstroke leg, where he was slightly slower than in 2022. And this is the part most people miss: Foster’s time today would have secured him silver at the 2025 World Championships, an event he unfortunately had to scratch due to an ankle injury suffered during the 200 IM finals. Is Foster’s decision to prioritize health over competition a smart move, or should athletes push through injuries for major events? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Controversial Take: Some argue that Foster’s absence from the 400 IM at Worlds cost him a shot at gold. Others believe his strategic withdrawal showcases maturity and long-term career planning. What’s your take? Share your thoughts below!
About the Author
Anya Pelshaw has been SwimSwam’s go-to writer and social media coordinator since June 2021, covering major events like the Women’s NCAA Championships and US Summer Nationals. Her insights bring you closer to the action—check out her full bio here.
