Erika Brown of Tennessee is second woman to break 50 seconds in 100 butterfly

In order to truly appreciate what Erika Brown has accomplished this year, a layman’s perspective is necessary.

That’s where Tennessee swimming coach Matt Kredich comes in.

The sophomore struggled as a freshman: Homesick? Yeah. Frustrated? You bet. Sick often? Yep. Overwhelmed? Maybe a little.

A renewed commitment toward improvement and a dedication to her craft has the swimming world taking notice with wide eyes as the NCAA championships are set to begin Wednesday at Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio.

Brown’s amazing progress is tangible: 50-yard freestyle: From 22.33 seconds as a freshman to 21.39 in last month's SEC meet; 100 free: From 48.46 to 47.17; 100-yard butterfly: From 55.12 to 49.85.

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Brown smiles and shrugs her way out of a comparison, “I don’t know other sports very well.” But Kredich gave it meaning that an average sports fan can understand.

“It’s like a baseball player going (from hitting) .280 to .400,” Kredich said. “It’s like a basketball player getting 12 points and eight rebounds a game, to averaging 30 (points) and 20 (rebounds). It’s a monumental drop.”

Those low times were good enough for Brown to win three individual gold medals - 50 free, 100 free, 100 fly - at the SEC meet. She also was part of  three relay golds (200 free, 400 medley, 200 medley) and one silver (800 free).  

Brown became only the second woman to break 50 seconds in the 100 fly. Only Olympian Kelsi Worrell has been faster in 49.43.

“We, as coaches, are accustomed to freshmen coming in and struggling,” Kredich said. “She was still a joy to coach. We looked at her and said, ‘If she gets out of her own way, she’ll go 49 in the fly.’”

‘Not where I want to be’

Brown and her family bounced around a bit in her formative years. Kansas, Northern California and Charlotte, N.C. – then Ocean City, Md., after high school graduation.

She found her way to Tennessee, a place – and a team – she has grown to love.

“I’m able to adapt to change very well,” Brown said. “I can figure things out immediately. In the pool, you have a little family wherever you go.”

What she had trouble figuring out was why her times had stagnated last year. She wasn’t seeing the results for which she had hoped.

After spring semester ended, Brown got away from Tennessee for a few months and headed home. Kredich said it’s not unusual for freshmen to skip the summer session, in favor of re-charging.

Home was where she had her revelation.

“Last year needed to happen,” Brown said. “Over the summer, I had to re-evaluate everything; what I wanted about swimming and what I wanted to give to this team. 
“I said, ‘This is not where I want to be.’ I wrote out goals; wrote out where I was and where I wanted to be. I didn’t want to be in that place anymore.”

Flying in the fly

Last year at this time, Brown wouldn’t have even remotely considered competing in the 100 butterfly. When the coaches ran the idea by her, she didn’t balk.

“Last year I swam the 100 butterfly once or twice,” Brown said. “I was excited (when approached to swim the fly). I had to learn how to be relaxed within the stroke; figuring out the tempo and technique.

“I haven’t surprised myself (with the success) because we’ve worked so hard. I don’t think about the times so much. I’m always looking at the next goal."

This week, she will be the hunted in the NCAA championships.

“I didn’t even think about it in terms of time,” Brown said of her progress. “I didn’t put a limit on it. I believe you could always improve. I focus on the technique and know the time will come. Whenever I think about being the best, I think about everyone I’m competing against.”

Al Lesar is a freelance contributor.