5A state swimming: Fossil Ridge’s Lucy Bell breaks a Missy Franklin high school record

THRONTON – When it comes to not only Colorado high school swimming, but swimming on the world stage, Missy Franklin’s name is synonymous with success.

On Wednesday night at the 2022 5A girls swimming and diving championships at the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center, Fossil Ridge’s Lucy Bell put her name right up alongside the all-time swimming great.

Bell broke Franklin’s 2013 Colorado state record in the 200 IM, clocking in with the new state standard of 1:56.41. It was a tight split, as Franklin’s record was 1:56.85.

The record was something Bell has had her eye on since starting high school, and it all came together for her in her final 200 IM swim of her high school career.

“I’ve known about that record since I started high school,” Bell explained. “I always thought that I wanted to go for it, it’s always been a goal of mine, but I never wanted to say it because what if I don’t break it. To actually be able to do it is super exciting.”

That was not the only highlight for Bell on the evening, as she also won the title in the 100 freestyle (49.09), earning her an astounding seven individual crowns over her four year career. She also swam the anchor in the final race of the evening, the 400 free relay, and turned in a split of 48.23 to lead her team to victory in the event.

“I knew I had all of my teammate’s support, and I didn’t want to let them down,” Bell said. “At the very end, my legs just gave out and I was just flinging into the wall. It was super fun to be able to swim with those girls because they are some of my best friends. It was just a great end to the meet.”

After the conclusion of the meet, Bell earned another accolade, as she was voted by the coaches as the 5A Swimmer of the Year. It was the perfect cap to an outstanding prep career, and a sweet send off for Bell, who will swim at Stanford next season.

“It was a super exciting day, especially getting some times that I’ve been shooting for for a while. It was just so fun to be able to go out and swim these races and have a great final high school meet.”