Audrey Derivaux Smashes 400 IM at 2026 Indy Sectionals

16-year-old's 4:40.99 time signals a new generation of elite medley swimmers

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:08am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the fluid movements and rapid transitions of a 400 IM swimmer, conveying the demanding nature of the event.A cubist interpretation of the intense focus and technical precision required to excel in the grueling 400 IM event.Indianapolis Today

Audrey Derivaux, a rising star in American swimming, clocked a blistering time of 4:40.99 in the 400-meter individual medley at the 2026 Indianapolis Sectionals meet. This performance, which places her 3rd best in her career and 22nd in the world this season, showcases Derivaux's blend of elite speed and growth potential, hinting at a swimmer approaching her peak.

Why it matters

Derivaux's standout 400 IM time suggests a maturing multi-stroke racer capable of sustaining speed through the demanding second half of the event. This performance, along with the strong showings of peers like Kayla Han and Wilson York, signals a shifting confidence in the American IM pipeline as a new generation of swimmers pushes the envelope on endurance and technique across the medley.

The details

Derivaux's time of 4:40.99 in long course meters is a significant personal best, indicating she is dialing in the transitions and tempo changes that convert potential into a consistently high ceiling. The close duel between Derivaux and Han, who touched 4:41.49 for second, offers a live look at how training blocks translate to meet-night results, with the two swimmers representing different development paths.

  • Derivaux's 400 IM time of 4:40.99 was set at the 2026 Indianapolis Sectionals meet in late March.

The players

Audrey Derivaux

A rising star in American swimming who clocked a blistering time of 4:40.99 in the 400-meter individual medley at the 2026 Indianapolis Sectionals meet, placing her 3rd best in her career and 22nd in the world this season.

Kayla Han

An Indiana commit who touched 4:41.49 for second place in the 400 IM at the 2026 Indianapolis Sectionals, nudging toward her personal best despite a tough field.

Wilson York

A 16-year-old swimmer who won the 400 IM at the 2026 Indianapolis Sectionals with a time of under 4:21, demonstrating that the younger cohort is not just participating but clocking times that demand veteran-level focus and discipline.

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What’s next

Derivaux's next competitions will be closely watched to see if she can sustain or even improve on this form under a more tailored taper. Additionally, the performances of Kayla Han and Emily Wolf at upcoming NCAA or national team selection meets will be important to monitor, as they look to translate their Indy momentum into faster championship-centric races.

The takeaway

The key takeaway from Derivaux's standout 400 IM performance is not just about one race, but a broader diagnostic trend: the best medley athletes are no longer choosing between speed, endurance, or efficiency, but are integrating all three into a cohesive, sustainable rhythm. This suggests a new era of development pipelines, coaching strategies, and evolving expectations for American medley specialists.