PIAA Championships: Hatboro-Horsham’s Jia sets state record in the 100 fly

LEWISBURG — Annie Jia’s first ever PIAA 100-yard butterfly event culminated with hugs of congratulations from the two-time defending state champion along with a realization that she had broken a 13-year-old record.

“I thought it was wrong completely,” Jia said of when she first looked up at the clock following her swim. “I thought maybe it was a second too fast. It was completely unexpected, really shocking.”

The freshman from Hatboro-Horsham dazzled on Day One at the PIAA Championships, recording a time of 52.04 seconds in the 100 fly as part of an overwhelming performance by the Hatters.

Jia’s time surpassed the previous record of 52.99, set by Hershey’s Kathleen Nolan in 2009.

Not only did she beat history, but the present had plenty to contend with: Jia outraced junior Sophie Shaq of Fox Chapel, who earned second in 54.22.

“We’re both really good swimmers. She might win next year – it depends on our training,” Jia said. “I think she’s really good and I look forward to racing her again.”

Jia will be a key piece on Thursday as the Hatters march towards a state team title: they lead Class 3A after Day One.

Asked if her record in the fly bolstered her confidence, she replied: “Yes and no. Now there’s a lot of pressure to maintain this speed and keep getting better.”

She didn’t feel her best entering Kinney Natatorium on Wednesday but certainly provided something special.

“Before I came here, my legs were really tired. In warm-ups, I started feeling better so I got more confident,” she said.

Annie Jia also teamed up with Sarah Parker, Emmy Erikson and Kathy Jia to capture the gold in the 200 medley relay, in 1:42.67.

“It was really fun, and plus that was a best time for us,” the freshman said. “And I think it was really great because we worked together for that time. That gave me more confidence because I knew if I could go that fast in a relay, I could learn from it and apply that to my 100 fly later.”