Claire Weinstein Wins 800, but Declines Short Course Worlds Spot for Health Reasons
Claire Weinstein claimed two victories and earned a spot to go to the short course world championships, but gave up those spots on Saturday.
Weinstein made the announcement on her on-deck interview that she will skip the 2026 World Short Course Championships to remain at Cal and continue to get healthy.
Claire Weinstein missed half of the year with viral meningitis and is still not 100% healthy from that bout. Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges specifically caused by a viral infection. The meninges are the areas surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
She finished the 2026 USA Swimming Short Course World Championship Trials with a win in the 800 free (8:25.15).
Weinstein also won the 400 freestyle earlier in the meet.
“It has been super rough. Viral meningitis is a really serious illness. I have downplayed it a lot when I explained it to people, but it was super, super rough,” Claire Weinstein said. “Honestly there was a time when didn’t think I would be able to be a high-level athlete or be racing again.
“I am thankful that I could get some race reps in and do it in a healthy way, not a way that would send me backwards in this long journey I’ve been through.”
