Athletes of the week

ABBY DUNCAN

Champlin Park, swimming

Just a sophomore, Duncan is already one of the best breaststroke swimmers in state history. She won her second consecutive championship in the event Saturday at the Class 2A meet. She did it in 1 minute, 1.3 seconds, which shattered the previous state meet record by more than one-half second.

What makes Duncan, who also won the 200 individual medley, so good in the breaststroke is her kick. According to her coach, Duncan is better than most in the state without even using her arms.

"The breaststroke, unlike every other stroke, is driven by the kick," Rebels coach Joe Thiel said. "Abby's kick is just phenomenal. She can kick within two seconds of the state qualifying time without using her arms."

For Duncan, it's a labor of love. She's headed to Atlanta next month for the U.S. National Short Course Championships, where she hopes to improve on her time and make a name for herself in the process.

"A lot of people say the breaststroke is too hard, but I love it," she said. "I've always been a breaststroker. It's just good to see all of the hard work and training pay off. The national record is 59-something, and that's what I'm shooting for."

HANNAH BOWEN

Stillwater, swimming

Four events, four records for the sophomore at the Class 2A meet. She won the 50 freestyle in 22.78 and the 100 freestyle in 49.78 -- both state meet records -- and swam on the winning 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams, both of which also set state meet records.

BROOKE DAVIDSON

Eagan, hockey

The junior goalie appeared in three games, posting a 2-0 record. She faced 51 shots and gave up only three goals, a .941 save percentage. She held defending Class 2A champion Eden Prairie to one goal in a 7-1 victory and shut out Lakeville South 5-0.

CASEY HIRSCH

Maple Grove, hockey

The sophomore center stepped out of the penalty box, gathered in a pass at center ice and scored on a breakaway in overtime to lift the Crimson to a 4-3 victory over Mounds View on Thursday. Two days later she scored two goals in a 5-1 victory over Andover.

JIM PAULSEN