NOTEBOOK

Swimmer Michael Flaherty was far from calm after equaling a decade-old Festival record in the women’s 400-meter individual medley.

“This is so exciting for me,” she said. “I’ve never been to anything like this. I’m just so happy. I can’t believe it. This is so awesome.

“This changes my whole perspective on swimming and everything. I’m so excited I’m shaking. . . . I didn’t think I could ever go that fast.”

After tying Laura Yenglin in the 200-meter individual medley, the 15-year-old Flaherty insisted that Yenglin take the gold medal home with her to Lakewood, Colo.

Flaherty, who hails from Baltimore but lives most of the year at The Peddie School in Highstown, N.J., was willing to wait for another gold medal to arrive by mail.

The Associated Press contributed to this notebook.