The 2026 U.S. National Championships began with a bang in Irvine, California, showcasing incredible performances in the 200 butterfly and 100 freestyle events.
The 2026 U.S. National Championships commenced on July 28 at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine, California, with a flurry of record-breaking performances and thrilling races. The first night of finals featured the 200 butterfly and 100 freestyle events, along with the fastest heats of the women’s 800 freestyle and men’s 1500 freestyle.
The men’s 100 freestyle was a highlight of the morning session, with four swimmers breaking the 48-second barrier. Brooks Curry led the charge with a time of 47.56 seconds, just shy of his lifetime best. Patrick Sammon (47.83), Maximus Williamson (47.93), and Caeleb Dressel (47.98) also joined Curry under the 48-second threshold.
Dressel’s time was particularly significant as it marked his first sub-48 second outing since the 2026 U.S. Olympic Trials, while Williamson broke his three-year-old lifetime best.
The Women’s 100 Freestyle: A Record-Breaking Performance
The women’s 100 freestyle saw Anna Moesch cruise to the top time of the morning with a stunning 53.10 seconds. She was surrounded by a field of fellow NCAA swimmers, including Camille Spink (53.26) and Liberty Clark (53.46). Rylee Erisman the world junior record holder, was the lone swimmer in the ‘A’ final who had yet to suit up for her collegiate team, seeded fourth with a 53.62.
Thrilling Races in the 200 Butterfly
The women’s 200 butterfly heats were a competitive affair, with the top six swimmers all within a second of each other. Bella Sims led after clocking a 2:08.39 lifetime best, putting her slightly ahead of Lindsay Looney (2:08.53) and Audrey Derivaux (2:08.68). Derivaux was aiming for a Junior Pan Pacs berth and would later compete in the 18&under final.
The men’s 200 butterfly heats were equally competitive. Jack Dahlgren ran down former world champion Luca Urlando in the last heat to earn lane four with a 1:55.16. The men’s side was an even closer affair, with Dahlgren seeded first and Logan Robinson securing lane eight in 1:55.95. With the likes of Urlando, Ilya KharunTyler Ray and Mitchell Schott in the mix, the win was up for grabs.
Surprises and Record-Breaking Swims
The women’s 200 butterfly final delivered a surprise as Hannah Bellard from the University of Michigan swam her second lifetime best of the day for the win. Bellard led from start to finish, clocking a national title time of 2:06.86. Bella Sims the top seed from the morning, found another gear down the final stretch, splitting a field-best 32.89 over the final 50 meters to go from fourth to second.
In the men’s 200 butterfly final, Luca Urlando emerged victorious with a time of 1:54.45, narrowly edging out Ilya Kharun (1:54.59) and Enzo Solitario (1:54.99). The race was a thrilling display of speed and strategy, with Urlando digging deep to hold off Kharun’s late charge.
The 2026 U.S. National Championships promise to deliver more exciting performances and record-breaking swims in the days to come. Stay tuned for updates on the remaining events and the standout athletes who continue to push the boundaries of competitive swimming.
