NCAA Swimming Championships: Huske, Kos, Curzan, and Sims Face Crucial Event Decisions

The upcoming NCAA Championships promise to be unlike any in recent history, with changes to the competition format – including the elimination of consolation finals and a split schedule for diving events – forcing swimmers and coaches to strategically reassess their event lineups. As conference championships conclude, the focus shifts to the critical decisions athletes must produce to maximize their performance and team points in March.

Torri Huske’s Dilemma: 200 IM or 100 Freestyle?

Stanford’s Torri Huske, an Olympic gold medalist and the most accomplished swimmer currently competing in college, faces a particularly challenging choice. After winning the 200 IM at last year’s NCAA Championships and placing second in both the 100 butterfly and 100 freestyle, Huske must now decide between the 200 IM and the 100 freestyle, events scheduled back-to-back on the final night of the meet.

Initially, the 100 freestyle appeared the more logical option, given the strength of her Stanford teammates Caroline Bricker and Lucy Bell in the 200 IM. However, the emergence of Virginia sophomore Anna Moesch, who recently defeated Huske in the 100-yard freestyle at the ACC Championships with the fastest time in the country, has complicated matters. Swimming World Magazine reports on this developing rivalry.

Huske currently holds the nation’s top time in the 200 IM, having narrowly won the ACC Championships over Louisville’s Anastasia Gorbenko. She remains the only active college swimmer to have broken the 1:50 barrier in the event. Stanford teammate Bricker may also face a difficult decision between the 200 IM and 200 fly.

Beyond these key events, Huske is poised to excel in the 100 fly and 50 free. She is closing in on becoming the second woman ever to swim the 100 fly in under 48 seconds, and clocked a time of 20.92 on a relay leadoff at last season’s national meet. However, Camille Spink recently posted a time of 20.87 to win the SEC meet, challenging Huske’s dominance in the 50 free.

Hubert Kos Weighs Backstroke Double

On the men’s side, Texas’ Hubert Kos is another swimmer facing a strategic decision. Kos won both backstroke events and the 200 IM at last year’s NCAA Championships, setting record-breaking times. A repeat performance would require him to compete in both the 200 IM and 200 back on the final night.

Kos tested this double at the SEC Championships, but was unable to secure a win in the 200 back against Florida’s Jonny Marshall. Despite this, a fully tapered Kos remains a strong contender for the 200 back national title, even while fatigued.

Curzan and Sims Positioned for Success

Virginia’s Claire Curzan benefits from the revised schedule, which allows her to race her three best events – the 200 back, 100 back, and 100 fly – without scheduling conflicts. At the ACC Championships, Curzan swam the fastest time ever in the 200 back and moved to second-fastest all-time in both the 100 back and 100 fly.

Michigan’s Bella Sims, however, will face tough choices across all three days of competition. While known for her success in the 200 and 500 free, Sims is likely to focus on the 400 IM, where she currently holds the nation’s top time (3:58.02), and the 100 back.

Aimee Canny’s Versatility

Virginia senior Aimee Canny possesses the versatility to contend in six different events. She will likely prioritize the 200 free, 400 IM, and 200 breaststroke, having recently posted a stunning time of 2:02.97 in the 200 breaststroke at the ACC Championships.

With conference meets completed, these versatile competitors will finalize their NCAA Championship lineups next week, aiming to maximize their points and contribute to their team’s success.