Olivia Smoliga Breaks 50 Free NCAA Record

2016 WOMEN’S NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

On day 2 of the 2016 women’s NCAA Champonships, Georgia’s Olivia Smoliga roared to an NCAA title in the women’s 50 free, setting a new NCAA record with a 21.21. That swim also put her within a tenth of the American and U.S. Open records, which were set at 21.12 by Abbey Weitzeil earlier this month.

That swim made Smoliga the 2nd fastest performer of all time in the 50 yard freestyle. With that, 5 of the 6 fastest 50 freestyles ever have been done by an American within the last 12 months. Things are looking good for American women’s sprinting.

Top 10 swims all-time (any level):

  1. Abbey Weitzeil, 2016 – 21.12
  2. Olivia Smoliga, 2016 – 21.21
  3. Lara Jackson, 2009 – 21.27
  4. Abbey Weitzeil, 2016 – 21.28
  5. Simone Manuel, 2015 – 21.32
  6. Farida Osman, 2016 – 21.32
  7. Lara Jackson, 2008 – 21.33
  8. Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace, 2011 – 21.34
  9. Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace, 2012 – 21.35
  10. Lara Jackson, 2009 – 21.36

This wasn’t Smoliga’s first NCAA title in the 50 free. She was also the champion in 2014 with a 21.59. Her best time coming into the meet was a 21.54 from 2014 SECs, so she shaved over 3 tenths off her best to reclaim her individual NCAA 50 free title tonight.

For a full recap of Thursday finals, click here.

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Tom
8 years ago

Gratulacje dla Panny Oliwii!

Ok
8 years ago

Looks like Manuel will have competition next year.

About Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh is a former NCAA swimmer at the University of Arizona (2013-2015) and the University of Florida (2011-2013). While her college swimming career left a bit to be desired, her Snapchat chin selfies and hot takes on Twitter do not disappoint. She's also a high school graduate of The …

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