2024 Men’s NCAAs: Luke Hobson Takes NCAA Record Back With 1:28.81 200 Free

2024 MEN’S NCAA SWIMMING AND DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

200 YARD FREESTYLE — FINAL

Top 8:

  1. Luke Hobson (Texas) — 1:28.81 *NCAA, Meet, American, U.S. Open, Pool Record*
  2. Jack Alexy (Cal) — 1:29.75
  3. Chris Guiliano (Notre Dame) — 1:30.38
  4. Charlie Hawke (Alabama) — 1:30.58
  5. Rafael Miroslaw (Indiana) — 1:30.84
  6. Jordan Crooks (Tennessee) — 1:31.03
  7. Gabriel Jett (Cal) — 1:31.16
  8. Murilo Sartori (Louisville) — 1:32.12

After breaking the NCAA and American records in the 200 freestyle on night 1 of the meet just 10 minutes before Leon Marchand swam faster to set the NCAA record, Luke Hobson of Texas took the NCAA record back winning the event in a 1:28.81 On Friday night.

Hobson swam a 1:29.13 on Wednesday night just 10 minutes before Marchand swam a 1:28.97.

Split Comparison:

SPLITS

LUKE HOBSON– 2024 NCAAs Individual Event

LEON MARCHAND  2024 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS Relay

LUKE HOBSON 2024 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS Relay

DEAN FARRIS 2019 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

50

20.82

20.36

20.28

20.56

100

22.54

42.59 (22.23)

42.11 (21.83)

42.89 (22.33)

150

22.71

1:05.34 (22.75)

1:04.97 (22.86)

1:05.43 (22.54)

200

22.74

1:28.97 (23.63)

1:29.13 (24.16)

1:29.15 (23.72)

Final Time

1:28.81

1:28.97

1:29.13

1:29.15

The biggest difference was that although Hobson was out slower tonight, he did not split above the 23-second mark on any of his 50s. Two nights ago, Hobson was out much faster in the event and came home above the 24-second mark. His consistency tonight with his splits was a change that worked in his favor.

Hobson’s swim from the other night was an American Record as he broke Dean Farris’s time of a 1:29.15 from 2019 NCAAs. Now, both the NCAA and American records stand under the 1:29 mark.

Last night, Hobson finished 2nd in the 500 freestyle finishing only behind Marchand. Marchand notably broke his own NCAA record.

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PFA
3 months ago

This was literally a Townley 2.0 typa day for Luke has/breaks the record. Loses the record. Takes it back in the individual final. IS a Texas longhorn. History has repeated itself only difference was the one who broke Luke’s record was not in the race

Reilly
3 months ago

I just think this is the perfect way to swim a 200. Controlled speed at the beginning and kill it on the back half. I always tell my kids, you don’t need to be first at the 50, but you do need to be first at the 150.

PFA
Reply to  Reilly
3 months ago

Yes but the only thing is Luke tried this in the worlds final back in February and it didn’t exactly work though

SHRKB8
3 months ago

That’s the sign of an unadulterated purebred racer. Heart of a lion, great race Luke, take a bow. 🙌👏👏👏.

KSW
Reply to  SHRKB8
3 months ago

holy glaze 😭

Did not Cali UT
3 months ago

Susie and Chip are well pleased no doubt! Great job Luke.

Old man in speedos
3 months ago

Are we sure the pool is 25 yards??? These guys are way too fast to be human!!!

JimSwim22
3 months ago

Those splits are beautiful

Dolph
3 months ago

Taking the record back with more even splitting! Beautiful!

Here Comes Lezak
3 months ago

Now that is damn well executed 200 free. Every coach is pumping their fist in the air at that splitting

About Anya Pelshaw

Anya Pelshaw

Anya has been with SwimSwam since June 2021 as both a writer and social media coordinator. She was in attendance at the 2022 and 2023 Women's NCAA Championships writing and doing social media for SwimSwam. Currently, Anya is pursuing her B.A. in Economics and a minor in Government & Law at …

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