Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.
One of the top swimmers in Luxembourg, Ralph Daleiden, has announced that he will be coming to the United States in the fall, signing to swim at the University of Arizona. Daleiden has represented Luxembourg internationally multiple times, most recently in December at the World Short Course Championships in December.
At the 2021 World Short Course Championships, Daleiden competed for his country in the 100 free. He finished the event in 40th, stopping the clock in 48.80. Just a few months earlier, he competed at the European Junior Championships, making his way into the finals of the 100 free. There, he ultimately finished in 6th place in 50.08.
Top LCM Times (and SCY Conversions)
- 50 free – 23.39 (20.35)
- 100 free – 49.97 (43.57)
- 200 free – 1:53.71 (1:39.55)
If Daleiden’s times in long course can translate to short-course performance, he has the potential to have a huge impact on the Arizona team in the sprint freestyle events. So far this season, his converted time in the 50 free would put him just three-tenths back from making the team’s 200 free relay and his time in the 100 free would likely earn him a spot on the 400 free relay. This season, the team’s top time in both events is held by Marin Ercegovic of Croatia, who finished in 19.50 and 43.01 at the Minnesota Invitational. Ercegovic is currently in his junior year.
Arizona finished in 3rd at the 2021 Pac-12 Swimming and Diving Championships. That meet notable didn’t feature the Arizona State team, with the program electing to redshirt their entire roster due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a team, Arizona took 12th at the 2021 NCAA Championships behind a strong showing in the distance events from Brooks Fail and David Schlicht. Fail was a finalist in the 500 free and 200 fly, as well as top-8 finisher in the 1650 free, while Schlicht qualified for finals of both the 200 and 400 IM. Schlicht has since left the program, while Fail is currently listed as a senior on the team’s roster.
Currently, Daleiden will be joined by Billy Oates, Hayden Ghugran, Tommy Palmer, and Ryan Hardy in Arizona’s freshman class of 2022. Oates will challenge Daleiden for the title of the top sprinter in the freshman class, having already been 20.15/44.89 in the 50 and 100 freestyles. Palmer also boasts impressive times in the sprint events, having nearly broken 20.0 in the 50 last February with a time of 20.04 at the Nebraska High School State Championships.
If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].
About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour
Fitter & Faster Swim Camps feature the most innovative teaching platforms for competitive swimmers of all levels. Camps are produced year-round throughout the USA and Canada. All camps are led by elite swimmers and coaches. Visit fitterandfaster.com to find or request a swim camp near you.
FFT SOCIAL
Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
Twitter – @fitterandfaster
FFT is a SwimSwam partner.
