Destin Lasco Hits 1:36.05 In Prelims of 200 Backstroke At NCAAs, #6 Performance of All-Time

2024 MEN’S NCAA SWIMMING AND DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

• March 27-30, 2024
• IUPUI Natatorium, Indianapolis, Indiana
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The final preliminary session of the 2024 Men’s NCAA Championships is now wrapped up, and California senior Destin Lasco posted the sixth-fastest time in 200-yard backstroke history. He hit the wall in 1:36.05, which is just 0.18 outside of his personal best time from the 2023 NCAA Championships. His time also represents the fastest prelim time in history.

All-Time Performances, Men’s 200 Backstroke (SCY):

1. Hubert Kos (Asu), 1:35.69 — 2024 Pac-12 Championships
2. Ryan Murphy (Cal), 1:35.73 – 2016 NCAA Championships
3. Shaine Casas (Texas A&M), 1:35.75 – 2021 NCAA Championships
4. Destin Lasco (Cal), 1:35.87 – 2023 NCAA Championships
5. Destin Lasco (Cal), 1:35.99 – 2021 NCAA Championships
6. Destin Lasco (Cal), 1:36.05 — 2024 NCAA Championships
7. John Shebat (Texas), 1:36.42 – 2019 NCAA Championships
8. Austin Katz (Texas), 1:36.45 – 2019 NCAA Championships
9. Shaine Casas (Texas A&M) & Hubert Kos (Asu), 1:36.54 – 2020 Texas First Chance Invite & 2024 NC State Invite
10. –

Lasco approached his race quite similarly to when he posted his best time last year, as he split 24.2 and 24.3 on the final two 50s in both races. He was out just 0.20 slower this morning, opening in 47.47 compared to his best time first half of 47.27.

Splits Comparison:

Lasco has dropped from prelims to finals for each of the last three seasons, meaning Hubert Kos’ newly-minted NCAA record (1:35.69) could be in jeopardy. Kos is present at this meet, and he qualified 2nd overall this morning with a time of 1:37.03, meaning they’ll swim side-by-side in tonight’s championship final.

Lasco is having a great meet in Indianapolis, with a major highlight being his 200 IM American record (1:37.91) from Thursday evening. He was a bit off his best time in yesterday’s 100 back, albeit by just 0.07, but did drop 0.28 off his entry time. He clocked 44.00 in prelims before placing 5th in the final with a time of 44.22.

Lasco has been critical to Cal’s relays this week too, as he helped the Golden Bears to a new NCAA record in the 800 freestyle relay (6:02.26) on Wednesday night. He split 1:29.60 on the second leg, while also adding splits of 18.57 (2nd leg, 200 freestyle relay) and 44.13 (backstroke lead-off, 400 medley relay) on additional relays.

Destin Lasco‘s 200 Backstrokes At The NCAA Championships:

2021 (Freshman):

• Prelims: 1:37.19
• Final: 1:35.99

2022 (Sophomore):

• Prelims: 1:37.80
• Final: 1:37.71

2023 (Junior):

• Prelims: 1:36.68
• Final: 1:35.87