Luca Urlando Becomes Youngest Swimmer Sub-46 in 100 Fly, Sets NAG

2018 SPEEDO WINTER JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS- WEST

  • December 5-8, 2018
  • Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, Austin Texas
  • SCY (25y) Pool
  • Psych Sheet
  • Live Results

Gianluca Urlando continues to have the most successful year of his young career, this morning unleashing a 45.97 in the 100 fly to break the 15-16 National Age Group record.

Urlando, who holds the 15-16 NAG record in the 100 fly in long course at 52.48 from this summer, now holds both 100 fly NAG records (in short and long course). This is also Urlando’s first short course NAG.

His time of 45.97 easily clears the old mark, a 46.23 from former age group phenom Michael Andrew. In terms of SCY 15-16 NAG records, Andrew still holds the 50 free (19.24), 100 breast (51.75), and 200 IM (1:42.77), though Urlando was about two tenths off of that 200 IM mark last night.

Urlando took things out in a 21.51, coming home in 24.46 for his 45.97, which is a best time by over seven tenths. His old best, a 46.70, ranked him 6th in the 15-16 historical rankings. Additionally, this looks to be the first sub-46.0 performance from anyone, ever, aged 16 or younger. If you go up to age 17 in a times search on USA Swimming’s database, you have Ryan Hoffer at 45.46 and Caeleb Dressel at 45.89 from when they were in high school. In the 17-18 rankings, Urlando would be tied for 10th all-time.

Urlando swam the 200 IM and 50 free last night, swimming faster in finals in both events.

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Een
6 years ago

Crazy idea! Maybe trust the young Man’s judgement, and what he wants in a school and team. He’s fast, sure, but maybe a bunch of dudes behind there keyboards slinging crackpot theories of what’s best for his future when you know nothing about this kid isn’t the best idea/use of time

McNuggetz
6 years ago

The Legend Continues

JP input is too short
6 years ago

You know, I just noticed he has had a very similar meet to Shaine Casas’s A&M midseason taper meet. Which is just supremely ridiculous because Casas is 2 years older and was on his first college taper. And if Urlando goes a 1:40 200 fly at 16 (similar to Casas’s 1:40 200 back)… that would be incredible.

HOOK EM
6 years ago

Swims fast at UT, swim college at UT?

Truth Tortoise
Reply to  HOOK EM
6 years ago

That logic is undeniable. 2014 Cal roster should have transferred.

SVIRD
Reply to  Truth Tortoise
6 years ago

oof

Thomas
6 years ago

Honestly is Georgia the best place for him

NONA
Reply to  Thomas
6 years ago

I remember the hand wringing when Dressel chose Florida. But here are some names off the top of my head:

Kalisz, Bentz, Stovall, Clark, Litherland

These are guys that Georgia has had recently with big success LCM, making National teams and winning medals. I’m sure there are many to be added. That staff is up for the task in my outside opinion.

Superfan
Reply to  NONA
6 years ago

If the current staff is still there?

Swimmy
Reply to  Thomas
6 years ago

LCM focus in the future and he also may catapult Georgia to a top level program

Superfan
Reply to  Swimmy
6 years ago

He might be an Olympian before he even hits Georgia campus!

Troy
Reply to  Swimmy
6 years ago

Chase went to Georgia….pretty sure he is top level. Justsaying
But so excited to have this star join the ranks of the Georgia greats

JP input is too short
Reply to  Thomas
6 years ago

Cal, by far. Their NCAA roster this year will be like half fly/back guys that are also great IMers and can contribute on relays 50-200.

h2olover
Reply to  JP input is too short
6 years ago

Luca grew up in Davis California, which is @ 50 miles from Berkeley and I would guess would have been a welcomed addition to the Cal swimming team, however his father is a UGA alum and I believe the “fit” was better for him in Athens compared to Berkeley. He should be a great addition for the Dawgs and Durden will need to recruit a stud flyer in the 2020 class to replace Zheng Quah.

JP input is too short
Reply to  h2olover
6 years ago

That family legacy is a big thing sometimes. Hopefully UGA can start recruiting better than they have a past few years to build a more complete team around him.

SaltyMcSaltSalt
Reply to  JP input is too short
6 years ago

Somebody is mad. Why should your opinion matter? Just because he didn’t go to Cal doesn’t mean you can tear him down. People can swim fast where ever they want. Get a grip dawg!

joe
Reply to  Thomas
6 years ago

People said the same thing about Dressel and Florida

Dcrabbe6
Reply to  Thomas
6 years ago

Georgia might as well be labeled 2 fly university. Absolutely the right place for him.

Drama King
Reply to  Dcrabbe6
6 years ago

Yeah…
Kalisz, Pace Clark, Gunnar Bentz all are good 2 flyers. And Kalisz is world class in IMs. Then you get pretty talented fly squad in women roster too.

Troy
Reply to  Drama King
6 years ago

Add Camden to the list already been 1:41 this season

Captain Ahab
Reply to  Thomas
6 years ago

No, he should turn professional.

Joy
Reply to  Captain Ahab
6 years ago

No one knows what may happen- better to train and have an education. Education is good – I’m from a small country , Scotland, had 4 unis by the 16tn century

Pvdh
Reply to  Thomas
6 years ago

If he wants to be an IMer I don’t see how it’s Not a great choice. Their fly development is great too. I doubt he becomes a 100 flyer their but with his range, I think Georgia is a great choice. Cal would be good too

Sccoach
Reply to  Pvdh
6 years ago

16 year old goes a :45 100 fly and you double he becomes a 100 flyer

Sccoach
Reply to  Sccoach
6 years ago

I meant doubt

phelps swims 200 breast rio
Reply to  Thomas
6 years ago

Skip college and go pro if at all possible.

Mikeh
Reply to  Thomas
6 years ago

It is 100% clear that the University of Texas is the only place for him. Anything else dooms his swimming career forever. Cal or UGA – pshaw! He’ll be a glorified Masters swimmer!

USC Trojan
6 years ago

Flyin’! Nice job! Take care of those rotator cuffs later in life! 😉

Pvdh
6 years ago

45 at 16…big changes in the sport

gator
6 years ago

Rising star in US Swimming!!

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  gator
6 years ago

amongst a great group of rising stars ( Gretchen sisters & Co )

About Karl Ortegon

Karl Ortegon

Karl Ortegon studied sociology at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, graduating in May of 2018. He began swimming on a club team in first grade and swam four years for Wesleyan.

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