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Simon Bermudez has announced his verbal commitment to North Carolina State University, beginning in the fall of 2024.
Bermudez represents Colombia on the international stage as a member of the Colombian Junior National Team, but resides in the United States. He currently attends Flint Hill High School in Oakton Virginia, and trains year-round with Arlington Aquatic Club.
“I’m extremely excited to announce my commitment to North Carolina State University to continue my academic and athletic career! I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates and coaches that have supported me throughout the way. I would also like to thank the NC state coaches for giving me this amazing opportunity. Go Pack! ♦️🐺 #PBG”
Bermudez is a highly versatile swimmer who can swim pretty much anything, but especially excels in the IM events. He recently raced at the FINA World Cup in Indianapolis, where he competed in the 100m free (50.44), 100m back (55.62), 200m back (1:58.84), 50m fly (24.72), 100m IM (55.49), 200m IM (2:00.83), and 400m IM (4:21.15). He recorded his highest finish as 20th place in the 400 IM and 100 IM.
Top Times SCY:
- 100 free – 45.55
- 200 free – 1:38.99
- 100 fly – 48.34
- 200 fly – 1:48.39
- 100 back – 48.77
- 200 back – 1:46.81
- 200 IM – 1:48.41
- 400 IM – 4:51.36
He represented Colombia this summer at the 2022 FINA World Junior Swimming Championships, where he swam personal best times in the 200 IM (2:05.38), 200 fly (2:05.75), 50 fly (24.62), and 100 breast (1:04.75). He advanced to semifinals in the 50 fly and 100 breast, and recorded his highest finish at 10th in the 50 fly.
Bermudez has already clocked a slew of personal bests this season at the NC TAC Titans Big Southern meet held last month. He dropped nearly a second in both the 100 and 200 back to post a 48.77 and 1:46.81. He also won both the IM events, as he dropped over a second in the 200 (1:48.41) and nearly two seconds in the 400 (4:51.36).
Even with a year and half to go before arriving in Raleigh, Bermudez is already projected to score at ACCs in the 400 IM. His current best time would have placed him in the middle of the C-final at last year’s meet, while his best times in the 200 fly, 100 back, and 200 back are just outside of scoring range, but could very well get there in the next few years.
NC State put on a dominating performance at ACCs this past February, which was followed up with a 4th place finish at NCAAs. The Wolfpack scored 83 points in the 400 IM at ACCs, meaning it was neither a huge strength or weakness for them. For reference, their highest scoring event was 165 points in the 200 free, while their lowest was 35 points in the 100 breast.
Their highest finisher last season was current junior Michael Moore, who placed 3rd with a 4:43.47. He was followed by now-graduated Eric Knowles in 4th (3:43.48), and current junior Will Gallant in 11th (3:48.40).
So far this season, freshman Kyle Ponsler leads the 400 IM crew with a 3:46.78, which he posted last month at the NC State Invitational. Bermudez will overlap with Ponsler for two years.
Bermudez joins Nolan Dunkel, Matt Marsteiner, Brasen Walker, and Hudson DeGroote in NC State’s class of 2028. Marsteiner is the #12-ranked recruit on SwimSwam’s Way Too Early Recruit Rankings, while Dunkel is #11. Dunkel is actually Bermudez’s club teammate, as both of them currently swim for Arlington Aquatic Club. Marsteiner is the only one of the group who swims somewhat similar events to Bermudez, as he holds best times of 1:48.47 in the 200 fly and 3:58.78 in the 400 IM.
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Looks like a solid all-around swimmer. Good luck Simon!
omg 100 free 21.01
🐺📦