Nikita Sheremet Ties as 2nd-Fastest 18 & Under Ever in 100 Yard Freestyle

2026 Atlantic Coast Conference Championships

• Dates:
  • Diving: Sunday, February 15–Tuesday, February 17
  • Swimming: Tuesday, February 17–Saturday, February 21
• Location: McAuley Aquatic Center, Atlanta, GA
• Defending champions: UVA women (6x); Cal men (1x)
• Live Video: ESPN+ ($)
• Schedule of Events (PDF)
• Championship Central
• Pre-Scratch Psych Sheet
• Live Results
• Live Recaps
  • Prelims: Day 4|Day 5|Day 6|Day 7
  • Finals: Day 1|Day 2|Day 3|Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7

Louisville freshman Nikita Sheremet got a bit lost-in-the-wake of a deep men’s 100 yard free final at the SEC Championships, but his 41.39 is tied as the second-fastest 18 & under swim ever in the event final.

Fastest 18 & Under Men, 100 SCY Freestyle, All-Time

1. Ryan Hoffer, Scottsdale Aquatic Club – 41.23 (2015)
2. (TIE)
   • Kaii Winkler, NC State – 41.39 (2025)
   • Nikita Sheremet, Louisville – 41.39 (2026)
4. Maximus Williamson, Keller High School – 41.54 (2025)
5. Jonny Kulow, Arizona State – 41.66 (2023)
6. Jerry Fox, NC State – 41.81 (2024)
7. Matt Brownstead, Virginia – 41.87 (2021)
8. Vlad Morozov, USC – 41.88 (2011)
9. Caeleb Dressel, Florida – 41.90 (2015)
10. Pedro Sansone, Tennessee – 41.92 (2025)

Sheremet is the World Junior Record holder in the 50 meter free in short course and is also tied for the 50 free World Junior Record in long course. He was born April 11, 2007 and so will still be 18 when he finishes his freshman season. That means he has a chance at surpassing Hoffer at the NCAA Championships.

He also, in the process, broke Joao de Lucca‘s school record of 41.70 in the 100 free. De Lucca was an NCAA Champion in the 200 free.

While Louisville’s women’s sprint group has risen in reputation in recent years, their men’s group has lagged behind. Sheremet will be a huge data point for Arthur Albiero and staff to take onto the recruiting trail as they look to build their men’s sprint group.

That seems to be working so far with a number of very good sprinters coming in over the next few years. That is already paying off – future recruits include Ty Thomas from Missouri in the class of 2027 (19.62/42.96 as a junior), an Honorable Mention top recruit.

Earlier in the meet, Sheremet also went to #3 in the 18 & under category in the 50 free.