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California State High School Championships qualifier Phil Pozdnyakov has committed to swim for Cornell University’s class of 2024. The high school senior shared his excitement by stating, “I chose to verbally commit to Cornell University for the amazing opportunities it offers in terms of athletics and academics. Thank you to everyone that has helped me along the way, and I’m excited to call Cornell my home for the next four years!”
In 2019, Pozdnyakov earned a CIF San Diego Section Championship title in the 100 back. In his first event of the meet, the La Costa Canyon High School junior placed second in prelims in the 100 free, before earning the silver medal (45.57) during finals, touching only 0.5 seconds behind Pacific Ridge School’s Mateo Parker. Pozdnyakov led off his team’s 200 free relay, with a split of 21.19, the fastest lead-off time in the event. He earned his gold medal in the 100 back by out-touching Cathedral Catholic’s Carlos Munoz Renteria. It was a close race as Munoz Renteria had a strong back-half, but Pozdnyakov ultimately remained 0.25 seconds ahead of his competitor. Pozdnyakov’s final race of the meet was the 400 free relay. He was the second leg for his team, and his split of 45.37 was the fastest of the night.
During his sophomore season, Pozdnyakov and his high school team placed 6th at the 2018 CA High School State Championships in the 400 free relay.
Last summer, Pozdnyakov joined his club team – Rancho San Dieguito – at the 2019 Futures Championships. He competed in the 50, 100, and 200 freestyle and the 100m back. He earned personal best times in the 50m free (25.09), and the 100m back (59.86). Pozdnyakov made it back to finals in the 100 back, finishing 16th overall.
Top Times SCY:
- 50 Yard Free – 21.11
- 100 Yard Free – 45.57
- 100 Yard Back – 50.12
Pozdnyakov will become a member of the Cornell men’s team in the fall of 2020, where he will be joining a competitive group of sprinters. His 100 back will be the team’s 6th fastest. Four of the men ahead of him – Taito DaCosta, William Hrabchak, Van Cates, and Jacob Mullin – will be rising seniors, meaning Pozdnyakov has a chance to move even higher once they graduate. His 50 and 100 free times are among the team’s 8 fastest, meaning he has a chance to be on one of the their relays at the Ive League Championships. Pozdnyakov will be joining freestyle sprinter Pearce Bailey as a member of the class of 2024.
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