Simonas Bilis: I can’t put this feeling into words (Video)

^{Produced by Coleman Hodges.}

^{Reported by Jared Anderson.} 

100 FREE – FINALS

• NCAA Record: 40.76, Vlad Morozov, 2013
• American Record: 41.07, Caeleb Dressel, 2016
• U.S. Open Record: 40.76, Vlad Morozov, 2013
• Pool Record: 41.59, Simonas Bilis, NC State (prelims)
• 2015 Champion: 41.56, Kristian Gkolomeev, Alabama

Top 3:

1. Caeleb Dressel, Florida – 40.46
2. Simonas Bilis, NC State – 41.18
3. Kristian Gkolomeev, Alabama – 41.52

Though he was the star of day 1, Florida’s Caeleb Dressel had been a bit overshadowed in yesterday’s all-around record haul. But the Gator sophomore smashed his way back into the limelight in the 100 free, going 40.46 to break his own American record and officially take over the NCAA record and title of fastest all-time in the event from Vlad Morozov.

Dressel’s time takes three tenths out of Morozov’s 2013 record and makes him just the third man ever under 41 in the event. Dressel was out in an insane 19.2 to his feet on a flip turn at the 50-mark.

NC State’s Simonas Bilis also had a huge swim, moving into the top 5 all-time with a 41.18. Currently, the top 5 includes Dressel, Morozov, Cesar Cielo, Nathan Adrian and Bilis.

Alabama’s Kristian Gkolomeev had a slow start to the meet, but has been progressively heating up. He finished his individual slate of events with a 51.52 for bronze – that’s his lifetime-best, and actually faster than what he went in winning this event a year ago.

NC State put two into the top 4, with Ryan Held going 41.77 for fourth. Also under 42: Brett Ringgold of Texas (41.80) and Missouri’s Michael Chadwick (41.98).