This summer, North Carolina State junior lept into national and global swimming consciousness when he stood among giants (literally and figuratively) as the unknown factor on the American men’s 400 free relay in finals. Swimming with Caeleb Dressel, Michael Phelps, and Nathan Adrian, Held held his own with a 47.73 relay split and delivered an emotional moment as he stood atop the podium in Rio.
While many Olympic stars, be them pros or collegiate athletes, have had a bit of an Olympic hangover, with limited racing since Rio, Held jumped right back into the short pool and is already catching eyes again back in familiar water. Last Friday night, racing the 2016 NCAA Champions from Texas, Held split sub-19 not just once, but twice.
The first came in the meet-opening 200 medley relay, where Held’s 18.85-second anchor made up a .3-second deficit on the Longhorn A relay and give the Wolfpack momentum toward an eventual meet win.
Then, to end the meet, he did it again – splitting 18.90 to make up a two-tenths of a second gap on Texas’ Olympic champion and budding superstar Joseph Schooling.
For reference, Held anchored NC State’s 200 free relay in 18.28 at last year’s NCAA Championships and anchored the medley in 18.65.
Below, watch Held’s heroics twice against the Longhorns, courtesy of NC State Swim & Dive:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs378PCrlXA
I can’t believe people are ragging on the kid for showing enthusiasm for incredible swims. He’s put in a lot of hard work and the results are showing. Let him enjoy the ride.
Omg he celebrated in a way people don’t approve of. Let’s ban him. People are ridiculous
It is a great race and a fun one to watch. Ryan has had a great rise. Could it be that he can’t believe where he is and what he’s done? And dual meets like this are important to these guys, especially the teams trying to move up in the world. He’s not celebrating AT the Texas guys. With all the “in your face” celebrating in football and basketball, what’s wrong with showing a little fire after a good swim? And here is a word for those of you saying he won’t break 20 in March; Schadenfreude. That’s taking pleasure in someone’s misfortune or failure. Hope they all swim great. It’s better for the sport.
Pure joy watching Held swim and celebrate. Such passion is GREAT to see!
I personally think this is a fantastic race, his celebration at the end doesn’t change that. This dude has it all, wish him the best of luck. Would bet him and dressel will be 18 lows and 17s off of relays, looking forward to NCAAs. Go Pack
That was embarassing… i cringed hard
Totally agree. Texas never should have lost that race. Teams hate losing to NC State – it’s embarrassing.
I see what you did there 🙂 love it
Love Wes’ commentary! Go Wes!
I personally think swimming needs more trash talking and celebration in the sport. It would give a little more of a show for both swimming and non-swimming fans. That being said, this was embarrassing. Time and place.
Exactly my thoughts
Can’t blame the NC State guys for getting fired up over beating Texas in a dual meet & on relays. Texas is incredible, they’re the standard. NCS is the real deal. They’ve arrived.