2026 U.S. National Championship: Day 1 Finals Live Recap
SwimSwam • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 U.S. National Championships began in Irvine, California, featuring top-tier swimming events including the 200 butterfly, 100 freestyle, women’s 800 freestyle, and men’s 1500 freestyle finals on Day 1.
- Hannah Bellard won the women’s 200 butterfly with a lifetime best 2:06.86, while Luca Urlando secured the men’s 200 butterfly title in 1:54.45, both posting season-best times and strong competition.
- Anna Moesch set a new American and U.S. Open record in the women’s 100 freestyle with a 51.88, becoming the third-fastest woman in history for the event.
- Caeleb Dressel won the men’s 100 freestyle final with a 47.70, improving on his prelims time and marking his best swim since the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials.
- In distance events, Kate Hurst won the women’s 800 freestyle with a lifetime best 8:28.33, and William Mulgrew broke the 15-minute barrier to win the men’s 1500 freestyle in 14:58.50, both earning national titles and personal bests.
