The 2025 Men's NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships kicked off at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way, Washington, from March 26-29, 2025. This event was held in a Short Course Yards format and features some of the best collegiate swimmers in the nation.

The atmosphere was electric as we witnessed outstanding performances during the relays, with records tumbling and athletes pushing the limits of their capabilities. Here are some of the highlights from Day 1:

Men's 200 Medley Relay

The day's action began with the highly anticipated Men's 200 Medley Relay. The previous NCAA, Championship, and U.S. Open record all stood at 1:20.15, set by the Florida Gators last year. The pressure was on as teams aimed to dethrone the reigning champions.

**Top 8 Finishers:** 1. Texas – 1:20.28 2. Tennessee – 1:20.50 3. California – 1:20.76 4. Arizona State – 1:20.87 5. Indiana – 1:20.92 (American Record) 6. NC State – 1:21.16 7. Florida State – 1:21.60 8. Georgia – 1:22.01

Texas's Will Modglin took the backstroke lead with a powerful 20.32 split, giving the Longhorns a solid start. Tensions flared as Julian Smith of Florida delivered an impressive breaststroke split of 22.14, narrowly missing his season best but still solidifying the Gators’ position in the race.

Butterfly Showdown: Kharun Shatters Record!

Ilya Kharun from Arizona State delivered an electrifying performance in the 50 Fly with a jaw-dropping split of 18.78 seconds, annihilating his previous best of 18.89. His swim was crucial for ASU, bringing them back into contention for a top relay finish. Gui Caribe from Tennessee also performed admirably, clocking in at 19.05, which places him amongst the elite in the event.

Men's 800 Freestyle Relay: California Makes History

The day concluded with the Men's 800 Freestyle Relay, where California's team delivered a remarkable performance, clocking a blistering 5:59.75—setting a new NCAA Record! The previous mark of 6:02.26 was put to rest as they outshone Texas, who finished in 6:00.08, establishing an American Record of their own.

**Lead-off Performance Highlights:** - Luke Hobson (Texas) set the pace with a stellar 1:28.90, marking the second-fastest lead-off time in history. - California’s Jack Alexy followed with a strong 1:30.02, keeping his team in the hunt.

Looking Ahead

As the championships progress, the excitement continues to build. Spectators are eager to see if more records will fall and who will emerge as the standout stars of this thrilling competition. With every race, athletes are demonstrating their grit and determination. Stay tuned as we bring you more coverage and analysis of this captivating championship!

Will Kharun's record be challenged again? Can Smith finally secure a new personal best? Only time will tell as the NCAA Men's Championships unfold!