By Anya Pelshaw on SwimSwam
2024 MEN’S NCAA SWIMMING AND DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
- March 27-30, 2024
- IUPUI Natatorium, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Short Course Yards (25 yards)
- Meet Central
- Official Psych Sheets
- SwimSwam Preview Index
- SwimSwam Pick ‘Ems Contest
- How To Watch The Meet
- Live Results
- Day 1 Finals Recap
Day 2 Prelims Heat Sheets
Leon Marchand is entered as the #1 seed in the 500 freestyle after already setting an NCAA record in the event at Pac-12s in a 4:06.18. He is the top seed ahead of his own teammate Zalan Sarkany who is in as a 4:09.19.
Last year’s champion in the event Luke Hobson is most likely not even on someone’s radar with a quick look at the psych sheets as he is the #37 seed meaning he is not even in the circle-seeded heats. Hobson won last year in a 4:07.37 winning by a second and a half. Hobson missed Big 12s so his entry time of a 4:15.56 comes from midseason. Hobson instead competed in February at 2024 Worlds for the US. On night 1, he already blasted an American record in the 200 free leading off the Texas relay so he seems to be more on form here than mid-season.
Without defending champion Marchand in the 200 IM, the event will have a new winner. The Arizona State duo of Hubert Kos and Owen McDonald lead the way. They two are the only sub-1:40 entries. The #3 seed Destin Lasco of Cal skipped Pac-12s as he instead competed at Pro Swim-Westmont so like Hobson, he has room to move up as well. Lasco was 2nd behind Marchand last year.
The splash and dash will conclude the morning as the 50 free is the final event. Jordan Crooks of Tennessee will look to defend his NCAA title as he won the event a year ago. He has already been faster this season as he swam a 17.99 and is the only man under the 18 second mark this season. Florida’s Josh Liendo is the #2 seed. The two faced off already on night 1 as they both swam the 50 fly on their team’s 200 medley relays. Liendo became the #2 performer all-time with a 18.97 while Crooks split a 19.70. Chris Guiliano led off Notre Dame’s 800 free relay in a personal best and is one to watch as the #3 seed as well.
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