Canadian swimmer Josh Liendo made history at the NCAA championships in Atlanta by winning his fourth consecutive 100-yard freestyle title. Representing the University of Florida Gators, the Toronto-native’s performance was exceptional, clocking a time of 39.91 seconds to secure his victory. This marked Liendo’s ninth title overall and tied a record for consecutive wins in the event.
Liendo, initially seeded third, started strong and maintained his lead throughout the race, finishing with the third-fastest time in history. His achievement of breaking the 40-second barrier multiple times solidified his place in swimming history. Liendo’s celebration included climbing the lane rope and displaying his elation with a chest slap.
His winning time came close to the NCAA record set by Jordan Crooks of Tennessee, falling just 8-100ths short. Liendo’s impressive performance also included breaking the 100-yard butterfly record previously held by American swimmer Caeleb Dressel. Additionally, Liendo’s success in the 100 freestyle event marked a rare accomplishment, mirroring the achievements of swimmers like Gustavo Borges and Caeleb Dressel.
Moreover, Liendo’s success extended beyond individual races as he contributed to Florida’s 4×100 freestyle relay team, securing a notable third-place finish. This achievement marked the team’s highest overall placement in several decades.
In a standout moment, Liendo also set a personal best in the 50-yard freestyle event during the week. His previous accomplishments at the World Aquatics Championships and the 2024 Olympics further solidified his reputation as a top-tier swimmer.
Notable Canadian performances at the championships included Antoine Sauve aiding Michigan to a fifth-place finish in the 4×100 free relay. Ethan Ekk and Lorne Wigginton, both representing Michigan, achieved personal bests in their respective events, showcasing the depth of Canadian talent in the competition.
Tristan Jankovics, another Michigan representative, secured a respectable 12th position in the 200-yard individual medley, further highlighting Canada’s strong presence in the NCAA swimming scene.