The 2026 Women's NCAA Division I Championships Day 3 Prelims Live Recap is a thrilling showcase of swimming prowess, with a focus on the 100 back, 200 breast, 500 free, 50 free, and 400 medley relay. The diving event will feature the 3-meter competition.
The 100 back event sets the stage for a repeat showdown between Claire Curzan and Bella Sims. Curzan, with a season best of 48.38, edges out Sims' 49.12. The juniors' top-two seeds face off, with Sims on a new team after transferring to Michigan. Curzan's dominance is evident, but Sims' recent 400 IM victory adds an intriguing dynamic.
In the 200 breast, defending champion Lucy Bell from Stanford showcases her prowess with a time under 2:04.28. The race promises a close contest as both Bell and Virginia's Aimee Canny have achieved times in the 2:02 range this season.
Jillian Cox, the Texas sophomore, aims to defend her 500 free title, having already won the mile. Kennedi Dobson from Georgia poses a challenge with her 4:30.70 season best. The 50 free sees Gretchen Walsh's dominance as the defending champion, with Camille Spink from Tennessee as the top seed.
The 100 back prelims witness Claire Curzan's exceptional performance, clocking 48.81, the ninth-best all-time. Mary-Ambre Moluh from Cal and Bella Sims secure middle lanes for the finals. Sims, the runner-up last year, aims to improve upon her 50.08 time.
The 200 breast prelims showcase a quick race with four swimmers in the 2:05 range. Louisville's Anastasia Gorbenko leads with 2:05.16, closely followed by Virginia's Aimee Canny and Stanford's Lucy Bell. Duke's Kaelyn Gridley and Florida's Anita Bottazzo and Grace Raab also make their mark.
Jillian Cox's 500 free prelims performance of 4:33.89 secures the top spot, showcasing her distance prowess. Tennessee's Ella Jansen and Michigan's Hannah Bellard follow closely behind. Virginia's Katie Grimes, despite a strong seed, finishes 11th.
The 50 free prelims feature top-tier swimmers, with Gretchen Walsh's dominance evident. The 400 medley relay timed finals early heats showcase the strength of teams like Virginia, with potential records at stake.
