Day One of 2026 U.S. Nationals Features Strong Fly and Sprint Fields
Preliminary heats at the 2026 U.S. National Championships in Irvine saw standout performances in the women's 200 fly, men's 200 fly, women's 100 free and men's 100 free, setting up competitive finals later in the meet.
The 2026 U.S. National Championships opened at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine with preliminary heats in the 200 meter butterfly and 100 meter freestyle for both men and women. The women's 200 fly field included former Texas pro Lindsay Looney, 16-year-old World Junior champion Audrey Derivaux and several sub-2:10 swimmers. Derivaux entered with a personal best of 2:06.46, faster than Looney's season best.
In the men's 200 fly, reigning long-course world champion Luca Urlando faced short-course world champion Ilya Kharun, a matchup missed at the NCAA Championships due to Urlando's late withdrawal. Kharun, now representing the United States, has posted a season best of 1:54.96, while Urlando's only long-course race this year was a 1:51.87 world-title swim.
The women's 100 free prelims were led by American record holder Anna Moesch, who posted a 53.10, followed by Camille Spink (53.26) and Liberty Clark (53.46). World Junior record holder Rylee Erisman won her heat in 53.62 and will compete in the open final as a Pan Pacific team member.
The men's 100 free featured a fast prelim, with Brooks Curry leading in 47.56, Patrick Sammon posting 47.83 and veteran Caeleb Dressel clocking 47.98. Maximus Williamson recorded a sub-48 time (47.93) to secure a spot in the final.
Several junior swimmers placed among the top eight and will contest junior finals for Junior Pan Pacific selection, while senior swimmers advance to the open finals. The meet serves as a final preparation for athletes heading to the Pan Pacific Championships later this month.