Get ready for an exciting day of swimming at the 2025 Georgia Invitational! Today's events are sure to keep us on the edge of our seats.
Women's 100 Backstroke - Prelims
The women's 100 backstroke prelims saw some incredible performances, with two swimmers breaking the 52-second barrier. Alabama's senior Emily Jones took the top spot with a time of 51.35, just edging out her season-best by two tenths. Jones' previous win at this meet last year set a high bar with a time of 50.75, so we can expect a thrilling final later today.
Florida's junior Catie Choate also impressed, finishing just over two tenths behind Jones. Choate's personal and season best time of 51.53 from a dual meet against Georgia on Halloween shows her consistent improvement.
LSU's sophomore Zoe Carlos-Broc advanced to the final in third place, just half a second off her season best. Her performance at last month's tri-meet, where she equaled her PB from the previous SECs, showcases her potential.
Men's 100 Backstroke - Prelims
In the men's 100 backstroke, Georgia's senior Ruard Van Renen and teammate Luca Urlando dominated the heats. Van Renen, a native of Durbanville, South Africa, clocked an impressive 44.45, while Urlando, the former NCAA record holder, swam a 44.97. Van Renen's previous season-best of 45.02 was shattered by over half a second.
Urlando's performance was also notable, as he came close to his 44.89 from the same tournament last year. His best time of 43.35 from the 2022 NCAAs solidifies his place as one of the top performers in collegiate history and the fastest American in history.
Florida's junior Jonny Marshall, the #2 performer all time, swam a 45.15, undercutting his season best. Marshall's consistent improvement will be a key factor in the upcoming SECs and NCAAs.
Women's 200 Breaststroke - Prelims
The women's 200 breaststroke prelims were a tight race, with only three swimmers breaking the 2:10 barrier. Florida's junior Molly Mayne led the way with a time of 2:09.15, followed closely by Georgia's freshman Elizabeth Nawrocki and Mayne's teammate Grace Rabb. This was the first time all three swimmers broke the 2:10 mark this season.
Mayne's previous season best was 2:10.88, but her PB of 2:07.72 from two years ago at this meet is a strong indicator of her potential. Nawrocki and Rabb also improved upon their personal and season best times.
Anita Bottazzo, who won the 100 breast last night, qualified for the final with a time of 2:11.90. Although she's more known for her sprint breaststroke, her lifetime and season best of 2:07.89 makes her a contender for the win tonight.
Men's 200 Breaststroke - Prelims
In the men's 200 breaststroke, UGA's Cale Martter took the top spot with a new season best of 1:53.65. FSU's Lleyton Arnold and Tommaso Baravelli finished second and third, with Arnold just missing out on a new PB. Baravelli's performance was also impressive, as he blew away his season best from a dual meet.
UGA's Elliot Woodburn, who has been on a roll this week, finished fourth with a time of 1:55.74. His breast leg on the Bulldogs' 200 medley relay and his PB in the 100 breast last night showcase his versatility.
FSU had a strong showing, with Mathias Christensen and Liam O'Connor tying for seventh and claiming the final two spots in the "A" heat.
Women's and Men's 500 Freestyle & 50 Freestyle - Prelims
The women's and men's 500 freestyle and 50 freestyle prelims are set to begin, with some of the fastest swimmers in the country competing for a spot in the finals. Keep an eye out for some record-breaking performances!
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the day as we witness these talented swimmers battle it out at the Gabrielsen Natatorium. Don't miss a stroke!
