The 2026 NAIA National Championships Day 2 Prelims Live Recap: A Day of Record-Breaking Performances
The second day of the 2026 NAIA National Championships saw some impressive performances, with swimmers breaking records and securing their spots in the finals. Here's a recap of the key events and highlights from Day 2.
Women's 500 Freestyle
St. Thomas senior Bea Moron Alonso led the way in the women's 500 freestyle with a time of 5:01.99, undercutting her previous best of 5:03.18. This improvement showcases her dedication and hard work over the last 12 months. Cumberlands' Juliana Lopez Morales and SCAD's Lena Gerl also qualified for the 'A' final, with times of 5:03.83 and 5:07.27, respectively.
Men's 500 Freestyle
Cumberlands freshman Titouan Bernot claimed the top seed for the men's 500 free, knocking over four seconds off his personal best. Masters University sophomore Izaiah Trevino-Iozano, a Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference titleholder, qualified second with a time of 4:26.49. The race promises an exciting final as these swimmers battle for the top spots.
Women's 200 IM
The women's 200 IM saw the top teams separating in the 'A' final. Masters' Katherine Dyer, the defending champion, hit a 28.73 split to secure the middle lane for finals. Keiser's Luiza Bersi and SCAD's Louise Jones also qualified, with times of 2:03.89 and 2:04.43, respectively.
Men's 200 IM
Keiser's Isaiah Aleksenko, the 2025 NAIA Swimmer of the Year, led the prelims of the 200 IM with a best time. Evan Nail, a transfer from Arizona State, qualified second with a time of 1:47.47. The race features a mix of experienced and new swimmers, making it an intriguing final.
Women's 50 Freestyle
SCAD's Valle Gonzalez Ares and Keiser's Natalia Janiszewska dominated the women's 50 free, with times of 23.32 and 23.34, respectively. Master's Clara Patterson impressed with a personal best of 23.43, qualifying third. The race promises a fast-paced final as these swimmers battle for the top spots.
Men's 50 Freestyle
SCAD's Levente Mozsarik took the top spot in the men's 50 free with a time of 19.65, leading three swimmers under 20 seconds. Milligan's Caleb Fry and Cumberlands' Alexander Poulsen qualified second and third, respectively. Keiser's Noel de Geus, the defending champion, made the 'A' final, showcasing the team's depth and talent.
The 2026 NAIA National Championships Day 2 Prelims Live Recap highlights the swimmers' dedication and talent, with record-breaking performances and exciting races ahead in the finals.
