The 2026 NCAP Qualifier, held in Stafford, VA, showcased some impressive performances, particularly from Sara Curtis and Bryn Greenwaldt. Curtis, a seasoned swimmer, dominated the 100-meter freestyle with a time of 53.76 seconds, a significant improvement on her season best of 53.40 from the Italian Championships. Her performance is even more remarkable considering her 53.29 at the 2025 World Championships, where she led off Italy's women's 4x100-meter freestyle relay to 7th place. This event win is a testament to her consistent growth and versatility in the pool.
Greenwaldt, on the other hand, made her long-course 50-meter butterfly debut, claiming victory with a time of 26.94 seconds. Her prelims performance was even faster at 26.91 seconds, indicating a promising future in this event. Greenwaldt's achievement is all the more impressive given that this was only her fourth ever LCM meet, suggesting a bright trajectory in her swimming career.
Among the younger swimmers, 14-year-old Kallie Hersh stood out with a 50-meter breaststroke win in 34.26 seconds. Her performance highlights the potential of young talent in the sport. The women's side of the meet also saw Emma Cigna and Kate Boutry claim victories in the 200-meter individual medley and 200-meter backstroke, respectively, with times of 2:17.41 and 2:20.96.
On the men's side, Alessandro Borsato, a collegiate swimmer for George Washington, won the 50-meter breaststroke in a lifetime best of 27.79 seconds. His performance adds to his previous success, including a 100-meter breaststroke win at the 2026 A-10 Championships. David Yune, another collegiate swimmer, touched the wall in 52.22 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle, a significant improvement on his previous best of 52.38 seconds.
Andre Friend, a swimmer from Ball State, claimed the 50-meter butterfly title with a time of 24.98 seconds, building on his 6th place finish in the 100-meter butterfly at the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Championships. The men's side also saw Quinn Caputo and Alex Grocholski win the 200-meter backstroke and 200-meter individual medley, respectively, with times of 2:06.24 and 2:08.07.
This meet served as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 NCAP, providing a platform for swimmers to showcase their talent and secure their spot in the upcoming competition. The performances of Curtis, Greenwaldt, and their peers not only highlight the depth of talent in the sport but also underscore the importance of such qualifying events in nurturing and developing swimming excellence.
