The 2026 NCAA Division II Championships, held at the Deaconess Aquatic Center in Evansville, Indiana, showcased the pinnacle of college swimming and diving. With the women's and men's standings tightly contested, the event promised thrilling races and potential record-breaking performances. Here's a recap of the day's finals, with a focus on the standout events and the athletes who made their mark.
Women's 500 Freestyle
The women's 500 freestyle final saw the University of Missouri St. Louis junior, Justice Beard, emerge victorious with a time of 4:48.09. This was a new personal best for Beard, who took over the lead early, splitting 53.15 on the first 100 meters. Nova Southeastern's Hailey Williams, who turned second in 54.05, missed her lifetime best of 4:47.94 by about three seconds. The race was a battle of speed and endurance, with Beard's early lead and Williams' strong finish.
Men's 500 Freestyle
In the men's 500 freestyle, Tampa junior Jacob Hamlin set a new NCAA record of 4:14.35, picking up his second title of the meet. Hamlin's early lead and strong splits of 47.72, 51.53, and 52.37 showcased his exceptional swimming prowess. Findlay sophomore Sebastian Camacho Gomez, who finished second in 4:15.92, was a strong contender throughout the race, but Hamlin's final 50-meter split of 24.55 proved decisive.
Women's 100 Backstroke
West Florida's Agata Naskret dominated the women's 100 backstroke, swimming 50.91 to break under 51 seconds for the first time. This performance saw her take three-tenths off her own record time of 51.24. Naskret's early lead and strong splits of 24.76 and 26.15 showcased her exceptional technique and speed.
Men's 100 Backstroke
In the men's 100 backstroke, Maurice Grabowski of Lynn University emerged victorious with a time of 45.78, just half a second ahead of Drury's Alvaro Zornoza Quiros. Grabowski's top times in the 50 free and 100 fly, along with his fourth-fastest split in the field, showcased his versatility and speed.
Women's 100 Breaststroke
Drury junior Gwen Bergum won the women's 100 breaststroke final, touching in 1:00.91. Bergum's strong 2nd 50 split of 23.13, the fastest in the final, helped her chase down Wingate's Natalia Dwojak on the final 50. Dwojak finished second in 1:01.14, just three hundredths off her previous best.
Men's 100 Breaststroke
Jeremias Pock of Indiana University just missed his DII record time of 51.58, but set a new meet record in the men's 100 breaststroke, touching in 51.59. Pock's strong splits of 24.39 and 27.20 showcased his exceptional technique and speed.
Women's 200 Butterfly
The women's 200 fly final was a close race with the top four swimmers finishing within half a second of each other. Drury freshman Rianne Rose and Findlay senior Emily Mears-Bentley battled for the lead, with Rose splitting 31.10 on the 3rd 50 to trail Mears-Bentley by just five hundredths at the 150-meter mark. Mears-Bentley's strong final 50 split of 31.80 secured her the event win.
Men's 200 Butterfly
McKendree's Volodymyr Gavrysh won the men's 200 fly in 1:42.52, touching half a second ahead of second-place finisher Luke Dinges of Rollins. Gavrysh's strong splits and speed showcased his exceptional swimming prowess.
Men's 3-Meter Diving
The men's 3-meter diving competition was full of surprises, with no divers from Clarion qualifying for the 'A' final. Delta State junior Santiago Santodomingo emerged victorious with a score of 622.75, more than 50 points ahead of second-place finisher Ryan Campbell.
Women's 200 Freestyle Relay
Nova Southeastern set a new NCAA record of 1:29.03 in the women's 200 freestyle relay, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and speed. The team's performance highlighted the importance of relay swimming in the sport.
The 2026 NCAA Division II Championships showcased the talent and determination of college swimmers and divers, with several records broken and new champions crowned. The event served as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.
