The 2026 Big 12 Championships are heating up, and Day 3 is set to be a thrilling showdown! But first, let's dive into the highlights from the previous day's action:
ASU's Swimming Sensation: Ilya Kharun is on fire! He dominated the men's 100 butterfly, securing the top seed with an impressive 44.25-second finish. With a significant lead, he's poised to challenge the Big 12 record tonight. But here's where it gets controversial—can he maintain this form and secure the title?
Diving Drama: The men's 1-meter diving finals were a nail-biter! Utah's Elias Petersen emerged victorious with 400.10 points, just 0.95 points ahead of Arizona's Luke Hernandez. The top three divers were separated by a mere four points, making it an incredibly tight competition. Will we see a similar battle tonight?
Butterfly Brilliance: In the women's 100 fly final, ASU's Julia Ullmann and Miriam Sheehan led the pack, earning the top two seeds. But it was Ullmann who stole the show, becoming the only woman to break the 52-second barrier, securing the event win and NCAA Qualification. And this is the part most people miss—Ullmann's time was just six tenths off her lifetime best!
Record-Breaking Performances: The men's 100 fly final saw another ASU star shine. Ilya Kharun, the top seed, smashed Joseph Schooling's 2017 record with a time of 43.77 seconds. This was his second meet record, solidifying his status as a swimming sensation. But can he maintain this momentum in the upcoming events?
IM Intrigue: In the women's 400 IM, Alexa Reyna took the top spot, with Sonia Vaishnani close behind. Both swimmers showcased their versatility and endurance. Meanwhile, in the men's event, BYU's Tanner Nelson and Utah's Strahinja Maslo battled it out, with Nelson claiming the top spot. Will these swimmers maintain their form in the finals?
Freestyle Frenzy: The women's 200 freestyle saw Albane Cachot, last night's 50 free champion, earn the top seed. She's looking to extend her winning streak. On the men's side, ASU's Remi Fabiani swam the top time in the prelims, setting up an exciting final. Who will claim the freestyle crown?
As we gear up for Day 3, the excitement is palpable. Will ASU continue their dominance? Can Arizona and Utah close the gap? And which swimmers will make their mark in the record books? Stay tuned as we bring you live updates from the 2026 Big 12 Championships!
