Hold onto your swim caps, because Josh Liendo just made history—again. On the third night of the 2026 SEC Championships, the Florida senior didn’t just win the 100-yard butterfly; he obliterated his own meet record to secure his fourth consecutive title. With a jaw-dropping time of 43.06 seconds, Liendo shaved a whopping .17 seconds off his previous mark of 43.23 from last year, leaving the competition in his wake. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: his first 50 yards were a blistering 19.95 seconds, faster than even Caeleb Dressel’s split when he set the NCAA record of 42.80 in 2018. While Liendo still has a fraction of a second to close the gap on Dressel’s record, this performance puts him firmly in contention to challenge it at the upcoming NCAA Championships.
The 2026 SEC Championships, held from Monday, February 16, to Saturday, February 21, at the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center in Knoxville, TN, showcased some of the nation’s top swimming talent. Defending champion Texas aimed to retain their title, but the spotlight was undeniably on Liendo. His dominance was undeniable, finishing a staggering .87 seconds ahead of Tennessee’s Gui Caribe (43.93) and over a second ahead of Georgia’s Luca Urlando (44.16). And this is the part most people miss: Liendo now owns seven of the top-10 fastest times ever recorded in the 100-yard butterfly, with his 43.06 tying his lifetime best from last year’s NCAA Championships—the second-fastest performance in NCAA history.
Let’s dive into the numbers. Here’s a split comparison that highlights just how remarkable Liendo’s performance was:
| Split | Liendo 2026 SECs – Prelims | Liendo 2026 SECs – Finals | Dressel 2018 NCAAs |
|----------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------|
| 50 | 20.65 | 19.95 | 19.99 |
| 100 | 43.26 (22.61) | 43.06 (23.11) | 42.80 (22.81) |
Controversial question: Is Liendo poised to dethrone Dressel as the NCAA’s all-time fastest in the 100 fly? While Dressel’s record remains untouched for now, Liendo’s consistency and relentless improvement suggest he’s closing in. But what do you think? Is Liendo the next great butterflyer, or will Dressel’s record stand the test of time? Let us know in the comments.
For those eager to follow the action, the SEC Championships featured live results, video streams, and detailed schedules. Teams from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt (women only), and Arkansas (women only) competed across multiple events. Whether you’re a die-hard swimming fan or a casual observer, Liendo’s performance is a testament to the sport’s thrilling potential. What’s your take on his historic swim? Share your thoughts below!
