The 2026 U.S. National Championships Day 2 Finals Live Recap: A Showcase of Talent and Records
The second day of the 2026 U.S. Nationals was a thrilling showcase of swimming talent, with several records broken and a new star emerging. The meet, held at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine, CA, featured some of the country's top swimmers competing in various events.
One of the standout performances came from rising UVA sophomore Madi Mintenko, who set a personal best time of 1:56.81 in the women's 200 freestyle, becoming the only swimmer to break the 1:57 barrier in prelims. Her teammate, Anna Moesch, closely followed with a time of 1:57.49, while Camille Spink of Tennessee finished third. The race was a close affair, with Rylee Erisman and Liberty Clark also in contention for the win.
In the men's 200 freestyle, Ryan Erisman set the top time with a time of 1:46.74, though he won't be racing in the final. Luka Mijatovic, the top seed, will compete in the 18&Under final, while Brooks Curry qualified second. The women's 200 breaststroke saw Sophia Umstead of UVA set the top time with a time of 2:26.07, almost two seconds ahead of Addie Robillard of Stanford.
The men's 200 breaststroke was a close affair, with Gabe Nunziata of Tennessee earning the top seed in 2:08.42, the only swimmer under 2:09. However, four swimmers under 2:10 will be chasing him in the final. Isabelle Stadden of Stanford earned the top seed in the women's 200 backstroke with a time of 2:07.11, seven tenths ahead of Maggie Wanezek.
David King set the top time in the men's 200 backstroke prelims, touching in 1:57.87, with David Melnychuk in second and Owen McDonald the final swimmer under 1:59. The women's 50 fly final looks like a close affair, with Brady Kendall of Michigan leading Mizuki Hirai, the world junior record holder, and Caroline Larsen of Louisville. The men's 50 fly final will be a battle between Kharun, the top seed, and veteran Caeleb Dressel, who finished second with a time of 23.00.
The meet will conclude with the women's 200 freestyle, men's 200 freestyle, women's 200 breaststroke, men's 200 breaststroke, women's 200 backstroke, men's 200 backstroke, women's 50 fly, and men's 50 fly finals. The U.S. Nationals is a crucial meet for swimmers, as it serves as a qualifier for the World Championships and a chance to showcase their talent on a national stage.
What makes this meet particularly fascinating is the emergence of new stars like Kharun and Mintenko, who are setting records and challenging the established order. The competition is fierce, with swimmers pushing each other to new heights. The U.S. Nationals is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these athletes, and it will be exciting to see who rises to the top in the final sessions.
