The NC State men's team made a splash with an incredible performance, setting multiple records in the 200-meter freestyle relay! But here's the catch: they did it with a time of 1:14.02, a mere 0.10 seconds faster than the previous record.
The Race to the Top:
In a thrilling display of speed and precision, the NC State men's team shattered the ACC, meet, and pool records. Quintin McCarty, the star of the show, blazed through the 2nd leg with a lightning-fast split of 18.19 seconds, the fastest of the team. This achievement secured their title defense from the previous year, leaving their competitors in a splash of awe.
Diving into the Details:
The 2026 Atlantic Coast Conference Championships, held at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta, GA, witnessed history in the making. Here's a breakdown of the key moments:
- Dates: Diving events captivated audiences from February 15th to 17th, while swimming events took center stage from February 17th to 21st.
- Defending Champions: The UVA women's team aimed for their 6th consecutive title, while the Cal men's team sought to defend their 2025 victory.
- Live Action: Enthusiasts could follow the action through live results, video streams (ESPN+), and a comprehensive schedule of events, ensuring they didn't miss a single splash.
A Record-Breaking Performance:
The NC State men's team's triumph was extraordinary, as they not only claimed the top spot but also left a trail of broken records in their wake:
- ACC Record: Their time of 1:14.02 shattered the previous ACC record of 1:14.12, held by the Cal men's team since the 2025 NCAA Championships.
- Meet Record: This performance also set a new benchmark for the ACC Championship Record, previously held by NC State themselves at 1:14.29.
- Pool Record: The team's speed was unmatched, as they surpassed the pool record of 1:14.11, previously held by Florida.
A Closer Look at the Splits:
A side-by-side comparison of the NC State and Cal teams' splits reveals the margin of victory:
| NC State (2026 ACCs) | Cal (2025 NCAAs) |
| --- | --- |
| Jerry Fox - 18.87 | Jack Alexy - 18.34 |
| Quintin McCarty - 18.19 | Bjorn Seeliger - 18.41 |
| Drew Salls - 18.33 | Matt Jensen - 18.66 |
| Kaii Winkler - 18.63 | Destin Lasco - 18.71 |
| Total: 1:14.02 | Total: 1:14.12 |
The Star of the Show:
Quintin McCarty's performance deserves special recognition. He not only clocked the fastest split of the NC State team but also swam under the 19-second mark, a feat matched by the entire Cal team at the 2025 NCAAs. McCarty's speed is no fluke, as he later proved by posting a 18.55 in the 50-meter freestyle prelims, securing the top seed.
A Dynasty in the Making:
NC State's victory wasn't a one-off; it was a continuation of their dominance in this event. By winning the relay for the last four seasons, they've solidified their position as a powerhouse. With 11 titles in this event, they trail only Florida State, who boasts 12 victories.
Key Players:
- Destin Lasco: A rising star, Lasco's performance in the relay contributed to NC State's success.
- Jack Alexy: Alexy's speed and technique played a crucial role in the team's victory.
About the Author:
Anya Pelshaw, a seasoned writer and social media coordinator for SwimSwam, has been covering major swimming events since June 2021. Her presence at the Women's NCAA Championships from 2022 to 2025 and other prestigious competitions showcases her dedication to the sport. Pelshaw's expertise brings a unique perspective to this thrilling story.
And here's the controversial part: Was NC State's victory a result of pure talent, or did their strategy play a more significant role? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think their dominance will continue, or will other teams rise to challenge them? The world of competitive swimming is full of surprises, and your insights are invaluable to the conversation.
