The 2026 Longhorn Elite Invite Day 2 Finals session is upon us, and the excitement is palpable. With a lineup of high-profile events, including the 200 free, 100 breast, 50 back, 100 fly, and 400 IM, this evening promises to be a showcase of swimming talent. The meet opens with the women's 200 freestyle, where Erin Gemmell takes the top seed with a prelims time of 1:58.11. Simone Manuel, Lillie Nesty, and Nikolett Padar also swam under 2:00, setting the stage for a competitive race. On the men's side, Chris Guiliano and Luke Hobson lead the pack with times under 1:49, with Guiliano claiming the top seed at 1:48.19.
The women's 100 breaststroke sees World Champion Anna Elendt dominate the prelims with a time of 1:07.63, two seconds ahead of the second qualifier, Piper Enge. In the men's 100 breaststroke, NCAA rivals Nate Germonprez and Campbell McKean take the top two seeds, with Texas training partner Jack Kelly close behind. Emma Kern claims the top seed in the women's 50 backstroke with a time of 29.12, while Joe Hayburn leads the men's field with a time of 25.11.
Regan Smith's prelims performance in the women's 100 fly is impressive, swimming 57.03 to earn lane four and being the only swimmer under 1:00. The men's 100 fly promises an exciting race with top seeds Shaine Casas, Hubert Kos, and Tyler Ray, with Casas leading the pack at 51.53. The women's 200 freestyle finals see Erin Gemmell take the top spot with a time of 1:56.34, followed by Simone Manuel and Nikolett Padar.
The men's 200 freestyle finals are a close affair, with Carson Foster claiming first place at 1:47.34, followed by Chris Guiliano and Luke Hobson. The women's 100 breaststroke finals witness the battle between World Record holder Lilly King and the rest of the field, while the men's 100 breaststroke sees the rivalry between Adam Peaty and Michael Andrew. The women's 50 backstroke and men's 50 backstroke finals feature Kaylee McKeown and Kliment Kolesnikov, respectively, setting the stage for some thrilling races.
The women's 100 fly finals see Gretchen Walsh's World Record of 54.33, while the men's 100 fly promises a showdown between Caeleb Dressel and others. The women's 400 IM finals showcase the talents of Summer McIntosh, the World Record holder, while the men's 400 IM sees Leon Marchand's World Record of 4:02.50. This meet is a testament to the depth of talent in the swimming world, and the races ahead will undoubtedly be a spectacle to behold.
