Here's a thrilling recap of Day 2 of the 2026 Big 12 Championships, where the competition was fierce and the diving was breathtaking! But first, let's dive into the controversy... But here's where it gets controversial... The Big 12 decided not to mirror the 2026 NCAA Championships, which sparked debates among fans and swimmers alike. Now, let's explore the highlights of Day 2 finals:
Women's 1-Meter Diving Finals
- Shiyun Lai (KANS) - 338.70
- Emilia Garip (UTAH) - 303.95
- Kathryn Grant (UTAH) - 301.20
- Callie Eaglestone (UTAH) - 297.75
- Michelle McLeod (UH) - 292.70
- Odessa Kaeck (TCU) - 280.30
- Maisy Woloszyn (UH) - 278.95
- Zara Joy Ayazi (ARIZ) - 254.45
Kansas junior Shiyun Lai claimed her second consecutive Big 12 title, outshining Utah's Emilia Garip by over 30 points. The Utes dominated the event, securing 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places.
Women's 500 Freestyle Finals
- Deniz Ertan (ASU) - 4:41.34
- Alexa Reyna (ASU) - 4:44.01
- Avery Dillon (TCU) - 4:45.63
- Grace Lindberg (ASU) - 4:47.26
- Ivy Solt (KANS) - 4:49.36
- Elise Clift (ARIZ) - 4:49.37
- Emma Overall (UH) - 4:49.44
- Gabi Dyer (KANS) - 4:49.50
ASU swept the top two spots, with Deniz Ertan breaking the NCAA qualifying standard. Ertan's performance was a new season best, earning her an automatic qualification to the 2026 NCAA Championships.
Men's 500 Freestyle Finals
- Nick Chirafisi (UTAH) - 4:13.48
- Jones Lambert (UTAH) - 4:15.70
- Reece Grady (ASU) - 4:15.93
- Tanner Nelson (BYU) - 4:17.04
- Noah Mudadu (ASU) - 4:18.21
- Joel Nace (ARIZ) - 4:19.03
- Beck Parhnam (ARIZ) - 4:21.54
- Nolan Arnholt (UTAH) - 4:21.57
Utah dominated the men's 500 freestyle, with Nick Chirafisi setting a new personal best and earning his first NCAA berth. He took three seconds off his previous best, showcasing an impressive drop this season.
Women's 200 IM Finals
- Sonia Vaishnani (ASU) - 1:57.16
- Jordan Greber (ASU) - 1:57.36
- Julia Ullmann (ASU) - 1:57.40
- Alexia Duncan (UH) - 1:59.20
- Zoe Summar (ASU) - 1:59.30
- Paige Armstrong (ARIZ) - 1:59.96
- Ella Guilfoil (ASU) - 2:00.45
- Evelyn Entrekin (UH) - 2:03.74
ASU's Jordan Greber led the women's 200 IM, finishing just six-tenths ahead of Houston's Alexia Duncan. Greber, who finished 10th in the event last year, showcased her improvement.
Men's 200 IM Finals
- Jordan Tiffany (ASU) - 1:43.99
- ASU and Utah swimmers dominated the final with four and three representatives respectively.
Women's 50 Freestyle Finals
- Riley Botton (ARIZ) - 21.90
- Albane Cachot (ASU) - 21.91
- ASU swimmers swept the top three spots.
Men's 50 Freestyle Finals
- Ilya Kharun (ASU) - 18.64 (new meet record)
- Duncan Henderson (ARIZ) - 19.12 (only non-ASU swimmer in the final)
- Seven of the eight 'A' finalists were from ASU.
Ilya Kharun, holding the conference record, dominated the men's 50 freestyle, earning the top qualifying spot. The event was filled with excitement and controversy, leaving fans eager for more.
And that's a wrap on Day 2! Stay tuned for more updates and don't forget to voice your agreement or disagreement in the comments below. What are your thoughts on the controversial decision not to mirror the NCAA Championships? Share your opinions and let's keep the discussion going!
