The 2026 NCAP Qualifier in Stafford, VA, witnessed a thrilling display of swimming prowess, with several standout performances that left spectators in awe. Among the standout performances, Sara Curtis and Bryn Greenwaldt emerged as the stars of the show, showcasing their exceptional talent and determination. While the meet may have been a qualifier, it served as a platform for these athletes to shine and make their mark in the swimming world.
Sara Curtis, a seasoned competitor, demonstrated her prowess in the 100-meter freestyle, clocking an impressive time of 53.76 seconds. This performance not only secured her victory but also highlighted her consistency and speed. Curtis, who has previously swum as fast as 53.29 seconds at the 2025 World Championships, continues to impress with her season best of 53.40 seconds from the Italian Championships in April. Her ability to maintain such high standards is a testament to her dedication and hard work, making her a force to be reckoned with in the swimming arena.
Bryn Greenwaldt, on the other hand, made her mark in the 50-meter butterfly, winning the event in a time of 26.94 seconds. This performance was even more remarkable considering that it was only her fourth ever long course meet. Greenwaldt's speed and agility in the water are truly awe-inspiring, and her success in such a short time frame is a testament to her natural talent and potential. The fact that she was slightly faster in prelims with a time of 26.91 seconds further emphasizes her prowess in the sport.
The meet also witnessed the triumph of Kallie Hersh, a 14-year-old sensation who claimed the 50-meter breaststroke title with a time of 34.26 seconds. Her achievement is all the more remarkable considering her young age and the competitive nature of the event. Hersh's performance serves as an inspiration to young swimmers everywhere, demonstrating that age is just a number when it comes to swimming.
In the women's events, Emma Cigna and Kate Boutry also made their mark, winning the 200-meter individual medley and the 200-meter backstroke, respectively. Cigna's time of 2:17.41 seconds in the 200 IM was particularly impressive, showcasing her versatility and speed in the water. Boutry's victory in the 200-meter backstroke, with a time of 2:20.96 seconds, further emphasized her prowess in the sport.
On the men's side, Alessandro Borsato and David Yune emerged as the stars of the show, winning the 50-meter breaststroke and the 100-meter freestyle, respectively. Borsato's time of 27.79 seconds in the 50-meter breaststroke was a lifetime best, showcasing his dedication and hard work in the sport. Yune's victory in the 100-meter freestyle, with a time of 52.22 seconds, was particularly impressive, considering his previous best time of 52.38 seconds.
Andre Friend, a collegiate swimmer from Ball State, also made his mark in the 50-meter butterfly, winning the event with a time of 24.98 seconds. Friend's performance was particularly noteworthy, considering his sixth-place finish in the 100-meter butterfly at the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Championships.
In conclusion, the 2026 NCAP Qualifier was a showcase of swimming excellence, with several standout performances that left spectators in awe. Sara Curtis and Bryn Greenwaldt, in particular, emerged as the stars of the show, showcasing their exceptional talent and determination. Their victories serve as an inspiration to young swimmers everywhere, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. As the swimming world continues to evolve, these athletes will undoubtedly continue to make their mark and inspire future generations of swimmers.
