Get ready for an exciting dive into the world of swimming! ASU's Dominant Performance: A Fly Split for the Ages
In a thrilling showdown, ASU's Sun Devils emerged victorious against Arizona, sweeping both the men's and women's competitions. But here's where it gets truly remarkable: Ilya Kharun, a name that's becoming synonymous with speed, split an astonishing 18.94 seconds on the fly leg of the medley relay. This split not only secured ASU's win but also earned Kharun a spot in history as the 8th fastest 50 fly split ever recorded.
Men's Recap: Kharun's International Move and Splits to Remember
Kharun, fresh from announcing his decision to represent the United States internationally, showcased his talent in the winning 200 medley relay. Alongside teammates Adam Chaney, Andy Dobrzanski, and Jonny Kulow, they dominated the event. But Kharun's impact extends beyond this race; he now boasts an impressive seven of the top-10 fly splits of all time. A true force to be reckoned with!
The Splits Breakdown:
1. 18.68 - Ilya Kharun (2025 CSCAA Dual Meet Challenge)
2. 18.78 - Ilya Kharun (2025 NCAAs)
3. 18.79 - Ilya Kharun (2025 ASU vs USC)
4. 18.89 - Ilya Kharun (2024 Wolfpack Elite Invite)
5. 18.90 - Jordan Crooks (2023 SECs)
6. 18.90 - Ilya Kharun (2025 Eddie Reese Showdown)
7. 18.91 - Ilya Kharun (2025 ASU vs UNLV)
8. 18.94 - Ilya Kharun (2026 ASU vs Arizona)
9. 18.97 - Josh Liendo (2024 NCAAs)
10. 19.05 - Gui Caribe (2025 NCAAs)
Kharun's Double Duty:
Kharun's performance didn't stop there. He also contributed to the 200 freestyle relay, splitting an impressive 18.31 seconds. This helped the ASU 'B' relay secure a close second place finish. But the 'A' relay, with Quin Seider, Tommy Palmer, Adam Chaney, and Jonny Kulow, took the win in a blazing 1:14.68.
Individual Dominance:
In the individual events, Kharun continued his reign, winning both the 100 and 200 fly. He beat Arizona's Haakon Naughton by a comfortable margin in both races. Other notable winners for ASU included Remi Fabiani in the 100 and 200 free, Reece Grady in the distance events, Andy Dobrzanski in the breaststrokes, and Tolu Young and Michael Hochwalt in their respective events.
Arizona's Counterattack:
While ASU dominated, Arizona put up a strong fight. They took both diving events and both backstrokes. Duncan Henderson and Alex Desangles shone in the backstroke events, while Luke Hernandez and Bo Bridges dominated the diving boards.
Women's Recap: Albane Cachot's Impact
Midseason addition Albane Cachot has been a game-changer for the Sun Devils. Her two event wins on Friday were pivotal in securing a tight 16-point victory over the Wildcats. Cachot's personal bests in the 100 and 200 freestyle showcased her talent, beating Arizona's Julia Wozniak and teammate Grace Lindberg.
Dual-Event Winners:
ASU's Alexa Reyna and Julia Ullmann also claimed dual-event wins. Reyna's performances in the 500 and 1000 free were impressive, while Ullmann dominated the 100 and 200 fly. Miriam Sheehan and Gerda Szilagyi took the backstroke events for ASU.
Arizona's Resilience:
Despite the loss, the Arizona women's team had their moments of glory. They took the top spot in both relays and both diving events, showcasing their depth and talent. Their 200 medley relay performance was particularly impressive, just missing the NCAA qualifying time.
Final Thoughts:
ASU's sweep of Arizona was a thrilling display of talent and strategy. But the real star of the show was Ilya Kharun, whose historic fly split will be remembered for years to come. What do you think? Is Kharun's performance a sign of things to come? Share your thoughts in the comments!
