A dramatic finish in the 100 butterfly
Ilya Kharun overtook Caeleb Dressel in the final 15 meters of the 100 butterfly to win his second national title this week, securing a time of 50.05—the fastest in the world for 2026. Dressel clocked in second at 50.45 but still posted his quickest time since the 2024 Olympic Trials. For the second straight night, Kharun lined up alongside Dressel with a chance to prove himself in a championship final. The Canadian-born Kharun, who is in the midst of becoming eligible to swim for the United States at the 2028 Summer Games, beat Dressel by 0.40 seconds Thursday night to win the 100-meter butterfly championship in the U.S. Swimming Championships at Irvine, Calif. Kharun, who on Wednesday beat Dressel by 0.27 seconds to win the 50 butterfly, posted a time of 50.05 seconds on Thursday. Dressel currently holds the world record in the event at 49.45 seconds. Dressel won the 100-meter freestyle on Tuesday.
Dressel built an early lead with his explosive start and strong underwater phase. However, Kharun, who had already broken Dressel’s U.S. Open record in the 50 butterfly the previous night, surged at the race’s climax to claim victory. Dressel still holds every major record in the event, set between 49.45 and 49.76.
A newcomer joins the podium
Rowan Cox, a Texas freshman, rounded out the podium in 50.54. His performance smashed the 17-18 age group record in the U.S., surpassing the previous mark held by Paris Olympian Thomas Heilman. Rowan Cox came in third at 50.64 seconds.
Grimes and Erisman excel in medley races
Katie Grimes dominated the women’s 400 IM, improving by nearly three seconds from her morning prelims to finish in 4:33.26, placing her fourth in the world this year. Grimes and Bella Sims were even through the first 100 meters, but Grimes pulled ahead on the backstroke and maintained the lead. The blowout of the night came in the women’s 400 IM as Katie Grimes (4:33.26) swam away from the field, beating runner-up Bella Sims (4:37.33) by more than four seconds. Sydney Schoeck (4:38.68) was third.
Sims, starting sixth in the heats, surged to second in 4:37.33. Sydney Schoeck placed third with a time just shy of her prelims. On the men’s side, Ryan Erisman of Cal took the title in 4:09.57, a seventh-fastest time in the world. Noah Cakir of Indiana finished second in 4:13.28, just ahead of Michael Hochwalt for third. Another young swimmer turned in an eyepopping performance as 19-year-old Ryan Erisman topped his personal best by more than three seconds to win the 400-meter individual medley in 4 minutes, 9.57 seconds. Noah Cakir finished nearly four seconds back in second at 4:13.28, with Michael Hochwalt in third at 4:13.37. Like Kharun, Erisman is a two-time champion at this event, winning the 200 freestyle on Wednesday.
Hirai shines in women’s 100 butterfly
Mizuki Hirai, an Olympic finalist for Japan and now swimming for Tennessee, came from fifth in the prelims to win the women’s 100 butterfly in 57.52. Her strong second 50 was the difference. Hannah Bellard placed second in 58.27, while Erika Pelaez and Bailey Hartman shared third at 58.43. Junior world record holder Mizuki Hirai (57.52) beat out Hannah Bellard (58.27) and Erika Pelaez (58.43) to win the women’s 100 butterfly.
With world record holder Gretchen Walsh absent, Hirai seized the opportunity to deliver a standout performance, captivating the crowd in the process.
Day 4 finals are set for Friday, July 31, featuring the 400 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, and 100 backstroke. Fans can watch live through USA Swimming’s YouTube channel and Peacock.