In a thrilling display of swimming prowess, the ASU Sun Devils dominated the Arizona Wildcats, marking a triumphant end to their regular season. But the real star of the show was Ilya Kharun, whose performance left everyone in awe. ASU's Ilya Kharun Shines with an 18.94 50 Fly Split, Securing His Place in History
On February 6, 2026, at the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center in Tucson, AZ, the swimming world witnessed a remarkable feat. The full meet results (available at link) tell the tale of ASU's sweep over Arizona, with the women's team securing their 4th consecutive victory and the men's team their 9th.
But here's where it gets extraordinary: Ilya Kharun, a swimming sensation, delivered a breathtaking performance on the fly leg of the medley relay. His split time of 18.94 seconds ranks as the 8th fastest 50 fly split in history! This achievement is even more impressive when considering the recent announcement of his switch in international representation from Canada to the United States.
Men's Recap:
Kharun's performance in the 200 medley relay was a team effort, with Adam Chaney leading off in 20.43 seconds on the backstroke, followed by Andy Dobrzanski's breaststroke in 23.00 seconds. Kharun's remarkable 18.94-second split (8.29/10.65) set the stage for Jonny Kulow's 18.44-second finish. This victory solidifies Kharun's dominance, as he now holds seven of the top-10 fly splits of all time. Jordan Crooks, Josh Liendo, and Gui Caribe each hold one spot in this elite group.
Here's a breakdown of the top-10 fly splits:
- 18.68 – Ilya Kharun (2025 CSCAA Dual Meet Challenge)
- 18.78 – Ilya Kharun (2025 NCAAs)
- 18.79 – Ilya Kharun (2025 ASU vs USC)
- 18.89 – Ilya Kharun (2024 Wolfpack Elite Invite)
- 18.90 – Jordan Crooks (2023 SECs)
- 18.90 – Ilya Kharun (2025 Eddie Reese Showdown)
- 18.91 – Ilya Kharun (2025 ASU vs UNLV)
- 18.94 – Ilya Kharun (2026 ASU vs Arizona)
- 18.97 – Josh Liendo (2024 NCAAs)
- 19.05 – Gui Caribe (2025 NCAAs)
Kharun's remarkable performance continued in the 200 freestyle relay, where he split 18.31 seconds on the 'B' relay, which finished 2nd. The 'A' team secured the win with a time of 1:14.68. Kharun's versatility was on full display as he also claimed victory in both the 100 fly (44.24) and 200 fly (1:38.58) events for the Sun Devils.
Women's Recap:
The women's team also had standout performances, with midseason addition Albane Cachot leading the charge. Cachot won both the 100 and 200 freestyle events, setting new personal best times and securing crucial victories for the Sun Devils. Alexa Reyna also impressed with wins in the 500 and 1000 freestyle events.
ASU's dominance extended to the backstroke events, with Miriam Sheehan and Gerda Szilagyi claiming victories in the 100 and 200 backstrokes, respectively. Jordan Greber secured the final individual event win for ASU in the 200 IM.
Despite the overall loss, the Arizona women's team excelled in the relays and diving events. They started strong with a win in the 200 medley relay, just narrowly missing the NCAA qualifying time. The Wildcats also claimed the top spot in the 200 freestyle relay, earning the NCAA 'A' cut with the 10th fastest time in the country this season.
Controversial Twist:
While ASU's victory was impressive, some might argue that the real story is Kharun's international representation switch. Could this move impact the dynamics of future competitions? Will it spark debates about loyalty and national pride? And what does it mean for the future of swimming as a global sport?
The swimming world is buzzing with excitement and controversy over Kharun's performance and his recent decision. What do you think? Is Kharun's achievement a testament to his individual talent, or does it highlight a broader trend in the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
