Jack Alexy Honored As Swimming World Americas Male Swimmer of the Year
These days, something in sub-47 territory is required to grab attention in the 100-meter freestyle. It’s a realm that defines the premier athletes in the event, and a time of that sort is now required to contend for gold in major international competition – no argument. Meanwhile, a swimmer of that ilk is game-changing for countries with lofty relay hopes.
Jack Alexy fits the bill.
For several years, Alexy has built a reputation as one of the world’s elite sprint-freestylers. He first emerged as a standout in the NCAA ranks, providing the University of California-Berkeley with reliability in individual and relay duty. Over time, Alexy climbed the American and global ladders, etching himself as an Olympian and consistent presence for Team USA.
But over the past 12 months, Alexy further elevated his status. He earned a pair of medals in the sprint-freestyle events at the World Championships in Singapore, and helped the United States to three podium finishes in relay competition. During his surge, Alexy clocked a quartet of sub-47 performances in the 100 freestyle, including an American record of 46.81.
For his efforts, Alexy has been named Swimming World’s Americas Male Swimmer of the Year. Choosing the Americas Male Swimmer of the Year honoree was the most difficult decision of this year’s awards-selection process, as Luca Urlando received major consideration. A University of Georgia star, Urlando was crowned the champion of the 200 butterfly at the World Championships, making him the only male American to claim a world title. He also established an American record in the 200-yard butterfly.
But Alexy’s dual appearances on the podium at the World Champs, coupled with his value to multiple Team USA relays, gave the 22-year-old the edge in tight voting. Luke Hobson and Shaine Casas were also finalists for Americas Male Swimmer of the Year.
At Worlds, Alexy took home the silver medal in the 100 freestyle and the bronze medal in the 50 freestyle. Those individual exploits were highlighted by the top times in Alexy’s career. In the 100 freestyle, his semifinal mark of 46.81 bettered the former American record of Caeleb Dressel, who went 46.96 in 2019. Alexy followed with a 46.92 in the final. As for the 50 freestyle, Alexy earned bronze when he went 21.46, an effort that followed a 21.32 clocking in the semifinals.
Throughout the meet, one in which the United States dealt with a stomach illness that plagued a majority of the team, Alexy delivered several stellar relay outings. He led off Team USA’s bronze-medal winning 400 freestyle relay and his 45.95 anchor on the 400 medley relay lifted the U.S. to bronze. In the mixed medley relay, Alexy opened in 46.91 as the American squad set a world record.
A 46.99 marker at Nationals initially inducted Alexy into the sub-47 club and was a harbinger for the summer that followed. Without question, Alexy is well-positioned on the road to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He has credited finding a balance between his personal life and swimming life as a key.
“I’ve done a better job of focusing on my mental approach,” Alexy said at Worlds. “I’ve been focusing on my love for the sport and how far I’ve come, not what time do I need to go. I’m swimming with less pressure and having fun in a sport I love.”
