Relay Monster: Josh Liendo Fired Off Epic Splits at SEC Champs
The biggest headlines surrounding Josh Liendo last week focused on his individual performances at the Southeastern Conference Championships. The University of Florida senior once again starred at SECs, where he claimed titles in the 100-yard butterfly and the 50 freestyle. The Canadian also collected a bronze medal in the 100 freestyle, an effort that helped the Gators to a runnerup finish in the team standings.
A six-time medalist between the Olympic Games and World Championships, Liendo was even more impressive in Knoxville in relay duty, where he propelled Florida to a trio of championships. Along the way, the 23-year-old shot up the rankings via three splendid splits – 50 freestyle, 100 butterfly and 100 freestyle. Using history as a guideline, Liendo figures to produce even better marks at next month’s NCAA Championships in Atlanta.
In the 200 medley relay, Liendo was spectacular on the end of a unit that established an NCAA record of 1:20.03. Following the efforts of Jonny Marshall (20.52), Koen de Groot (22.61) and Scotty Buff (19.32), Liendo closed with a freestyle anchor of 17.58. That mark was the fifth-fastest 50 freestyle split in history, with the No. 1 showing posted by Caeleb Dressel at 17.30 at the 2018 NCAA Champs.
The longer medley relay, in which Florida finished second behind Texas, saw Liendo pop a split of 42.80 for the 100 butterfly. That time is the fourth-fastest in history, with Liendo owning the three-fastest marks, including a best of 42.12. He’s also been 42.46 and 42.77. More, Liendo fired off a 39.47 split while anchoring the Gators’ 400 freestyle relay, which captured the SEC title in 2:43.95. Liendo’s split was good for No. 2 all-time, trailing only the 39.36 of Tennessee’s Jordan Crooks at last year’s NCAA Champs.
What will we see from Liendo at NCAAs? Is a 41-point split in the 100 butterfly on the horizon. We’ll soon see. If nothing else, past performances suggest Liendo will be at his best during the final collegiate competition of his career.
