Josh Liendo and Jordan Crooks: Standout Stars in Men’s Sprint Team

A Stronger New Beginning

In the first four swimming seasons at the University of Florida after Caeleb Dressel’s departure, no one truly came close to challenging the records he set in short-distance sprint events. However, the spring of 2023 marked a significant breakthrough with the emergence of Josh Liendo and Jordan Crooks. Both have risen as shining stars, creating a spirited competitive atmosphere in the sprint team, marking a new chapter in collegiate swimming.

Crooks’ Impressive Achievements

Jordan Crooks became the only swimmer besides Dressel to clock under 18 seconds in the 50m freestyle, finishing with a time of 17.93 seconds, just three-tenths of a second shy of Dressel’s record. Although Liendo clinched the NCAA championship in this event, he outperformed Crooks in other events during the four finals they competed in. By 2024, Liendo had completed the “Dressel triple,” securing individual titles in all three sprint events and solidifying his status in the swimming world.

A Fierce 2024 Race for Liendo

This swimming season promises to be thrilling, with all the top contenders returning to compete. Over the next four months, they will prepare for national events, aiming to peak in March’s finals. This weekend, Liendo will compete at the University of Georgia Invite in Athens, Georgia, while Crooks will join Gui Caribe’s team in his home country. Both remain formidable competitors in freestyle events, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

Other Notable Names

Beyond Liendo and Crooks, the Arizona State Sun Devils will participate in the NC State Invite in Greensboro, North Carolina. Jonny Kulow and Ilya Kharun stand out as key athletes, with Kharun clocking an impressive 18.59 seconds in the 50m freestyle. Meanwhile, Cal swimmers like Jack Alexy and Bjorn Seeliger will not compete until after Thanksgiving, adding intrigue to the upcoming rivalries.

Future Prospects for These Young Athletes

While no titles will be awarded this weekend, competitions across the country will provide insights into which athletes are on track for the championship season. The rivalry between Liendo and Crooks in the 100m butterfly will likely face minimal challenges. However, in Greensboro, Kharun will go head-to-head with NCAA champion Youssef Ramadan from NC State, promising an exciting showdown.

With their outstanding achievements and fierce competition, Liendo and Crooks are undoubtedly names to watch in upcoming swimming championships, poised to deliver remarkable performances for fans worldwide. Their journeys are just beginning, and the excitement surrounding their races will only continue to grow.