The 2026 Longhorn Elite Invite: Day 3 Finals was a spectacle of swimming prowess, with several standout performances and record-breaking attempts. The event, held at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin, Texas, showcased the talent and determination of some of the world's best swimmers. Here's a recap of the key moments and highlights from the final day of competition.
Women's 200 Fly: Summer McIntosh's Dominance
In the women's 200 fly final, Summer McIntosh of Texas LA (TXLA) showcased her dominance, touching in 2:04.06 to claim the gold medal. This was her second-fastest 200 fly time of the season, and it marked a significant improvement over her previous best of 2:02.62 from the U.S. Open in December. McIntosh's performance was particularly impressive, as she traded the lead with training partner Regan Smith several times during the race. Smith, who finished in 2:04.73, set a new season best time, touching in 2:04.73, which was three tenths faster than her previous best of 2:05.00 from the Fort Lauderdale Open. This swim also marked her third-fastest 200 butterfly performance, solidifying her position as the second-best woman in the world this year.
Men's 200 Fly: Hubert Kos's New Lifetime Best
In the men's 200 fly final, Hubert Kos of Texas LA (TXLA) set a new lifetime best of 1:55.11, stopping the clock more than three seconds ahead of second-place finisher Cooper Lucas. Kos's previous best stood at 1:56.01 from the U.S. Open Championships in December. His performance was remarkable, as he led the race from start to finish, opening with a 24.96 and extending his lead with splits of 29.27, 30.13, and 30.75 on the remaining three 50s. This swim will move Kos up to 15th in the world this year in the event.
Women's 50 Free: Simone Manuel's Victory
In the women's 50 freestyle final, Simone Manuel of Texas LA (TXLA) claimed the gold medal in 24.82, becoming the only swimmer under 25 seconds. Manuel's season best stands at 24.42 from the U.S. Open in December, and her lifetime best is 23.97 from July of 2017. Erin Gemmell took second in 25.59, a little more than a tenth ahead of teammate Alex Fulton's 25.71. Gemmell's lifetime best is 25.00 from June of 2024, but this swim marks a new season best for her, taking four tenths off the 25.99 she swam at the U.S. Open.
Men's 50 Free: Chris Guiliano's Half-Second Victory
In the men's 50 free final, Chris Guiliano of Texas LA (TXLA) won the gold medal in 22.39, beating Rafael Fente-Damers by half a second. Guiliano's swim was about a second off his lifetime and season best mark of 21.43, which he swam at the Pro Swim series in Westmont in March. Rafael Fente-Damers took second in 22.84, which was also a near second add from the 21.98 he swam in June of 2025. Ben Scholl, from Texas A&M, took third in 23.02, about a second add from his best of 22.11, which he set in June of 2025.
Women's 100 Back: Regan Smith's Record-Breaking Performance
In the women's 100 backstroke final, Regan Smith of Texas LA (TXLA) won the gold medal in 58.01, breaking the world record of 57.13 set by herself in 2024. Smith was the only athlete in the women's field under 30 seconds on the opening 50, splitting 28.19 to build a near two-second lead over Sara Rodrigues, who split 30.00 to sit in second. Smith continued to extend her lead, splitting 29.82 on the second 50, more than two seconds faster than Rodrigues' 32.30. Her final time of 58.01 is a little off her season best of 57.49 from the Fort Lauderdale Open, but is faster than anyone in the world except her or Isabelle Stadden has been this season.
Men's 100 Back: Hubert Kos's Dominance
In the men's 100 backstroke final, Hubert Kos of Texas LA (TXLA) won the gold medal in 53.76, becoming the only swimmer in the event under 54 seconds. This swim made Kos the only swimmer in the event under 54 seconds. He added about a second from his season best 52.63, which he swam at the U.S. Open in December. Joe Hayburn, last night's 50 backstroke champion, finished second in 54.09 with his 26.16/27.93 splits. Jack Wilkening finished third in 54.62, splitting 26.46/28.16.
Women's 200 Breast: Anna Elendt's Victory
In the women's 200 breaststroke final, Anna Elendt of Texas LA (TXLA) claimed the gold medal in 2:25.76, almost six seconds ahead of second-place finisher Piper Enge. Elendt split 33.47/37.15/37.21/37.93 to have the fastest split on all four 50s, touching in 2:25.76. This swim was about a second off the 2:24.77 she swam at the German National Championships in April. Enge touched in 2:31.66 to pick up the silver, splitting 34.31/38.32/39.64/39.39 to just miss their season best time of 2:31.55 from the U.S. Open Championships. Hannah O'Leary took third in 2:32.94 with her splits of 34.99/38.84/39.14/39.97.
Men's 200 Breast: Campbell McKean's Dominance
In the men's 200 breaststroke final, Campbell McKean of Texas LA (TXLA) claimed the gold medal in 2:13.14, more than three seconds ahead of second-place finisher Nate Germonprez. McKean's performance was remarkable, as he split 30.21/30.68/30.63/31.62 to have the fastest split on all four 50s. This swim marks a new season best for him, and his lifetime best stands at 2:23.54 from May of 2025.
Women's 50 Fly: Simone Manuel's Victory
In the women's 50 fly final, Simone Manuel of Texas LA (TXLA) won the gold medal in 26.85, becoming the only swimmer under 27 seconds. Manuel's season best stands at 24.42 from the U.S. Open in December, and her lifetime best is 23.97 from July of 2017. Hanne Peeters took second in 27.48, and Erin Gemmell took third in 27.74.
Men's 50 Fly: Shaine Casas's Victory
In the men's 50 fly final, Shaine Casas of Texas LA (TXLA) claimed the gold medal in 23.37, becoming the only swimmer under 24 seconds. Garrett Gould took second in 24.14, and Logan Walker took third in 24.22.
Women's 400 Free: Summer McIntosh's Record-Breaking Performance
In the women's 400 freestyle final, Summer McIntosh of Texas LA (TXLA) broke the world record of 3:54.18 set by herself in 2025, touching in 4:01.13. This swim marked a significant improvement over her previous best of 3:55.37 from the U.S. Open Championships. Jillian Cox took second in 4:13.10, and Lillie Nesty took third in 4:13.69.
Men's 400 Free: Rex Maurer's Victory
In the men's 400 freestyle final, Rex Maurer of Texas LA (TXLA) claimed the gold medal in 3:46.13, breaking the U.S. Open record of 3:43.33 set by himself in 2025. This swim marked a significant improvement over his previous best of 3:50.00 from the U.S. Open Championships. Luke Hobson qualified second in 3:47.13, and Leon Marchand qualified third in 3:48.13.
In conclusion, the 2026 Longhorn Elite Invite: Day 3 Finals was a showcase of swimming excellence, with several record-breaking performances and impressive displays of talent and determination. The event highlighted the depth of talent in the swimming world and the potential for future achievements in the sport.
